SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus

under-the-counter

adjective
Save Word
un·​der-the-count·​er | \ ˈən-dər-ṯẖə-ˈkau̇n-tər How to pronounce under-the-counter (audio) \

Definition of under-the-counter

: surreptitious and usually irregular or illicit under-the-counter liquor sales

First Known Use of under-the-counter

1926, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for under-the-counter

from the hiding of illicit wares under the counter of stores where they are sold

Learn More About under-the-counter

Time Traveler for under-the-counter

Time Traveler

The first known use of under-the-counter was in 1926

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near under-the-counter

under the cosh

under-the-counter

under (the) cover of darkness/night

See More Nearby Entries 

Statistics for under-the-counter

Cite this Entry

“Under-the-counter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/under-the-counter. Accessed 29 Jun. 2022.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

More from Merriam-Webster on under-the-counter

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for under-the-counter

WORD OF THE DAY

duress

Listen to the pronunciation of duress

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Odd Habits and Quirks

  • image1926873504
  • Which of the following best describes an easily irritated person?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games