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• over the counter
  over the counter

  adverb

  not transacted through an organized securities exchange; directly to the buyer or from the seller.
• over-the-counter
  over-the-counter

  adjective

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

over the counter

¹ American  

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.

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over-the-counter ² American  

[oh-ver-thuh-koun-ter] / ˈoʊ vər ðəˈkaʊn tər /

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.

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over-the-counter British  

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.  OTC.  (of medicinal drugs) able to be sold without a prescription Compare ortho-

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Etymology

Origin of over the counter¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Origin of over-the-counter²

First recorded in 1920–25

Explanation

An over-the-counter drug is one you can buy without a prescription. Aspirin is an over-the-counter drug, but for antibiotics or other prescription drugs, you'll have to see the pharmacist. Over-the-counter drugs can be bought without a doctor's permission. You don't even have to go to the pharmacy to get over-the-counter drugs, just march up to the counter and buy it. There are all kinds of over-the-counter drugs, like pain relievers, allergy medicine, or various types of heartburn relief. Generally, over-the-counter drugs are less potentially dangerous than prescription drugs, so they’re easier to buy.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

over the counter over-the-counter

Wilson says even if you can buy melatonin over the counter when you reach your destination, you may not know quite what you're getting.

From BBC ● Aug. 5, 2026

Even with Kennedy looming over the counter more than sous-cheffing beside it, “The Real Food Show” briefly becomes the cooking program it has been dressed to imitate.

From Salon ● Aug. 5, 2026

This treatment is FDA approved, widely available over the counter, and comes in topical forms such as lotions and foams.

From Science Daily ● May 7, 2026

Minoxidil has the same ingredient as Rogaine, which is available topically over the counter.

From MarketWatch ● Apr. 27, 2026

He frowned at me, then leaned over the counter to cast a doubtful glance at my shoes.

From "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" by Ransom Riggs

These sublethal effects can be compared to the way an over-the-counter antihistamine may relieve allergy symptoms while also causing drowsiness.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 6, 2026

The maker of over-the-counter health products such as Tylenol and Listerine on Thursday posted a profit of $456 million, or 24 cents a share, for its three months ended June 28.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 6, 2026

Don’t take the over-the-counter medication Imodium if you’re ill.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 14, 2026

Acetaminophen is the primary active ingredient in over-the-counter medications including Tylenol.

From Barron's ● Jul. 13, 2026

One person’s infirmity can be a teammate’s extra burden; there’s a constant traffic in herbal and over-the-counter solutions to pain.

From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich