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

Earlier this year, ivermectin was made available over-the-counter in Texas. —Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Oct. 2025

Congolese and regional banks are racing to extend reach through agent networks, over-the-counter mobile transactions, and wallet-style services like Illicocash. —Ruben Nyanguila, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2025

Nasacort Allergy 24-Hour is an over-the-counter (OTC) nasal spray commonly used to relieve allergy symptoms. —Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 23 Oct. 2025

But unlike over-the-counter and prescription medication, protein powders aren't subject to any US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviews. —New Atlas, 22 Oct. 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