over-the-counter

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

However, this infection doesn’t have to ruin your summer vacation, and over-the-counter treatments are available for people who experience a mild infection. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 17 July 2024

However, bitter melon extracts are sold as over-the-counter (OTC) dietary supplements in multiple forms, including liquid, powders, and tablets.2 May Help Reduce Inflammation After an injury or infection, short-term inflammation assists your body with healing. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 15 July 2024

McDiarmid says the over-the-counter product work well to instantly kill a bug or for a short-term fix. —Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 11 July 2024

Benadryl is the brand name of an over-the-counter medication designed to relieve itching, burning, redness, and other symptoms caused by an allergic reaction. —Sherri Gordon, Parents, 9 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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