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

Threatening to kill a federal officer carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison, while making threatening interstate communications may result in up to five years in prison, prosecutors said. —Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 24 Jan. 2026

Winston’s team did meet several people, hidden and tucked under interstate overpasses. —Charlotte Observer, 23 Jan. 2026

Noun

The bill would allocate $100 million in funding to the Maryland Department of Transportation to identify areas where high-voltage transmission lines and battery storage projects can take place along highways and interstates. —Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026

Most interstates and highways had several lanes cleared, according to Texas Department of Transportation’s cameras. —Carol Taylor, Dallas Morning News, 27 Jan. 2026

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