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

The press release also said that acetaminophen is the only safe over-the-counter pain medication for pregnant women to take for fever, which can be harmful for a developing fetus. —Sydney Lupkin, NPR, 29 Sep. 2025

According to medical experts, when taken as directed, traditional over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) can be safe and effective. —Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025

Mifepristone’s safety is on par with those of common over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, studies show. —Jamie Gumbrecht, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025

As one of the most common over-the-counter pain and fever medications, studies find that more than half of pregnant women use acetaminophen to manage pain and discomfort, often for fevers and back pain. —Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 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