interstate

American  

[in-ter-steyt, in-ter-steyt] / ˌɪn tərˈsteɪt, ˈɪn tərˌsteɪt /

adjective

1. connecting or involving different states.

   interstate commerce.

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noun

1. a highway serving two or more states.

2. (sometimes initial capital letter) a highway that is part of the nationwide U.S. Interstate Highway System.

interstate British  

/ ˈɪntəˌsteɪt /

adjective

1. between or involving two or more of the states of the US, Australia, etc

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adverb

1. to or into another state

verb

1. a motorway crossing between states

Other Word Forms

• noninterstate adjective

Etymology

Origin of interstate

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45; inter- + state

Compare meaning

How does interstate compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• interstate vs. intrastate
• interstate vs. highway

Example Sentences

Railroads transformed interstate commerce and fueled economic expansion, but they also produced boom-bust cycles, excess capacity, and intense volatility.

From Barron's

Shannon texted her a picture of an interstate that skirted Miami, taken from her window.

From Literature

Liens are recorded in state Uniform Commercial Code databases across the country, with the public filings intended to standardize interstate transactions and alert creditors about business debts and financial obligations.

From Los Angeles Times

That land already had greater Kansas City’s interstate loop running through it, promising easy access.

From The Wall Street Journal

Why am I speeding down this interstate at 80 miles per hour, and furthermore, when did the speed limit change to 80?

From Salon

Related Words

• artery
• avenue
• boulevard
• freeway
• parking lot
• path
• roadway
• street
• superhighway
• thoroughfare
• track
• turnpike