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

That’s because your brain depends on amino acids to make neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, the chemical messengers that regulate mood, motivation, and alertness. —Lauryn Higgins, Time, 18 Dec. 2025

Addyi works on neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and serotonin, rather than directly on hormones. —Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 16 Dec. 2025

Exercise triggers dopamine release, creating powerful reward loops in your brain, Gurvitch says. —Ellen O’Brien, SELF, 16 Dec. 2025

Scientists theorize this happens because happy memories trigger the release of habit-forming chemicals like dopamine. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 12 Dec. 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