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

Incidental exposure to a substance in the environment and over-the-counter medications can trigger positives. —Lucas Waldron, ProPublica, 6 Jan. 2026

Start with over-the-counter medicine. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 5 Jan. 2026

The over-the-counter drug is commonly used to relieve headaches and pain in adults. —Michal Ruprecht, NPR, 2 Jan. 2026

In addition to over-the-counter medication to address cold symptoms, several foods have bioactive compounds that may reduce inflammation and help clear nasal passages. —Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 31 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