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

Another proposal is to have four interstate lanes in each direction and one dedicated express lane in each direction. —Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Aug. 2025

On Thursday, July 31, the Federal Highway Police apprehended the suspect after the animals were discovered on an interstate bus, which was traveling from Natal to Rio de Janeiro, per the Associated Press. —Becca Longmire, People.com, 5 Aug. 2025

Noun

These routes originated at a facility on one side of an Interstate and made deliveries to larger clinics located only a couple of hundred yards away on the other side of an interstate. —Steve Banker, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025

On the opposite side of the interstate, the large tractor-trailer could be seen with its left side bent outward. —Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 2 Aug. 2025

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