interstate vs. highway

interstate vs. highway: What's the difference?

Highway refers to a major roadway, especially one that goes between towns or cities. Interstate refers to a type of highway that stretches between states. While all interstates are highways, not all highways are interstates.

interstate

adjective

  1. connecting or involving different states.

    interstate commerce.

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.

highway

noun

  1. a main road, especially one between towns or cities.

    the highway between Los Angeles and Seattle.

    Synonyms: interstate, thruway, freeway, expressway

  2. any public road or waterway.

  3. any main or ordinary route, track, or course.