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 flavor has since gone on to be imbued in bagels, over the counter medicines and ice cream. — James Powel, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

The witness said another person in a mask appeared, jumped over the counter, and demanded the register while waving a weapon. — Lauren Victory, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026

Adjective

Depending on the plan and eligibility, benefits may include help with everyday needs like food and utilities, over-the-counter products, dental, vision and hearing benefits, and transportation assistance to care appointments. — Anita Bachmann, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2026

Many women in the study took acetaminophen for headaches and musculoskeletal pain, Fischer said, and women should weigh alternatives before reaching for an over-the-counter pill. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 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