interstate

1 of 2

adjective

in·​ter·​state ˌin-tər-ˈstāt How to pronounce interstate (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce interstate (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Exantus was previously permitted to be supervised in Florida upon his release from prison in accordance with an interstate compact, Hall said. Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Oct. 2025 Consultants acknowledged parts of the site already exceed Matthews’ 60-decibel limit because of nearby interstate traffic, wind and train horns. Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
The 1950s and 1960s would prove to be the start of the glory days of the luxury coupe in America, with the nation’s economy growing as fast as the ribbons of brand-new interstate being paved from sea to shining sea. Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2025 The escapees, who ranged in age from their teens to early 40s, broke out of the Orleans Parish Justice Center in the early hours of May 16 by climbing through a hole in the wall behind a toilet, scaling a fence and crossing an interstate. Rachel Treisman, NPR, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for interstate

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1844, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1968, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of interstate was in 1844

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Interstate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interstate. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

interstate

1 of 2 adjective
in·​ter·​state ˌint-ər-ˈstāt How to pronounce interstate (audio)
: of, connecting, or existing between states especially of the U.S.
interstate highways

interstate

2 of 2 noun
in·​ter·​state ˈint-ər-ˌstāt How to pronounce interstate (audio)
: an interstate highway

More from Merriam-Webster on interstate

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