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

Phrase

In security video from the store, the suspects can be seen wearing masks, running into the store and jumping over the counter before grabbing vapes. — Sarah Horbacewicz, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026

The flavor has since gone on to be imbued in bagels, over the counter medicines and ice cream. — James Powel, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

Adjective

The poisonings killed at least seven people and led to one of the largest pharmaceutical recalls ever, along with more stringent over-the-counter drug packaging. — Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

Prescription and over-the-counter skin products, especially retinoids, exfoliating acids, acne treatments, and lightening products. — Malana Vantyler, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 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