neurotransmitter

noun

neu·​ro·​trans·​mit·​ter ˌnu̇r-ō-tran(t)s-ˈmi-tər 

-tranz-, 

ˌnyu̇r-

: a substance (such as norepinephrine or acetylcholine) that transmits nerve impulses across a synapse

Examples of neurotransmitter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Stimulating the vagus nerve can actually send calming signals from the body to the brain, which Bianchini says then prompts the release of calming neurotransmitters. —Jessie Quinn, Flow Space, 27 Jan. 2026

Rewarming allows repair of DNA, restoration of protein function and rebalancing of neurotransmitter systems. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026

Although political discourse often triggers stress, the Party Line project hopes to facilitate meaningful and kind conversations that activate happiness-boosting neurotransmitters. —Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026

In the short term, caffeine in coffee works by blocking adenosine, a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) involved in promoting sleepiness. —Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 21 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for neurotransmitter

• babysitter
• bitter
• critter
• fitter
• fritter
• glitter
• hitter
• jitter
• knitter
• litter
• quitter
• ritter

Kids Definition

neurotransmitter

noun

neu·​ro·​trans·​mit·​ter ˌn(y)u̇r-ō-tran(t)s-ˈmit-ər 

-tranz-

: a substance (as acetylcholine) that carries a nerve impulse from one neuron to another across a synapse

Medical Definition

neurotransmitter

noun

neu·​ro·​trans·​mit·​ter ˌn(y)u̇r-ō-tran(t)s-ˈmit-ər, -tranz- 

: a substance (as norepinephrine or acetylcholine) that transmits nerve impulses across a synapse see false neurotransmitter