neurotransmitter
noun
neu·ro·trans·mit·ter
ˌnu̇r-ō-tran(t)s-ˈmi-tər 
-tranz-,
ˌnyu̇r-
: a substance (such as norepinephrine or acetylcholine) that transmits nerve impulses across a synapse
Examples of neurotransmitter in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In the brain, glycine acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter and affects NMDA receptors, which promote a calming, sleep-friendly state of mind.
—
Jenna Anderson, Health, 10 Feb. 2026
An October study found speed training may preserve acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that makes the brain more awake, focused and attentive.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
Insights into Alzheimer’s Interestingly, the molecular tricks spiders use to spin their webs are similar to the sophisticated signaling processes found in human neurotransmitter and hormone receptors.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 6 Feb. 2026
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that carries chemical messages between the nerve cells in the brain and the rest of the body.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for neurotransmitter
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.
Jenna Anderson, Health, 10 Feb. 2026
An October study found speed training may preserve acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that makes the brain more awake, focused and attentive.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
Insights into Alzheimer’s Interestingly, the molecular tricks spiders use to spin their webs are similar to the sophisticated signaling processes found in human neurotransmitter and hormone receptors.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 6 Feb. 2026
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that carries chemical messages between the nerve cells in the brain and the rest of the body.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for neurotransmitter
Cite this Entry
“Neurotransmitter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neurotransmitter. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
neurotransmitter
noun
neu·ro·trans·mit·ter
ˌn(y)u̇r-ō-tran(t)s-ˈmit-ər
-tranz-
: a substance (as acetylcholine) that carries a nerve impulse from one neuron to another across a synapse
Medical Definition
neurotransmitter
noun
neu·ro·trans·mit·ter
ˌn(y)u̇r-ō-tran(t)s-ˈmit-ər, -tranz-
: a substance (as norepinephrine or acetylcholine) that transmits nerve impulses across a synapse see false neurotransmitter
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
