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

Now interstate moves were off 8% nationally, but only 17 states fared worse for drops in newcomers than the Golden State, led by Connecticut, off 35%, and Montana, off 24%. —Jonathan Lansner, Orange County Register, 1 Nov. 2024

Carr further explains that interstate transport is often highlighted to establish federal jurisdiction over a case. —Kim Elsesser, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

Noun

In 2020, the Brent Spence Bridge that carries interstates 71 and 75 across the Ohio River was closed for weeks following a crash that sparked a huge fire. —Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 2 Nov. 2024

In some cases, interstates have kept mammal populations (like antelope, deer and elk) divided since the 1950s or 1960s when many national highways were first built. —Noël Fletcher, Forbes, 29 Oct. 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