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

The stocks were delisted from the New York Stock Exchange in 2010 and have traded over the counter since then. — Michelle Fox, CNBC, 3 Nov. 2026

With my shorter stature, the firm fabric of the bib juts tight at the throat especially when hunched over the counter during cooking prep. — Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Oct. 2026

Adjective

Still, there are lingering questions about how Kimberly-Clark will integrate Kenvue, navigate higher input costs, and manage the legal troubles surrounding popular over-the-counter pain reliever, Tylenol. — Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2026

Anderson likes that his new plan will continue to pay for many over-the-counter medications, offer dental and vision benefits and give him a free gym membership. — Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 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