over-the-counter

adjective

over-the-count·​er ˌō-vər-ṯẖə-ˈkau̇n-tər How to pronounce over-the-counter (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Millions of people in the United States experience hair loss, and many turn to supplements, shampoos, and other over-the-counter products for help. Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 17 Feb. 2025 The 23-year-old also said that his physio had been applying an over-the-counter spray to their own skin – not on Sinner – to treat a small wound. Thomas Schlachter, CNN, 15 Feb. 2025 Sinner stated that his fitness coach, Umberto Ferrara, had brought an over-the-counter healing spray containing clostebol to Indian Wells (under the brand name Trofodermin, the spray is available over the counter in Italy). Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025 Related Articles Magid: Testing prescription, over-the-counter continuous glucose monitors Magid: Smart ring tracks health, fitness data with long battery life The robot did a pretty good job at vacuuming and mopping. Larry Magid, The Mercury News, 13 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for over-the-counter 

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of over-the-counter was in 1921

Dictionary Entries Near over-the-counter

Cite this Entry

“Over-the-counter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/over-the-counter. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!