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

In Pasadena, volunteers at the restaurant Chamo Venezuelan Cuisine collected supplies, issuing a special plea for bandages, gauze, painkillers and other over-the-counter medicines. — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026

The collection also accepts medical sharps, including diabetic needles, blood lancets, insulin pens, epi-pens, syringes, expired over-the-counter medicines and non-narcotic prescriptions. — Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026

For instance, a veterinarian might recommend over-the-counter or anti-anxiety medications. — Bill Chappell, NPR, 28 June 2026

Investigators also recovered multiple prescription and over-the-counter medication bottles, which police said indicate possible intentional poisoning. — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 26 June 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