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
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
A week later, a grand jury indicted him on additional charges, including one count of arson affecting property used in interstate commerce and one count of timber set afire. Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025 Rogers pleaded guilty in 2022 to two counts of mailing threatening communications, one count of threats by interstate communications, and two counts of stalking. Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
Today Colma's cemeteries are a peaceful island of calm among busy interstates, San Francisco’s airport and the bustle of Silicon Valley. Chris Kenning, USA Today, 25 Oct. 2025 The Nissan traveled on northbound I-49 at speeds over 120 mph, according to the probable cause statement, before exiting the interstate, when a box containing a silver pistol was thrown from the vehicle. Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Interstate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interstate. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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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