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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
Walgreens said its over-the-counter version will be called Walgreens Brand Naloxone HCI Nasal Spray and will be priced at $34.99.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 15 May 2024
In that case, using whitening toothpaste (like the Boka Teeth Whitening n-Ha Toothpaste or Marvis Whitening Toothpaste), mouthwash, and over-the-counter teeth whitening devices can help fight against your habit at home.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 15 May 2024
For example, people who take certain over-the-counter pain medicines called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may experience an increase in blood pressure, which doctors may misdiagnose as a new ailment and prescribe calcium channel blockers as a treatment.
—Knvul Sheikh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2024
The medications are not available over-the-counter and require a prescription from a certified medical provider, according to the FDA.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 13 May 2024
But the idea of an over-the-counter way to shorten the misery of a common cold has proved wildly popular.
—Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2024
In addition to state-level efforts, U.S. lawmakers have in recent years introduced legislation that seeks to ban risky chemicals, improve transparency around supply chains and ingredient disclosures, and strengthen oversight of over-the-counter drugs.
—Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 9 May 2024
The condition can be persistent and uncomfortable, but many over-the-counter shampoos contain active ingredients to help with symptoms.
—April Benshosan, Verywell Health, 9 May 2024
However, over-the-counter nasal sprays are not intended for long-term use.
—Shannon Ullman, Health, 6 May 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'over-the-counter.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1921, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near over-the-counter
Cite this Entry
“Over-the-counter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/over-the-counter. Accessed 24 May. 2024.
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
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