interstate

1 of 2

adjective

in·​ter·​state ˌin-tər-ˈstāt 

: of, connecting, or existing between two or more states especially of the U.S.

interstate commerce

interstate

2 of 2

noun

in·​ter·​state ˈin-tər-ˌstāt 

: any of a system of expressways connecting most major U.S. cities

called also interstate highway

Examples of interstate in a Sentence

Noun

You'll get there quicker if you take the interstate.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Amazon frequently contracts with various interstate trucking businesses to transport both empty trailers and trailers containing heavy loads of freight between cities as well as between warehouses and fulfillment centers, authorities said. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2026

The Hobbs Act is a federal law prohibiting robbery that affects interstate or foreign commerce. —Nick Sullivan march 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 Mar. 2026

Noun

Amboy fell on hard times after the faster interstate funneled traffic away from the desert outpost. —Zoey Goto, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026

Responding troopers found the sedan blocking the middle lane of the interstate and a tow truck stopped on the left shoulder, the state agency said. —Nick Lentz, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1844, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1968, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for interstate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• adsorbate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate

Kids Definition

interstate

1 of 2 adjective

in·​ter·​state ˌint-ər-ˈstāt 

: of, connecting, or existing between states especially of the U.S.

interstate highways

interstate

2 of 2 noun

in·​ter·​state ˈint-ər-ˌstāt 

: an interstate highway