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

Phrase

Quality of Supplements Iron supplements are usually available over the counter in many formulations. — Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 31 July 2026

The science behind diphenhydramine overdose Diphenhydramine is marketed under various brand names and is available over the counter as a treatment for allergies in numerous countries. — Andrew Yockey, The Conversation, 24 July 2026

Adjective

These contain 20-30% aluminum chloride compared to the 10-20% available over-the-counter. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 3 Aug. 2026

Certain over-the-counter acid-suppressing medications, including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2-receptor blockers, may also contribute to low iron. — Amy McGorry, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026

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