dairy
- 01 A2 Elementary
n.foods that are made from milk, such as cheese, cream, and butter.
n.a collective term for food products derived from the milk of mammals, typically cattle.
Simple“I have decided to stop eating dairy to see if it helps my skin.”
In context“The nutritionist recommended a diet rich in calcium but suggested sourcing it from leafy greens rather than traditional dairy.”
UsageUsually uncountable when referring to the food group.
Synonymsdairy productsmilk products - 02 B1 Intermediate
n.a place where milk is kept or made into butter and cheese.
n.a commercial establishment for the harvesting and processing of animal milk for human consumption.
Simple“The local dairy provides fresh milk to the entire village every morning.”
In context“Modern dairies utilise automated milking systems to increase efficiency and maintain high hygiene standards across the herd.”
Synonymscreamerymilking shed - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a small local shop that sells food and everyday items.
n.a small convenience store or minimart.
Simple“I'm just going down to the dairy to buy a newspaper and some milk.”
In context“In New Zealand, the local dairy serves as a vital community hub for residents needing quick supplies outside of supermarket hours.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is specific to New Zealand English; in other regions, people say 'corner shop' or 'convenience store'.
Synonymscorner storeminimartconvenience store - 04 A2 Elementary
adj.used to describe things made from or related to milk.
adj.relating to or denoting products made from milk or the industry of milk production.
Simple“You can find the butter in the dairy section of the supermarket.”
In context“The farmer invested in new dairy equipment to ensure the milk remained at a constant temperature during transport.”
- 05 C2 Proficiency
n.a slang word for a woman's breasts.
n.a vulgar slang term for human breasts.
Simple“The movie contained some crude jokes about a woman's dairy.”
In context“The script was criticised for its reliance on vulgar metaphors, including the use of 'dairy' to objectify female characters.”
Teacher's tipThis is a highly informal and often offensive term; learners should be aware of it but avoid using it.
Synonyms
Usage dairy products · dairy cows
“Dairy farmers can be cash-constrained, but they are generally asset-rich.”
“For decades, we were told to choose low-fat dairy.”
Inherited from Middle English deyerie (“dairy, dairy farm”), from Anglo-Norman deyerie (“dairy”), from deye (“dairymaid”) + -erie (“-ery”); by surface analysis, dey (“dairymaid”) + -ry. Cognate with Scots dery, dyrie.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.