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

The money was gone almost as fast as Everett, high on dopamine from his big score, flew down that mountain. — Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 18 June 2026

That variable reward, Kropp told me, hacks people’s dopamine circuits. — Lila Shroff, The Atlantic, 18 June 2026

This head-to-to pink look is a masterclass in dopamine dressing and Barbiecore. — Staff Author, InStyle, 19 June 2026

This gentle shade of light pink is ideal for those who love the colors of dopamine decor, but are mindful of dousing their walls in highly pigmented hues that can make the area feel small and crowded. — The Spruce, 3 July 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