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

Last year, the Food and Drug Administration approved the first over-the-counter naxalone product. —Faith Karimi, CNN, 25 Oct. 2024

Several over-the-counter kits that test for both flu and COVID at once have hit the market over the past year, and the Food and Drug Administration just approved another combo test in early October. —Korin Miller, Health, 25 Oct. 2024

Meanwhile, over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy products, such as nicotine patches, gums and lozenges, have been on the market for decades. —Will Yakowicz, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024

Typically, mild symptoms can be managed with remedies such as nasal drops, steam inhalation, or over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol. —Cassie Shortsleeve, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Oct. 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