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

Caffeine blocks adenosine, a chemical that slows the activity of important brain messengers such as dopamine and acetylcholine.

From Science Daily • May 13, 2026

“You can get that dopamine hit so much quicker and so much more often,” said Fields, who specializes in addiction psychology and biology.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026

Whenever I’ve needed a dopamine boost lately, two sources haven’t let me down.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

Some of those who took part were also taking another Parkinson's drug, but 14% of patients on a dopamine agonist alone developed an impulse control disorder, the study found.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

Chasing a dopamine hit runs counter to focus and goal-setting; needless to say, it becomes hard to sustain periods of attention.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel