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

Major local and interstate travel will both be impacted by the lane closures. —Irene Wright, USA Today, 13 May 2026

The Hobbs Act prohibits robbery that interferes with interstate or foreign commerce. —Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026

Noun

In 1988, an inebriated driver of a pickup truck traveled the wrong way on a Kentucky interstate and slammed into a church group bus, killing 24 children and three others returning home from an Ohio amusement park. —Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026

The crash and cleanup shut the interstate down for close to five hours, Efird said. —Jeff A. Chamer may 13, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 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
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate
• angulate

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