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

Without a single state to hold it together, and so many interstate conflicts, the Soviet New Year’s tradition is splintering across the Soviet diaspora. —Andrew Fedorov, The Atlantic, 31 Dec. 2025

He is charged with transporting an explosive device in interstate commerce and attempted malicious destruction by means of explosive materials. —Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 29 Dec. 2025

Noun

The crash remains under investigation by CSP, who said that the interstate will remain closed for several hours while cleanup and investigation efforts continue. —Christa Swanson, CBS News, 2 Jan. 2026

Snow squalls could cause sudden whiteout conditions on interstates between the Great Lakes and Appalachians. —Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 30 Dec. 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