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 federal order is to be used in conjunction with a previous order, which required mandatory testing of lactating dairy cows before interstate travel, the department said. —Stephanie Innes, The Arizona Republic, 6 Dec. 2024

Some ACMDs that directly affect interstate movement and implicate federal interests may be addressed by federal legislation. —Alden Abbott, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

Noun

The car was discovered after someone saw it in the interstate's westbound lane with flames in the back seat and dialed 911, according to the report. —Tim Stelloh, NBC News, 5 Dec. 2024

Several interstates and highways in Maryland and West Virginia will likely get walloped by an incoming blizzard. —Jason Fields, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 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