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

Connie and Tristan are testing a new drug that stimulates the feel-good dopamine receptors in the brain. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Sep. 2025

Each injection gives an instant confidence boost, and the brain starts chasing that dopamine hit again—just like checking likes on social media. —Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Sep. 2025

But in reality, avoiding confronting your finances head-on and seeking a quick boost of dopamine instead only delays facing your anxiety. —Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2025

Not just efficiency, but the dopamine hit that keeps a brand locked in memory. —Jamie Gutfreund, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 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