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 28-year-old Mangione faces several state charges related to murder and firearms offenses in New York, whereas the federal charges primarily center on interstate stalking resulting in the healthcare executive’s death. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 12 Aug. 2026

Romo was arrested last month on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated [OWI] after he was pulled over on the interstate highway in his home state of Wisconsin. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026

Noun

The westbound lanes were closed for about 90 minutes before the interstate was partially reopened. — Harry Harris, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026

Green managed a parking lot for long-haul truckers just off the Arkansas interstate, near the border with Tennessee and Mississippi. — Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 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