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 surveillance state that’s constantly tracking American citizens’ dopamine levels is evidently fine with this, too. — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 5 Aug. 2026

That means there’s all the more pressure on the company to identify children with the je ne sais quoi to capture and maintain the eyes of a generation that’s always chasing its next dopamine hit. — Selome Hailu, Variety, 4 Aug. 2026

The slower pace allows friends to socialize on the way, and the exercise releases doses of endorphins, dopamine and serotonin to improve student’s moods and brain health for a better day. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026

Chronic stress blunts people’s dopamine response, so nothing feels quite as rewarding, which can look like depression. — Erin Clabough, The Conversation, 31 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