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
In the 20th century, airports and interstate highways reshaped the economic map of the country. — Ron Kitchens, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026 People have been kidnapped while driving on interstate roads, while worshipping at church, and while sleeping in their homes. — Alexis Okeowo, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
Noun
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating a small plane on a training flight that made an emergency landing on a Florida interstate Monday morning, narrowly missing highway signs and vehicles. — Aaron Cooper, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026 Nguyen was parked in the interstate’s median conducting stationary speed enforcement of northbound vehicles, said Forest Lake Police Chief Luke Hanegraaf. — Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 4 Aug. 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 8 Aug. 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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