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

Yet, white migrants were not required by law to carry passes legalizing their interstate travel or settlement. —Time, 14 July 2025

The Department of Justice (DOJ) said 37-year-old Carl D. Montague has been charged with threats against the president, interstate threats, threats to assault and kidnap, or murder of a U.S. official, judge or law enforcement officer. —Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 9 July 2025

Noun

The interstate will reopen at 5 a.m. on July 21, with one lane to reopen along the corridor until 5 a.m. on July 23. —Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 11 July 2025

In 2023, nearly 1,200 people died on freeways and interstates, which aren’t designed for pedestrians. —Tanya Mohn, Forbes.com, 11 July 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