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

Example Sentences

Sports drinks can help with mild dehydration, but what may be more helpful are oral rehydration fluids that can be bought over the counter.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 13, 2025

Global foreign exchange turnover in over the counter markets averaged $9.5 trillion per day in April, up 27% from 2022, according to revised data for this year’s BIS triennial forex survey.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 8, 2025

These trade over the counter, like corporate bonds, in contrast to $25 par value preferreds that trade on exchanges and are much easier for individual investors to access.

From Barron's • Dec. 4, 2025

"There are lots of things, like painkillers or anti-nausea tablets, you can buy over the counter that may be helpful to manage headaches" says Dr Munro.

From BBC • Nov. 5, 2025

We reach the front of the line and Samantha reaches over the counter, almost knocking over a spinner of impulse-buy cookies.

From "What If It's Us" by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera