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

Another key tool for your kit: a great over-the-counter moisturizer. —Amy Wilkinson, SELF, 13 Dec. 2024

The Cleveland Clinic states that spondylolisthesis can typically be managed with rest, over-the-counter medications, corticosteroids, physical therapy or wearing a brace. —Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024

Mills said that while there are supplements that have shown some promise in treating erectile dysfunction, such as L-arginine, they are often studied at much higher doses than in over-the-counter products. —Akshay Syal, M.d., NBC News, 12 Dec. 2024

Some naloxone products are now available over-the-counter. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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