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

Between the lines: New Orleans ranked worse than average for pollen counts and over-the-counter medicine use but better than average for availability of health care professionals who specialize in allergies. —Alex Fitzpatrick, Axios, 7 Apr. 2025

If migraines cause it, your healthcare provider may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription treatments. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 7 Apr. 2025

Compared to over-the-counter sleep aids, 91.2% of those surveyed considered medical cannabis to be the more effective option, while only 1.7% disagreed. —A.j. Herrington, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025

Several types of over-the-counter solutions can help ease allergy symptoms. —Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 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