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

Mineral Oil Mineral oil is an over-the-counter (OTC) laxative used to treat constipation. —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 13 Jan. 2025

Similarly, product purchases like sensitive healthcare items—from over-the-counter medications to home-testing kits—could be used to infer medical conditions or life circumstances. —Jason Snyder, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025

These smart glasses — made by EssilorLuxottica, Meta’s partner in making the Ray-Ban Meta eyewear — discreetly function as over-the-counter hearing aids. —Victoria Song, The Verge, 10 Jan. 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, 10 Jan. 2025

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