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

Trump has long taken the over-the-counter anti-inflammatory, which can be used to treat mild chronic pain and arthritis. —Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 30 May 2026

And while most over-the-counter moisturizers and hydrating ingredients are perfectly safe to use while breastfeeding, location matters. —Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 28 May 2026

Magnesium is also used in some over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as laxatives (Milk of Magnesia) or antacids (Rolaids or Tums). —Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 28 May 2026

That structure is what turns an over-the-counter glucose monitor from a one-time purchase into an ongoing subscription. —Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 27 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