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

Bracken was found guilty in October on four counts of stalking and one count of interstate communication of threats. —Sara Schilling, Sacramento Bee, 16 Jan. 2025

As a result, no interstate compact exists to manage the water in the Ogallala. —David Newcomb, Kansas City Star, 16 Jan. 2025

Noun

Choose tools that match your organization’s technical proficiency; don’t buy a Ferrari for someone who’s never going to drive on the interstate. —Cory McNeley, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025

Between the lines: Last year, a group of residents and organizations formed the Reimagine 175 coalition to advocate for converting the interstate into a street-grade boulevard. —Kathryn Varn, Axios, 16 Jan. 2025

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