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 map of the area today has been drawn by a convoluted history of interstate wars, outside interference, contentious politics within both the Israeli and Palestinian communities, and aborted attempts at a peaceful resolution. —Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2025

At one point in the night, the Kansas City metro had over 15 interstate closures. —Alecia Taylor, Kansas City Star, 5 Jan. 2025

Noun

The states with the worst showing on the U-Haul index, as with the Census interstate migration data, also tend to be those without a Right-to-Work law. —Patrick Gleason, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025

The wolf or wolves that crossed Interstate 70 for the first time in November remained in the mountains around Leadville, south of the interstate. —Elise Schmelzer, The Denver Post, 2 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