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

Resisting the pull of the endless scroll, the dopamine hits from short-form videos and the ego boost and validation that come from likes and positive interactions, can seem like an unfair fight. —ABC News, 21 Feb. 2026

Pert described how neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine act as a mail system throughout a body and govern its actions. —Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 21 Feb. 2026

Co-writes from Brandi Carlile and vocals from Chris Stapleton can’t save it; the choruses can’t muster up the old dopamine hits; even the trademark Dessner doohickeys seem absent, just uninspired arrangements with heavily Melodyned vocals. —Hannah Jocelyn, Pitchfork, 20 Feb. 2026

Michelle Yeoh embraced dopamine dressing to accept her star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame on Wednesday. —Hannah Malach, InStyle, 18 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

dopa + amine

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dopamine

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

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