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

Michael Stover, 33, was charged in a criminal complaint with one count of making threats over interstate commerce, which is punishable by up to five years in prison. —Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025

Naming an interstate war based on the state in which the war is fought – while omitting the name of outside instigators – implies the culpability of that state. —Esther Brito Ruiz, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025

Noun

The bus, driven by a 61-year-old man, was traveling northbound on an interstate when the front passenger side tire blew out, according to highway patrol. —Jillian Frankel, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025

The Kansas traveling party crawled along the interstate and arrived 30 minutes late. —Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 31 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