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

To address discomfort, both Dr. Davis and Dr. Ahmed suggest applying a warm compress and taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 30 Oct. 2024

Moreover, fears of both U.S. financial sanctions and shocks to the U.S. sovereign debt as a result of the Russia-Ukraine war have led to increasing demand in the London over-the-counter market, Thomas noted. —Sean Conlon, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2024

Condoms have been reimbursable for years through a pre-tax health savings account (HSA) or flexible savings account (FSA), which cover over-the-counter medications that aren’t generally tax deductible as an itemized deduction. —Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024

Both doctors recommend speaking to your dermatologist if over-the-counter treatments are not providing enough relief, and using any prescribed topical steroid exactly as directed while avoiding overuse. —Kelsey Eisen, Allure, 28 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