interstate

1 of 2

adjective

in·​ter·​state ˌin-tər-ˈstāt How to pronounce interstate (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce interstate (audio)
: 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
Williams was also initially charged with three counts of interstate shipments which were dropped as part of the plea deal. Silas Morgan, Orlando Sentinel, 24 June 2024 As the summer vacation season gets going, millions of America’s interstate drivers can expect to find more puns, silly turns of phrase or cultural references on those massive missives. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 22 June 2024
Noun
Caltrans will close part of the interstate from Friday night through early Saturday morning for roadwork including concrete barrier removal, replacement and lane striping, the agency said in a news release. Hanh Truong, Sacramento Bee, 28 June 2024 The car's two occupants then exited onto the interstate. Erin Couch, The Enquirer, 25 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for interstate 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'interstate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1844, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1968, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of interstate was in 1844

Dictionary Entries Near interstate

Cite this Entry

“Interstate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interstate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

interstate

1 of 2 adjective
in·​ter·​state ˌint-ər-ˈstāt How to pronounce interstate (audio)
: of, connecting, or existing between states especially of the U.S.
interstate highways

interstate

2 of 2 noun
in·​ter·​state ˈint-ər-ˌstāt How to pronounce interstate (audio)
: an interstate highway

More from Merriam-Webster on interstate

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