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 neurons in the substantia nigra produce dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that plays a vital role in controlling movement. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 25 Nov. 2025

And researchers have found that bonding with an AI companion can release dopamine, a feel-good hormone in the brain. —Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 24 Nov. 2025

Psychologist Deborah Serani has echoed that point, telling the American Christmas Tree Association that festive décor can trigger a bump in dopamine, giving people a neurobiological lift. —Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 24 Nov. 2025

Sweetness floods the brain with dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in the reward, pleasure and motivation. —Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 12 Nov. 2025

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