over the counter

¹

adverb

1. not transacted through an organized securities exchange; directly to the buyer or from the seller:

   He sold his stocks over the counter.

2. Pharmacology. without a doctor's prescription but within the law.

over-the-counter

²

[ oh-ver-thuh-koun-ter ]

adjective

1. unlisted on or not part of an organized securities exchange: : OTC

   over-the-counter stocks; the over-the-counter market.

2. Pharmacology. sold legally without a doctor's prescription: : OTC

   over-the-counter drugs.

over-the-counter

adjective

1. 1. (of securities) not listed or quoted on a stock exchange
   2. (of a security market) dealing in such securities
   3. (of security transactions) conducted through a broker's office directly between purchaser and seller and not on a stock exchange
2. (of medicinal drugs) able to be sold without a prescription OTC Compare ortho-

Word History and Origins

Origin of over the counter¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Origin of over the counter²

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

The first Trump administration preferred direct deal-making, whereby autocrats cut a private bargain over the counter.

From BBC

Varenicline is a prescription only medicine, which means people cannot buy it over the counter at a pharmacy or supermarket and will instead need to see their GP or an NHS stop smoking service to get it.

From BBC

The move, in August 2022, to allow hearing aids to be sold over the counter is positive in this regard, with OTC options ranging from $99 to $3,000.

From Slate

The man entered a Chase Bank branch around noon Thursday, reached over the counter and fired a round in the direction of the teller’s feet, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

From Los Angeles Times

Clostebol is an active ingredient in dermatological cream or spray called Trofodermin which is used to treat skin abrasions, cuts and wounds - and readily available over the counter in Italy.

From BBC