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

Officials are hoping to build a park on land that became available after the removal of downtown highway ramps during the state's 30 Crossing interstate construction project. — Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 22 July 2026

Federal authorities ultimately obtained an unlawful flight warrant, alleging Fischer had traveled in interstate or foreign commerce to avoid prosecution. — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026

Noun

Toyota understands that most buyers simply want smooth, effortless acceleration merging onto the interstate or passing slower traffic. — New Atlas, 20 July 2026

Ceniceros grew up in Chicago’s Brighton Park neighborhood between an intermodal facility and the interstate. — Christiana Freitag, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026

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
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate
• angulate

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