over-the-counter
adjective
over-the-count·er
ˌō-vər-ṯẖə-ˈkau̇n-tər 
1
: not traded or effected on an organized securities exchange
over-the-counter transactions
over-the-counter securities
2
: sold lawfully without prescription
an over-the-counter pain reliever
Examples of over-the-counter in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Some next-level treatments include over-the-counter or prescription medications, such as antacids, foaming agents, histamine (H2) blockers or protein pump inhibitors.
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Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Photo illustration by Beck Harlan/NPR When hit with a headache or fever, people often reach for over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as their first line of defense.
—Andee Tagle, NPR, 18 Apr. 2025
From serums to creams to other formulations, many over-the-counter products contain vitamin C, but research shows that high concentrations can irritate skin.
—Sierra Leone Starks, Allure, 18 Apr. 2025
Instead, allergists recommend avoidance, exercise, or relying on over-the-counter medications to fight sneezing, itching, and watery eyes.
—Sarah Cottone, Health, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for over-the-counter
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Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Photo illustration by Beck Harlan/NPR When hit with a headache or fever, people often reach for over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as their first line of defense.
—Andee Tagle, NPR, 18 Apr. 2025
From serums to creams to other formulations, many over-the-counter products contain vitamin C, but research shows that high concentrations can irritate skin.
—Sierra Leone Starks, Allure, 18 Apr. 2025
Instead, allergists recommend avoidance, exercise, or relying on over-the-counter medications to fight sneezing, itching, and watery eyes.
—Sarah Cottone, Health, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for over-the-counter
Cite this Entry
“Over-the-counter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/over-the-counter. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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