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

There are over-the-counter and prescription medicines to treat or prevent allergy symptoms, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. —Sacbee.com, 13 Mar. 2026

Adults also commonly report poisonings from medications For adults 20 years and older, prescription and over-the-counter medications are the most common poisoning substances. —Gina Lee Castro, jsonline.com, 13 Mar. 2026

Bathroom cabinets are prone to overstocking, and Greenberg says shampoo, vitamins, and over-the-counter medications are the biggest offenders. —Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 10 Mar. 2026

Also, our editors rounded up the most effective over-the-counter products for fading scars. —Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 9 Mar. 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