interstate

1 of 2

adjective

in·​ter·​state ˌin-tər-ˈstāt How to pronounce interstate (audio)
Synonyms of interstate
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Watters said his client is married with kids and owns an interstate trucking company. — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 22 Oct. 2026 Portions of Interstate 70 replaced parts of Old Highway 6 as the interstate system was constructed across Colorado. — Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
Noun
In second was New Haven, thanks in part to the pair of interstates that meet there, according to Brett Rosen Law. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 22 Oct. 2026 Two North Texas interstates are completely shut down due to police activity on Thursday afternoon. — Briauna Brown, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for interstate

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

Rhymes for interstate

See All Rhymes for interstate

Browse Nearby Words

interstage
interstate
interstate extradition
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Interstate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interstate. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for interstate

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