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

According to Reuters, leaving your pills in the extreme cold (or heat) can significantly alter the effectiveness of prescription and over-the-counter drugs. —Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 5 Dec. 2025

In recent years, the government has expanded the list of applicable purchases to include over-the-counter products such as Tylenol and tampons. —Amanda Seitz, Fortune, 5 Dec. 2025

Products eligible for the drone delivery include groceries, gifts, household goods, and over-the-counter medicine. —Dan Raby, CBS News, 3 Dec. 2025

Continue resting, stay hydrated, and use over-the-counter medicines as directed. —Health, 3 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