theanine

noun

the·​a·​nine ˈthē-ə-ˌnēn How to pronounce theanine (audio)
variants or L-theanine
: an amino acid C7H14N2O3 found especially in green tea and used as a dietary supplement
Green tea, which is rich in a depression-fighting amino acid called theanine, has previously been lauded for its health benefits.Camilla Turner

Examples of theanine in a Sentence

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Also, consider mixing magnesium with L-theanine, which can help calm you down even more. Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 27 Oct. 2025 In addition to containing much less caffeine than coffee, black tea provides L-theanine, which has a calming effect on the body. Jillian Kubala, Health, 22 Oct. 2025 This gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan tablet is also supercharged with L-theanine, another stress-balancing adaptogen, for total relaxation amidst the most turbulent of days. Brianna Peters, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2025 Manage Your Stress Ashwagandha, St. John’s Wort, melatonin, theanine, and magnesium are commonly used to manage stress levels, as well as decrease anxiety and depression. Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for theanine

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of theanine was in 1950

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Cite this Entry

“Theanine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theanine. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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