over the counter

¹ American  

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.

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over-the-counter ² American  

[oh-ver-thuh-koun-ter] / ˈoʊ vər ðəˈkaʊn tər /

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.

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over-the-counter British  

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.  OTC.  (of medicinal drugs) able to be sold without a prescription Compare ortho-

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Etymology

Origin of over the counter¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Origin of over-the-counter²

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

This growth is especially noticeable in countries where the supplement is sold over the counter.

From Science Daily • Mar. 15, 2026

U.S.-listed shares of Repsol, which trade over the counter, declined 3.5%.

From Barron's • Jan. 22, 2026

Sports drinks can help with mild dehydration, but what may be more helpful are oral rehydration fluids that can be bought over the counter.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 13, 2025

"There are lots of things, like painkillers or anti-nausea tablets, you can buy over the counter that may be helpful to manage headaches" says Dr Munro.

From BBC • Nov. 5, 2025

“Papa’s coming down now to take over the counter, so let’s blow this joint.”

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu