over the counter

¹

adverb

1. not transacted through an organized securities exchange; directly to the buyer or from the seller:

   He sold his stocks over the counter.

2. Pharmacology. without a doctor's prescription but within the law.

over-the-counter

²

[ oh-ver-thuh-koun-ter ]

adjective

1. unlisted on or not part of an organized securities exchange: : OTC

   over-the-counter stocks; the over-the-counter market.

2. Pharmacology. sold legally without a doctor's prescription: : OTC

   over-the-counter drugs.

over-the-counter

adjective

1. 1. (of securities) not listed or quoted on a stock exchange
   2. (of a security market) dealing in such securities
   3. (of security transactions) conducted through a broker's office directly between purchaser and seller and not on a stock exchange
2. See ortho-
   (of medicinal drugs) able to be sold without a prescription OTC Compare ortho-

Word History and Origins

Origin of over the counter¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Origin of over the counter²

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Refuting critics who say he is anti-contraception, Gardner is calling for over-the-counter sale of birth control pills.

From The Daily Beast

It sounds great—four GOP Senate candidates call for over-the-counter birth control access.

From The Daily Beast

After all, health insurance companies rarely cover the cost of over-the-counter medicines.

From The Daily Beast

ACOG is without question in favor of over-the-counter oral contraception.

From The Daily Beast

This isn't true for everything, but is often true for dairy, snack foods, over-the-counter medication, and pet food.

From The Daily Beast

Both over-the-counter and prescription medications can sometimes produce emotional or mental side effects.

From Project Gutenberg