interstate
Interstate (adjective) means involving or connecting two or more states. Example: “Interstate trade is regulated at the federal level.”
How to use interstate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that spans or connects multiple US states, or, informally, a major American highway.
This word and its highway meaning are specifically American; the UK equivalent would be a motorway.
Word forms
interstates plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ trade is regulated at the federal level.
Etymology
Formed from inter- ("between") and state; the highway sense comes from "interstate highway."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for interstate
See all rhymes for interstate →Frequently asked questions
What does “interstate” mean?
The word “interstate” means involving or connecting two or more states. In plain terms, something that spans or connects multiple US states, or, informally, a major American highway.
How do you pronounce “interstate”?
“Interstate” is pronounced IHNT-stayt (/ˈɪntɚˌsteɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “interstate” in a sentence?
Here is “interstate” used in a sentence: “Interstate trade is regulated at the federal level.”
What part of speech is “interstate”?
Depending on how it is used, “interstate” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “interstate” a common word?
“Interstate” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “interstate” have?
“Interstate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: involving or connecting two or more states.
What is the difference between interstate and intrastate?
"Interstate" describes something that involves or connects two or more states, such as interstate commerce or interstate travel. "Intrastate" refers to something that stays entirely within a single state. The key contrast is between (between states) and within (one state).
When is "Interstate" capitalized in reference to a highway?
It is capitalized when part of a proper name, such as "Interstate 95" or "the Interstate Highway System." As a general adjective meaning "between states" (interstate trade), it stays lowercase.
What is the difference between an interstate and a freeway?
In the US, an interstate is specifically a highway that belongs to the national Interstate Highway System. "Freeway" is a broader term for any divided highway with no traffic lights or at-grade crossings, so not every freeway is an interstate.
How does "interstate" work as a noun versus an adjective?
As an adjective, "interstate" describes anything involving two or more states, as in interstate travel. As a noun in American English, it names a major highway in the Interstate Highway System, as in "we took the interstate."