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

The poisonings led to the adoption of tamper-proof packaging for over-the-counter medications. —Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 25 May 2025

Heat or cold therapy, hand stretches, using splints, or trying over-the-counter creams may help. —Brandi Jones, Health, 25 May 2025

That prompted Combs to order him to get over-the-counter lotions and other remedies to mask the discoloration, Kaplan told jurors. —Nbc News, NBC news, 22 May 2025

Both medicines are available over-the-counter or through a prescription. —Melina Khan, USA Today, 22 May 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