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 The measure comes as the first over-the-counter birth control pill was made available in U.S. stores this month. Maysoon Khan, Quartz, 19 Mar. 2024 Such devices, which Medicare doesn’t cover, are pricey, from nearly $1,000 for a good over-the-counter set (OTC hearing aids became available in 2022) to more than $6,000 for some prescription models. Judith Graham, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Mar. 2024 Related article Who can take the newly available over-the-counter birth control pill? Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 18 Mar. 2024 Several types of over-the-counter solutions can help ease allergy symptoms. Nora Colomer, Fox News, 18 Mar. 2024 These include prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Cindy Kuzma, Health, 16 Mar. 2024 Teens may also turn to over-the-counter hormones and supplements that aren't FDA-approved. Lauren Rowello, Parents, 15 Mar. 2024 Here is what to know. Narcan: The first opioid overdose reversal medication approved for over-the-counter purchase will soon arrive in many stores. Jan Hoffman, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2024 Office treatments will likely be more expensive than an over-the-counter cream but can have a noticeable effect on stretch marks, says Dr. Allenby. Phoebe Sklansky, Parents, 7 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'over-the-counter.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 28 Mar. 2024.

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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