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

Clinicians also hand out dozens of over-the-counter medications and reading glasses for free. —Helen Ouyang, The Atlantic, 21 Oct. 2025

This profile was characterized by the use of sleep aids—either prescribed or over-the-counter. —Emma Loewe, Outside, 15 Oct. 2025

Lactic acid, which is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), is an ingredient found in many over-the-counter (OTC) skincare products. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 14 Oct. 2025

Most hemorrhoids can be treated with over-the-counter topical medications, such as hydrocortisone or witch hazel, but Rao recommends consulting a doctor if the hemorrhoids become recurrent, painful or bleed excessively. —Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 11 Oct. 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