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

Saturday's interstate shooting unfolded around 5:30 p.m. local time on I-75 at Exit 49, about eight miles from London, officials said. —Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2024

The federal government is only meant to deal with interstate affairs. —Laura Gersony, The Arizona Republic, 6 Sep. 2024

Noun

Ryan heard about the shooting from a first responder talking to people in the car in front of him while he was idled on the interstate. —Eleanor McCrary, The Courier-Journal, 10 Sep. 2024

Authorities said Couch fired 20 to 30 rounds, striking 12 vehicles on the interstate Saturday. —Bruce Schreiner and Dylan Lovan, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1844, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1968, in the meaning defined above

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