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

The active ingredient in a common over-the-counter allergy spray may do more than ease hay fever symptoms. —New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2025

BleedStop Powder For cuts that are larger or are in areas that just won’t stop bleeding, this over-the-counter coagulation powder is a game-changer. —Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2025

According to Scanagatta, not even a three-month doping ban earlier this year – deemed to be accidental and linked to a physio applying an over-the-counter spray – could tarnish his golden-boy image. —George Ramsay, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2025

An over-the-counter product like StingNoMore can also help. —N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 24 Aug. 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