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

Sophie Cunningham sparked an interstate war with her comments questioning the WNBA's decision to expand to Cleveland and Detroit, then clarified those comments when the team returned to Indy. —Brian Haenchen, IndyStar, 4 July 2025

Since the days of President Eisenhower who promoted the interstate highway system, the federal government plays a significant role in assisting states in financing our transportation system. —Nick Langworthy, New York Daily News, 3 July 2025

Noun

Regardless, Pawlicki thinks that small, cheap interventions must inform solutions for how to improve quality of life in near-downtown neighborhoods severed by interstates 50 years ago. —Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 4 July 2025

These three phases include the pump station installation, railroad bridge replacements and the interstate widening between Regina Graeter Way and Ohio 126/Galbraith Road. —Bebe Hodges, The Enquirer, 2 July 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