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

The helicopter crew continued to follow the vehicle as the suspect drove on city streets and interstate highways until entering the casino parking garage. —Paula Wethington, CBS News, 19 Nov. 2025

The lawsuit also states that bottles of agave spirits, which include tequila and mezcal, that fail to provide accurate information in interstate commerce violate the Federal Alcohol Administration (FAA) Act. —Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 14 Nov. 2025

Noun

All southbound lanes of the interstate were closed as investigators worked to determine the cause of the crash and clear the scene. —CBS News, 22 Nov. 2025

After developing his technique, the musician and his wife opened their first incarnation of Franklin in 2009 as a lone smoker near an Austin interstate. —Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 19 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