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 people may need additional over-the-counter pain medication, antihistamines, or corticosteroids.
—
Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 11 July 2025
So why is something that's so widespread and popular – even commonly available as over-the-counter medicine – an issue?
—New Atlas, 11 July 2025
Some natural remedies may help relieve allergy symptoms, alongside over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription allergy medications.
—Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 8 July 2025
The following day, the patient called the clinic to report heavy cramping and was instructed to take an over-the-counter pain reliever, the suit alleges.
—Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for over-the-counter
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.
Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 11 July 2025
So why is something that's so widespread and popular – even commonly available as over-the-counter medicine – an issue?
—New Atlas, 11 July 2025
Some natural remedies may help relieve allergy symptoms, alongside over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription allergy medications.
—Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 8 July 2025
The following day, the patient called the clinic to report heavy cramping and was instructed to take an over-the-counter pain reliever, the suit alleges.
—Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 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 20 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share