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

Why your brain wants rest instead of recipes After a long workday or a stressful afternoon, the brain naturally reaches for convenience, dopamine, comfort and low-effort rewards. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 May 2026

After work or stressful days, the brain naturally craves convenience, dopamine, comfort and low-effort rewards. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 22 May 2026

My top picks include these $34 Barreda Lo sneakers, the classic Sambaes, and these dopamine-boosting, bright blue SL 72s. —Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 21 May 2026

There's a dopamine effect that is transferred to the player whenever it's done successfully. —Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 18 May 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