over-the-counter

adjective

over-the-count·​er ˌō-vər-ṯẖə-ˈkau̇n-tər 

1

: not traded or effected on an organized securities exchange

over-the-counter transactions

over-the-counter securities

2

: sold lawfully without prescription

an over-the-counter pain reliever

Examples of over-the-counter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays are a rich source of vitamin D.1 A healthcare provider may recommend taking an over-the-counter vitamin D supplement. —Karen Pallarito, Health, 8 June 2024

The Food and Drug Administration did improve access to hearing aids by making some of them available without a prescription in 2022, but the over-the-counter devices are inadequate for serious hearing loss like mine. —Mary C. White, The Mercury News, 30 May 2024

At the end of 2024, Uber Caregiver will expand to allow caregivers to order groceries and over-the-counter medications for their patients. —John Loeppky, Verywell Health, 29 May 2024

Although over-the-counter treatments are available, some people prefer solutions that don’t require a trip to the pharmacy. —Debbie Wolfe, Popular Science, 27 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

over-the-counter

adjective

: sold legally without a prescription

an over-the-counter pain reliever

Medical Definition

over-the-counter

adjective

: sold lawfully without prescription

an over-the-counter painkiller

Legal Definition

over-the-counter

adjective

over-the-count·​er

1

: not traded or effected on an organized securities exchange

over-the-counter transactions

over-the-counter securities

2

: sold lawfully without a prescription

over-the-counter drugs