adjective
over the counter
OH-vuh thuh KOWN-tuh
Over the counter (adjective) means of a medicine, sold legally without a prescription, so that any customer can buy it directly from a pharmacy or shop. Example: “Ibuprofen is available over the counter in most countries.”
adjective
1
Of a medicine, sold legally without a prescription, so that any customer can buy it directly from a pharmacy or shop.
"Ibuprofen is available over the counter in most countries."
"She tried an over-the-counter remedy before seeing the doctor."
2
finance Of financial instruments, traded privately between two parties rather than on a regulated exchange.
"Most currency swaps are arranged over the counter between banks."
phrase
1
Literally, across a shop or bank counter, in person rather than online or by post.
"You can pay the bill over the counter at any branch."
How to use over the counter
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishYou can just buy it — no prescription needed.
When to use it
Neutral and standard; commonly abbreviated OTC.
Memory tip
The financial sense has nothing to do with shops — it just means off-exchange.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
available over the counter
over-the-counter medication
over-the-counter trading
sold over the counter
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Ibuprofen is available _____ in most countries.
Etymology
From the literal image of goods handed across a shop counter, as opposed to being kept back and dispensed only on authority.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for over the counter
See all rhymes for over the counter →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between over the counter and under the counter?
Over the counter means openly and legally available to any customer. Under the counter means sold secretly, usually illegally or without proper authorisation. The phrases sound like a pair, but only one of them is lawful.
What is the difference between over-the-counter and behind-the-counter medicines?
Over-the-counter medicines can be picked off the shelf by the customer. Behind-the-counter, or pharmacy-only, medicines still need no prescription but must be handed over by a pharmacist, who may ask questions first. Both are non-prescription.
Do you hyphenate over the counter?
Hyphenate it before a noun — an over-the-counter painkiller — and leave it open afterwards: the painkiller is available over the counter.
What is the meaning of over the counter?
"over the counter" (adjective) means of a medicine, sold legally without a prescription, so that any customer can buy it directly from a pharmacy or shop.
