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
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 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 5 Nov. 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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