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

And, like hamsters at a drip feeder, everyone lined up to suck down some of the dopamine being rationed out by their NFL overlords. —Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026

Thus dopamine is important for learning which actions are worth being motivated for. —Literary Hub, 13 May 2026

Solving problems can trigger a dopamine response, and over time the brain may start associating problem-solving with reward. —Bernardo Campelo, Forbes.com, 7 May 2026

According to Plunge, cold-water exposure can trigger dopamine release up to 500 times above normal levels, acting as a powerful mood booster. —Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 6 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