# milky

/ˈmɪɫki/ (US) · /mˈɪlki/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/milky
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. resembling milk

adjective · CEFR B1

looking like milk in its white colour or thick texture.

For teachers: resembling milk in appearance, particularly regarding its white colour, opacity, or consistency.

- The river water was milky and white after the heavy rain stirred up the clay.
- The glass had a milky finish that obscured the view while still allowing soft light to filter into the private office.

### 2. containing milk

adjective · CEFR B1

having a lot of milk in it, like a drink.

For teachers: containing a significant proportion of milk; often used to describe the preparation of tea or coffee.

- She prefers a very milky coffee with two sugars in the morning.
- The waiter served a tray of milky tea and biscuits to the guests as they settled into the lounge.

### 3. pale or cloudy

adjective · CEFR B2

pale and white, often used to describe skin or eyes that are not clear.

For teachers: having a pale, clouded, or translucent quality; frequently applied to skin tones or the appearance of eyes affected by cataracts.

- The old dog had milky eyes and could no longer see his ball.
- Her milky complexion was a striking contrast to the dark velvet of her evening gown.

### 4. cowardly

adjective · CEFR C2 · British English · Slang

weak or afraid to do something.

For teachers: lacking courage or strength of character; weak-willed.

- Don't be so milky; it's just a small jump into the water.
- The antagonist mocked his rival for being milky, suggesting he lacked the stomach for a real confrontation.

Usage: Commonly used in London-based dialects or older British slang to insult someone's bravery.

Teaching tip: This is highly regional and informal; learners should avoid using it unless they are very familiar with the specific cultural context.

## Examples

- The tea was too milky for my taste.
- The morning fog was thick and milky, making it difficult for drivers to see more than a few meters ahead.
- The artist used a milky glaze over the oil painting to soften the harsh transitions between the vibrant colors of the sunset and the dark horizon.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.