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

Third, identify the chemical reactions (dopamine, serotonin, cortisol) driving your engagement to break the loop. —Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026

Why your brain wants rest instead of recipes After a long workday or a stressful afternoon, the brain naturally reaches for convenience, dopamine, comfort and low-effort rewards. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 May 2026

After work or stressful days, the brain naturally craves convenience, dopamine, comfort and low-effort rewards. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 22 May 2026

My top picks include these $34 Barreda Lo sneakers, the classic Sambaes, and these dopamine-boosting, bright blue SL 72s. —Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 21 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