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

Some people may need additional over-the-counter pain medication, antihistamines, or corticosteroids. —Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 11 July 2025

So why is something that's so widespread and popular – even commonly available as over-the-counter medicine – an issue? —New Atlas, 11 July 2025

Some natural remedies may help relieve allergy symptoms, alongside over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription allergy medications. —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 8 July 2025

The following day, the patient called the clinic to report heavy cramping and was instructed to take an over-the-counter pain reliever, the suit alleges. —Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for over-the-counter

• 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