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

Next, fill it with a small assortment of feminine hygiene products, some genital-safe wipes, and over-the-counter pain relievers. —Christian Dashiell, Parents, 28 Jan. 2026

The agreement also explores adopting the SGE’s advanced physical warehousing system in Hong Kong, offering secure gold management for local and global participants while strengthening ties between on-exchange and over-the-counter (OTC) trading. —Sean Lee, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026

Most people find relief with over-the-counter antihistamines like Claritin, Zyrtec, or Allegra, or nasal sprays such as Flonase. —Matt Leclercq, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Jan. 2026

Iowa House Republicans advance bill allowing over-the-counter ivermectin Iowa House Republicans advanced a bill to allow over-the-counter access to the anti-parasitic drug ivermectin. —Marissa Payne, Des Moines Register, 23 Jan. 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