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

Sweetness floods the brain with dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in the reward, pleasure and motivation. —Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 12 Nov. 2025

Neurons rely on endocytosis, the recycling of tiny vesicles that carry neurotransmitters. —New Atlas, 8 Nov. 2025

Caffeine boosts energy by blocking a neurotransmitter, called adenosine, from binding to receptors in the brain. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 7 Nov. 2025

One study describes how bacterial metabolites, neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA, and inflammatory molecules travel from the gut to the brain, influencing mood, cognition, and the body's stress response. —Lauryn Higgins, Time, 4 Nov. 2025

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