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

Last month, the FDA extended its support by issuing emergency use authorization for the over-the-counter drug. —Oliver Renick, CNBC, 4 June 2026

Mild symptoms can often be managed with rest, fluids and over-the-counter pain relievers. —Ryan Brennan june 2, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026

It is often used as an over-the-counter (OTC) remedy for temporary constipation. —Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 3 June 2026

Most people recover with rest, fluids and over-the-counter pain relievers. —Ryan Brennan june 2, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 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