over the counter

1 of 2

phrase

1

: in or through a broker's office rather than through a stock exchange

stock bought over the counter

2

: without a prescription

drugs available over the counter

over-the-counter

2 of 2

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

Adjective

Meth has traditionally been made from ephedrine and pseudoephedrine — substances that can be found in over-the-counter cold medications that address nasal congestion and runny noses, said Terry Church, director of the Institute for Addiction Sciences Education Committee at USC. —Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026

It is banned in California and many other states, but is still readily available, over-the-counter, at many vape shops. —Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 8 May 2026

Consider taking an over-the-counter antihistamine. —Eva Flowe may 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2026

Formulated by Black scientists for curly and coily hair textures, the star ingredient in Head & Shoulders’ Royal Oils Shampoo is the brand’s classic dandruff-fighting ingredient, pyrithione zinc 1%, which is a tried-and-true over-the-counter antimicrobial and antifungal. —Aimee Simeon, Glamour, 7 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1921, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for over the counter

• encounter

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