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

As these dopamine chasers inflict their limbic systems on every film, cheering for lizard-brain human suffering, the Olds scramble to give all that bloodlust a higher purpose, laundering it into political statements right there in the Q&A. — Joseph Kahn, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026

Those efforts are being led by a handful of firms big on dopamine-inducing zigzags, retro fonts, and zingy names. — Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 6 Oct. 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

Crystals have been popping up everywhere, from face masks to coffee cups, and there’s something about those tiny, light-catching gems that delivers an instant hit of dopamine. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 24 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

dopa + amine

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dopamine

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

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