dairy
|dai/ry|
🇺🇸
/ˈdɛri/
🇬🇧
/ˈdeəri/
place/things of milk
Etymology
'dairy' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'dey' or 'deye', where 'dey' referred to a dairymaid or a woman who milked cows.
'dairy' developed from the Middle English term 'dey/deye' and by extension 'dey-house' (the place of the dairymaid) evolved into the modern English word 'dairy' referring to the place or products associated with milk.
Initially it referred to the person (a dairymaid) who milked cows; over time the sense shifted to the place associated with that person and then to milk and milk-derived products.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a place where milk is processed and milk products (butter, cheese, etc.) are made or stored (a milk-processing plant or room).
The milk was brought straight to the dairy for pasteurization.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a farm or business that produces and supplies milk and milk products (a dairy farm or dairy business).
Her family runs a small dairy on the outskirts of town.
Synonyms
Noun 3
milk and milk-derived products collectively (as a category of food).
He avoids dairy because he's lactose intolerant.
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Antonyms
Noun 4
a small shop or stall (chiefly regional) selling milk, butter, eggs and other everyday foodstuffs.
She popped into the dairy for some fresh cream.
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Idioms
Last updated: 2025/09/05 19:42