neurotransmitter

noun

neu·​ro·​trans·​mit·​ter ˌnu̇r-ō-tran(t)s-ˈmi-tər How to pronounce neurotransmitter (audio)
-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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
According to Coetzee, this fuels the brain with more glucose, which in turn boosts levels of key neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 22 Oct. 2025 The result backs earlier research in animals showing that environments that stimulate the brain can increase levels of certain neurotransmitters. Jon Hamilton, NPR, 22 Oct. 2025 But if a person stays up, the brain thinks the body needs to be awake and sends wake-promoting neurotransmitters. Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025 Upregulation causes a cell to add more receptors for a neurotransmitter, thus boosting its ability to respond. Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for neurotransmitter

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of neurotransmitter was in 1961

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Neurotransmitter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neurotransmitter. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

neurotransmitter

noun
neu·​ro·​trans·​mit·​ter ˌn(y)u̇r-ō-tran(t)s-ˈmit-ər How to pronounce neurotransmitter (audio)
-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- How to pronounce neurotransmitter (audio)
: a substance (as norepinephrine or acetylcholine) that transmits nerve impulses across a synapse see false neurotransmitter

More from Merriam-Webster on neurotransmitter

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!