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.
Aspirin is an over-the-counter medication used for a variety of reasons, but particularly in heart attack and stroke prevention for older people. Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 6 Feb. 2025 But there are some new tools to help this respiratory virus season: over-the-counter tests that can identify whether an illness is Covid-19 or influenza. Neha Mukherjee, CNN, 5 Feb. 2025 However, many over-the-counter (OTC) products and prescription medications are available for morning sickness, too. Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 4 Feb. 2025 Your treatment options range from lifestyle changes to prescription and over-the-counter medications. Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 3 Feb. 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

Dictionary Entries Near 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 13 Feb. 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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