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

America’s youth have been increasingly abusing common over-the-counter medications, according to poison center records. — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026

On June 9, the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of bemotrizinol, a compound that blocks ultraviolet radiation, in over-the-counter sunscreen. — Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 18 June 2026

However, Thompson was ruled ineligible by the NCAA after a rule violation stemming from a purchase of an over-the-counter supplement from a local nutrition store. — Nick Harris june 18, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 June 2026

For more skin care tips, including how to find effective over-the-counter products and when to see a dermatologist, sign up for our one-week Skin Care Guide here. — Kelle Walsh, NPR, 18 June 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