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

Adjective

Long-term use of over-the-counter painkillers can lead to kidney damage or stomach ulcers. —Aria Bendix, NBC news, 20 Feb. 2026

No over-the-counter GLP-1s are available at this time. —Nicole Hernandez, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026

Melatonin Supplement Formulations Melatonin is available as an over-the-counter supplement. —Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 19 Feb. 2026

Diphenhydramine and cetirizine are commonly found in over-the-counter antihistamines. —Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 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