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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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.
The bigger the screen, the more likely one is to feel full immersion in an experience that Tez admits was frequently unpleasant, only without the accompanying hits of dopamine or adrenaline, much less the sense of accomplishment. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2026 That’s because it’s been shown to lower cortisol, boost serotonin and dopamine, encourage mindfulness, and reduce rumination, according to the report. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 3 Sep. 2026 Sugar Activates Your Brain’s Reward System Sugar triggers the brain’s reward system, boosting serotonin and dopamine levels, which are hormones that enhance mood and satisfaction. — Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 2 Sep. 2026 But, as with other addictions, Woodward was taking bigger risks in search of a bigger hit of dopamine. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 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 7 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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