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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-kaun-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

Melatonin supplements are available over the counter in many countries, including the U.S.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 29, 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

The print was discovered inside a 1980 copy of Hockney's Paper Pools, which had been donated over the counter to the Salvation Army shop in Goat Lane, Norwich, a year ago.

From BBC ● Jul. 18, 2026

The other major drug, minoxidil, is sold over the counter as a foam or liquid requiring twice-daily application—a time-consuming routine for many patients.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 1, 2026

He put on his Chuck Taylors and took his dinner into the kitchen, eating over the counter.

From "Eleanor & Park" by Rainbow Rowell

They may also include benefits related to pharmacy, vision, food and over-the-counter products.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 16, 2026

In the U.S., over-the-counter supplements are not regulated, so each brand of supplement can vary in strength, purity, etc.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 29, 2026

The senior-focused insurance products may include — pending regulatory review and approval — pharmacy benefits, Medflex over-the-counter benefits, vision, audiology and more, the companies said.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 18, 2026

Sunscreen is regulated as a cosmetic in Europe, leading to more variety than in the U.S., which classifies it as an over-the-counter drug.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 14, 2026

I'd tried every over-the-counter zit medication known to man, along with harsher prescription creams like Retin-A or pills like erythromycin that were recommended by my dermatologist.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi