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

You can now skip the checkup and get continuous glucose monitors, hearing aids and more over the counter.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 27, 2025

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

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

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

From "Eleanor & Park" by Rainbow Rowell