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

Prosecutors need only prove that the natural consequences of the offense would have an effect on interstate commerce. —Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 10 Sep. 2025

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

Noun

Routh allegedly fled the scene but was later arrested by a local sheriff's office on a nearby interstate. —Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 12 Sep. 2025

On interstates to increase safety for vehicles and pedestrians. —Cameron Knight, Cincinnati Enquirer, 9 Sep. 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