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

Family Dollar stores had also been hit with some issues over the past two years including a 2023 recall of products including toothpaste, pain relievers and other over-the-counter medicines that had been stored improperly, but were shipped to stores. —Mike Snider, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2025

Summary There is no cure for the common cold, and even the best over-the-counter medicine won't make your symptoms disappear overnight. —Rachael Zimlich, Bsn, Rn, Verywell Health, 26 Mar. 2025

Pollen Counts Were Highest in Southern and Eastern Cities The researchers examined pollen scores, over-the-counter medication use, and access to allergen specialists to understand how pollen allergens affected U.S. cities in 2024. —Julia Ries, Health, 25 Mar. 2025

And there are great over-the-counter eye drops that are antihistamines. —Eileen Finan, People.com, 22 Mar. 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