dopamine

noun

do·​pa·​mine ˈdō-pə-ˌmēn How to pronounce dopamine (audio)
: 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

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These prescription stimulants can sharpen focus by prompting the brain to release more neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which play an important role in the body’s fight-or-flight response. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026 On that score, Andersen delivers the dopamine hit that has made his previous work best sellers. — Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026 In animal models, the compound has been shown to bind with the neurotransmitter dopamine to activate the brain’s reward system. — Shayla Love, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026 Viral memes and videos are often good for only ephemeral dopamine hits, but leave the elixir to the humor and talent of the Gregory Brothers, a longtime musical quartet. — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dopamine

Word History

Etymology

dopa + amine

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dopamine was in 1959

Rhymes for dopamine

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Browse Nearby Words

dopa
dopamine
dopaminergic
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Cite this Entry

“Dopamine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dopamine. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Medical Definition

dopamine

noun
do·​pa·​mine ˈdō-pə-ˌmēn How to pronounce dopamine (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on dopamine

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dopamine

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