Dairy: meaning, definitions and examples

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dairy

 

[ ˈdeəri ]

Noun / Adjective
Context #1 | Noun

food products

Dairy refers to milk-based products such as milk, cheese, butter, and yogurt.

Synonyms

dairy products, milk products.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dairy

Use 'dairy' to refer broadly to products made from milk as well as the place where these products are produced and sold.

  • She avoids dairy because she is lactose intolerant.
  • They own a small dairy farm in the countryside.
milk products

Use 'milk products' when you want to emphasize that the items are derived from milk. This term is often used in dietary contexts.

  • People with lactose intolerance need to avoid most milk products.
  • The nutrition label provides information about the milk products included.
dairy products

Use 'dairy products' when specifically talking about items made from milk, like cheese, yogurt, and butter.

  • Dairy products are a good source of calcium.
  • He went to the store to buy some dairy products.

Examples of usage

  • I need to buy some dairy products at the grocery store.
  • Some people are allergic to dairy and cannot consume milk or cheese.
Context #2 | Noun

industry

Dairy also refers to the industry involved in the production of milk and milk products.

Synonyms

dairy sector, milk industry.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dairy

General term for products made from milk or the place where milk is processed.

  • She avoids dairy due to lactose intolerance
  • The dairy near the farm produces excellent cheese
milk industry

Specifically refers to the branch of the economy focused on producing and selling milk and sometimes milk-based drinks.

  • The milk industry contributes significantly to the national economy
  • Sustainable practices are becoming more common in the milk industry
dairy sector

Refers to the entire industry associated with the production, processing, and distribution of milk-based products.

  • The dairy sector is facing challenges due to changing climate conditions
  • Innovations in the dairy sector are improving milk production efficiency

Examples of usage

  • She works in the dairy industry processing milk.
  • The dairy sector plays a significant role in the economy.
Context #3 | Adjective

related to milk products

Dairy can also be used as an adjective to describe something that is made from or contains milk.

Synonyms

milk-based, milky.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dairy

This is a repeated word, and it usually has the same context and use as the first 'dairy'. See above.

milk-based

Often used to describe foods or drinks that are primarily made from milk. It's more specific and technical.

  • She prefers milk-based soups.
  • Are these milk-based desserts?
milky

This term describes something that looks or tastes like milk, or has a light, whitish appearance. It can also be used metaphorically.

  • The tea looks a bit milky.
  • She has milky white skin.

Examples of usage

  • The recipe calls for dairy milk, not almond milk.
  • The cake is topped with a dairy cream frosting.

Translations

Translations of the word "dairy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 laticínios

🇮🇳 डेयरी

🇩🇪 Molkerei

🇮🇩 produk susu

🇺🇦 молочні продукти

🇵🇱 nabiał

🇯🇵 乳製品

🇫🇷 produits laitiers

🇪🇸 productos lácteos

🇹🇷 süt ürünleri

🇰🇷 유제품

🇸🇦 منتجات الألبان

🇨🇿 mléčné výrobky

🇸🇰 mliečne výrobky

🇨🇳 乳制品

🇸🇮 mlečni izdelki

🇮🇸 mjólkurvörur

🇰🇿 сүт өнімдері

🇬🇪 რძის პროდუქტები

🇦🇿 süd məhsulları

🇲🇽 productos lácteos

Etymology

The word 'dairy' originated from the Old English word 'deagol' which meant 'secret, hidden'. Over time, it evolved to refer to milk products and the industry associated with them. In ancient times, dairy products were essential for sustenance and over the years, dairy farming and production have become integral parts of agriculture and food systems around the world.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,412, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.