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

The law has only been used to prosecute people who obstruct reproductive health clinics because they are considered interstate commerce businesses. —Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026

Campuses that once felt far away now seem closer, thanks first to interstate highways, then to discount airlines, and then to technology. —Jeffrey Selingo, The Atlantic, 12 Apr. 2026

Noun

Initially, both directions of the interstate were closed, but the southbound lanes reopened a short time after the crash. —Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026

The interstate will reopen Monday morning. —Kathryn Kovalenko, Twin Cities, 13 Apr. 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