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

Nerves release a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which binds to the receptor and tells muscles to contract. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026

These swings impact the brain’s neurotransmitters and stress systems in a way that makes emotional regulation harder. —Simone Sauter, Parents, 30 May 2026

Duah points out that while estrogen and histamine are connected, histamine isn’t considered a primary driver of perimenopause—research points to neurotransmitter activity as the main culprit behind brain fog, sleep disturbances and hot flashes. —Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 29 May 2026

Kiwi Kiwis are rich in serotonin, a neurotransmitter and hormone that promotes sleep and affects your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle (called your circadian rhythm). —Sarah Klein, Time, 28 May 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