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

Disenfranchisement is nothing new along the interstate highway that city planners dropped into Black communities in the 1960s, fracturing thriving neighborhoods. —David Smiley, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025

Sedarat is charged with two counts of transmitting a threat in interstate or foreign commerce, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted. —Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2025

Noun

The referendum also performed poorly in parts of north Mecklenburg west of Interstate 77, despite support for the plan in many precincts in the north to the east of the interstate. —Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 7 Nov. 2025

Road work will also affect a stretch of the Valley interstate's frontage road. —Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 7 Nov. 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