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 other part of my brain tells me this is just another dopamine hit for Millennial parents who want to throw this content on Instagram so their yuppie friends smash that like button. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026 For example, once a rat has been trained to push a lever to get a treat, its dopamine levels will rise at the sight of the lever before the treat is even available. — Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026 Just being present to look at it, not getting taken away by the illusion of what’s in front of a screen, that dopamine intake. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026 These platforms aren’t necessarily focused on helping consumers build healthy financial habits to build long-term wealth; instead, they’re primarily focused on engagement and dopamine. — Aneri Jambusaria, Fortune, 18 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 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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