dopamine

noun

do·​pa·​mine ˈdō-pə-ˌmēn 

: a monoamine C₈H₁₁NO₂ that is a decarboxylated form of dopa and that occurs especially as a neurotransmitter in the brain

Examples of dopamine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Lastly, enjoyable food activates the brain’s reward system by releasing dopamine, thereby reinforcing positive memories. —Nhu Khue Ngo, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025

Our brain feeds us dopamine as a reward to motivate healthy behaviors. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 2 Apr. 2025

Tyrosine is also a precursor to the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine, all of which partly contribute to the body’s fight-or-flight response. —Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025

The medications work by amplifying the activity of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the nerve cells of the brain. —Christina Caron, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

dopa + amine

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dopamine

• acrolein
• adenine
• alkylene
• aniline
• anthracene
• aquiline
• asphaltene
• atlantean
• atrazine
• butadiene
• butylene
• caesarean

Medical Definition

dopamine

noun

do·​pa·​mine ˈdō-pə-ˌmēn 

: a monoamine C₈H₁₁NO₂ that is a decarboxylated form of dopa and occurs especially as a neurotransmitter in the brain and as an intermediate in the biosynthesis of epinephrine see intropin