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

When the cashier opens the register, the suspect pulls out a knife, reaches over the counter, grabs the cash, and runs off. — Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026

Video released by Twin Falls police on Friday shows McClain in a white T-shirt vaulting over the counter once the shooting began, drawing his sidearm and returning fire. — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 11 Aug. 2026

Adjective

For women who can't or don't want to take hormones, there are non-hormonal prescription medications and some over-the-counter products that can help with certain symptoms. — Erin Jones, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026

Other medications including daily prescriptions, allergy tablets, pain relievers and over-the-counter medicines — generally need to be handled through the school health office. — Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 20 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