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

Because usage starts at only once or twice a week, a single over-the-counter retinol product lasts longer than many daily-use treatments. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026

She’s teamed up with Cadence OTC, a brand providing over-the-counter access to emergency contraception and urinary-tract infection (UTI) relief. —Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026

Eye Drops Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops may be prone to bacterial growth. —Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 22 Apr. 2026

Nampa and Meridian are participating in events Saturday as well, where people may dispose of prescription medications and over-the-counter meds — for pets as well as humans. —Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 21 Apr. 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