interstate

1 of 2

adjective

in·​ter·​state ˌin-tər-ˈstāt How to pronounce interstate (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce interstate (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
The federal order is to be used in conjunction with a previous order, which required mandatory testing of lactating dairy cows before interstate travel, the department said. Stephanie Innes, The Arizona Republic, 6 Dec. 2024 Some ACMDs that directly affect interstate movement and implicate federal interests may be addressed by federal legislation. Alden Abbott, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
The car was discovered after someone saw it in the interstate's westbound lane with flames in the back seat and dialed 911, according to the report. Tim Stelloh, NBC News, 5 Dec. 2024 Several interstates and highways in Maryland and West Virginia will likely get walloped by an incoming blizzard. Jason Fields, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for interstate 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1844, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1968, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of interstate was in 1844

Dictionary Entries Near interstate

Cite this Entry

“Interstate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interstate. Accessed 12 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

interstate

1 of 2 adjective
in·​ter·​state ˌint-ər-ˈstāt How to pronounce interstate (audio)
: of, connecting, or existing between states especially of the U.S.
interstate highways

interstate

2 of 2 noun
in·​ter·​state ˈint-ər-ˌstāt How to pronounce interstate (audio)
: an interstate highway

More from Merriam-Webster on interstate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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