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

People with original paper bonds such as those purchased over the counter at the Post Office can register them online or call the helpline on 08085 007 007.

From BBC

These products can all be bought over the counter in your local chemist.

From BBC

"Buying a disposable vape is like buying a packet of cigarettes – just nip to the shop and get one over the counter."

From BBC

Emma is the strategies director of Hatton Garden Metals, a family-run gold dealership in London's Hatton Garden jewellery district, and this unprepossessing tub of bric-a-brac is a small sample of what they buy over the counter each day.

From BBC

However, refrigeration does have a big advantage over the counter: It lengthens the egg’s shelf life.

From Slate