amphibious

adjective

am·​phib·​i·​ous am-ˈfi-bē-əs 

1

: combining two characteristics

2

a

: relating to or adapted for both land and water

amphibious vehicles

b

: executed by coordinated action of land, sea, and air forces organized for invasion

an amphibious landing

also : trained or organized for such action

amphibious forces

3

: able to live both on land and in water

amphibious plants

amphibiously adverb

amphibiousness noun

Examples of amphibious in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Air Force first publicly demonstrated Quicksink in 2022 from an F-15E Strike Eagle, followed by sinking exercises during the Rim of the Pacific 2024 drills on two decommissioned amphibious ships. —Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025

The San Antonio and Fort Lauderdale both can launch hovercraft for amphibious operations. —Amir Daftari john Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025

Existing amphibious robots often use bulky pads, much like oars, to generate thrust, though some smaller models do employ thin hydrophobic legs modeled after another species of water strider. —Elizabeth Rayne, ArsTechnica, 2 Sep. 2025

Cape Fahn Hotel sits on its own private island off Choeng Mon Beach, accessible only by boat or, during low tide, an amphibious truck that transforms into a vessel as the tide rises. —Jenn Rice, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin amphibius "living both on land and in water" (borrowed from Greek amphíbios "living a double life, living both on land and in the water," from amphi- amphi- + -bios "having such a mode of life," derivative of bíos "life") + -ous — more at quick entry 1

First Known Use

1608, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

amphibious

adjective

am·​phib·​i·​ous am-ˈfib-ē-əs 

1

: able to live both on land and in water

amphibious plants

2

a

: designed for use on both land and water

amphibious vehicles

b

: carried out by land, sea, and air forces acting together

an amphibious assault

amphibiously adverb

amphibiousness noun

Etymology

from Greek amphibios "living a double life," from amphi- "around, on both sides" and bios "mode of life"