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

Orthotics – whether custom-made or over-the-counter – can also help redistribute pressure. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 15 Dec. 2025

Many everyday health items also qualify, like over-the-counter cold and flu medications. —Joshua Sidorowicz, CBS News, 15 Dec. 2025

The effectiveness of over-the-counter brain supplements is difficult to determine due to a lack of scientific proof and FDA oversight. —Bryant Stamford, Louisville Courier Journal, 11 Dec. 2025

Many over-the-counter supplements include around 250-300 milligrams of magnesium. —Ruth Jessen Hickman, Health, 11 Dec. 2025

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