dopamine

noun

do·​pa·​mine ˈdō-pə-ˌmēn 

: a monoamine C₈H₁₁NO₂ that is a decarboxylated form of dopa and that occurs especially as a neurotransmitter in the brain

Examples of dopamine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Reduced dopamine markers in the region associated with apathy (ventral striatum) lined up with memory problems. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2026

However, that dopamine rush has spiked even higher in recent years with parlays involving proposition bets. — Doug Kezirian, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

The neurotransmitter acetylcholine works in balance with dopamine – a neurotransmitter produced by the neurons that are lost in Parkinson’s disease. — Mike McRae 10, New Atlas, 10 Sep. 2026

Likewise, reputable studies also find some degree of dopamine response to video games, milkshakes and even music. — Jonathan Caulkins, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

dopa + amine

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dopamine

• acridine
• acrolein
• adenine
• alkylene
• aniline
• anthracene
• aquiline
• asphaltene
• atlantean
• atrazine
• butadiene
• butylene

Medical Definition

dopamine

noun

do·​pa·​mine ˈdō-pə-ˌmēn 

: a monoamine C₈H₁₁NO₂ that is a decarboxylated form of dopa and occurs especially as a neurotransmitter in the brain and as an intermediate in the biosynthesis of epinephrine see intropin