over the counter
1 of 2phrase
1
: in or through a broker's office rather than through a stock exchange
stock bought over the counter
2
: without a prescription
drugs available over the counter
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
Rebecca Strong, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
Typically, doctors recommend trying a few other tricks first—eating products with ginger, taking a combo of the over-the-counter drugs doxylamine (Unisom) and vitamin B6, and even acupuncture.
—Julia Ries Wexler, SELF, 9 Feb. 2026
Tretinoin is not to be confused with retinol, a milder, over-the-counter vitamin A derivative.
—Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 5 Feb. 2026
Even the directions on over-the-counter packages may not reflect your true needs.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for over the counter
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Adjective
Across the board, experts agree that one of the most powerful treatments for hair loss is minoxidil, which is available over-the-counter in topical form and by prescription only in a stronger oral form.
—Rebecca Strong, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
Typically, doctors recommend trying a few other tricks first—eating products with ginger, taking a combo of the over-the-counter drugs doxylamine (Unisom) and vitamin B6, and even acupuncture.
—Julia Ries Wexler, SELF, 9 Feb. 2026
Tretinoin is not to be confused with retinol, a milder, over-the-counter vitamin A derivative.
—Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 5 Feb. 2026
Even the directions on over-the-counter packages may not reflect your true needs.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026
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%20the%20counter. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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