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

Science has shown the microbiome also communicates with the brain to produce neurotransmitters like serotonin, which are important for sleep, mood and stress levels. — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026

Some changes in brain neurotransmitter activity and brain pathways are linked with schizophrenia. — Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 26 Sep. 2026

Nicotine dependence alters brain chemistry by stimulating neurotransmitters like dopamine that govern mood and pleasure, according to Cleveland Clinic. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Activation of these receptors also influences the release of other neurotransmitters, including dopamine, which plays an important role in reward and reinforcement. — Hasmeena Kathuria, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 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