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
Rinderknecht has been charged with one count of destruction of property by means of fire, one count of arson affecting property used in interstate commerce and one count of timber set afire. — Jack Hannah, CNN Money, 21 June 2026 Thompson is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm as well as transmitting threatening interstate communications. — Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
Noun
The interstate was closed for about three hours after the crash, officials said. — David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 19 June 2026 City utilities and zoning are being used to create more sites along the interstate that are business ready. — John Marks, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 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 7 Jul. 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

Nglish: Translation of interstate for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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