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

Small acts of kindness trigger a release of dopamine, the brain’s reward and motivation chemical. —Jennifer Moss, CNBC, 10 Dec. 2025

Tech is giving kids the opportunity to press a button and get that dopamine response 24/7. —Sharyn Alfonsi, CBS News, 8 Dec. 2025

His first collection, which debuted in September during fashion month, took inspiration from the '80s, leaning into dopamine brights and offering unique menswear silhouettes. —Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 4 Dec. 2025

The validation can be a huge dopamine hit, which outweighs any negative consequences for the victim. —Melissa Willets, Parents, 3 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