over-the-counter

adjective

over-the-count·​er ˌō-vər-ṯẖə-ˈkau̇n-tər How to pronounce over-the-counter (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While a psoriasis treatment plan will vary based on the individual, there are over-the-counter (OTC) treatment options available, including:11 Coal tar: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved this topical ingredient for psoriasis treatment. Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 5 June 2025 Overall, the adverse events rate is less than 1% and the drug is considered safer than, say, over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and anti-histamines. Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025 Although few Americans had access to medical care in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the idea that the body could be recharged through outdoor physical activity caught on thanks to the low-cost medical pamphlets, ads for over-the-counter remedies, advice columns, and simple word of mouth. Time, 3 June 2025 Holcombe adds that ginger candies or over-the-counter medication like Dramamine can help with motion sickness, and that customers can ask crew members for cold, damp towels to put on the back of their neck. Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for over-the-counter

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of over-the-counter was in 1921

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Over-the-counter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/over-the-counter. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

over-the-counter

adjective
: sold legally without a prescription
an over-the-counter pain reliever

Medical Definition

over-the-counter

adjective
: sold lawfully without prescription
an over-the-counter painkiller

Legal Definition

over-the-counter

adjective
over-the-count·​er
1
: not traded or effected on an organized securities exchange
over-the-counter transactions
over-the-counter securities
2
: sold lawfully without a prescription
over-the-counter drugs
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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