dopamine

American  

[doh-puh-meen] / ˈdoʊ pəˌmin /

noun

1. Biochemistry. a catecholamine neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, retina, and sympathetic ganglia, acting within the brain to help regulate movement and emotion: its depletion may cause Parkinson's disease.

2. Pharmacology. a dopamine preparation used to increase the force of contraction of the heart in the treatment of shock.

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dopamine British  

/ ˈdɒpəmɪn /

noun

1. a chemical found in the brain that acts as a neurotransmitter and is an intermediate compound in the synthesis of noradrenaline. Formula: (HO) 2 C 6 H 3 (CH 2 ) 2 NH 2

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Etymology

Origin of dopamine

First recorded in 1955–60; see origin at dopa, amine

Compare meaning

How does dopamine compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• dopamine vs. serotonin

Example Sentences

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in our brain's reward and pleasure systems.

From BBC • Dec. 13, 2025

Dopamine is involved in the brain's reward system and is released in response to something pleasurable, which motivates us to do it again.

From BBC • Oct. 4, 2025

Dopamine encourages reward-seeking behavior by signaling when things are better than expected, creating a 'go' signal.

From Science Daily • Nov. 25, 2024

Dopamine is the body's way of rewarding us for procuring the calories, or energy, that are necessary for survival.

From Salon • Aug. 20, 2024

In 2024, Drag Queen Story Hour founder Michelle Tea will launch Dopamine, an L.A.-based press for queer, indie writers offering tiny fees and total freedom.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2024