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
Cite this Entry
“Over the counter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/over%20the%20counter. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.
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