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

Phrase

The agency also started the process to make vaginal estrogen available over the counter, part of a broader push to move more safe drugs off the prescription pad. — Avik Roy, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Enhanced Group, the company behind the Games, had recently begun selling peptides, supplements, and testosterone, over the counter and by prescription, to the public. — Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 13 July 2026

Adjective

Some plans may also offer additional benefits, including vision, dental, rides to appointments, over-the-counter medications and a fitness program. — Michelle Marchante july 22, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026

Keranique is a brand specializing in hair loss treatments for women, with products available over-the-counter. — Nicole Hernandez, USA Today, 21 July 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