a farm where dairy products are produced
"The family bought fresh milk directly from their local dairy every morning."
A place, often on a farm, where milk is processed and turned into products such as butter and cheese.
"The family visited the local dairy to watch how fresh milk was transformed into creamy cheese."
In plain English: Dairy is food made from milk, such as cheese and yogurt.
"We bought milk and cheese at the dairy store on our way home."
Usage: Use the noun form when referring specifically to a facility for processing milk or storing dairy goods like cream and eggs. Use the adjective form before nouns related to food derived from milk, such as in "dairy products" rather than using it alone.
Referring to products produced from milk.
"The local market sells a wide variety of dairy, including fresh cheese and creamy yogurt."
In plain English: Dairy describes anything made from milk, such as cheese or yogurt.
"The dairy products on her counter included fresh milk and butter."
The word dairy comes from Middle English and originally referred to a dairy farm or the place where milk is made. It was formed by combining words for "dairymaid" with a suffix meaning a place associated with that role.