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
Vandenberg is charged with transporting explosives in interstate commerce with the knowledge and intent that they would be used to kill, injure or intimidate individuals. Susan Montoya Bryan, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025 The government just needs evidence of interstate travel and a desire to get a prostitute to prostitute. Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 17 June 2025
Noun
And in 1956 the Federal-Aid Highway Act funded 41,000 miles of interstate—an asphalt backbone justified as civil defense infrastructure but experienced as a coast-to-coast permission slip for self-reinvention. Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 22 June 2025 The witnesses described seeing the suspect and victim's vehicles come to a stop in front of them, forcing them to stop on the interstate, as well, the probable cause statement says. Audrey Conklin, FOXNews.com, 12 June 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 1 Jul. 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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