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

According to a report from The War Zone, the craft would be particularly useful in resupplying remote island bases in the South China Sea, border outposts, and amphibious operations. —Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 17 June 2026

At least five San Diego warships will participate in RimPac, as well as dozens of foreign vessels, including BAP Pisco, a Peruvian amphibious warship that arrived in San Diego on Monday. —Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 June 2026

The team instead hypothesize that P. gigas lived an amphibious lifestyle, feeding on primitive jawless and armored fish that inhabited the waters at that time. —Shraddha Chakradhar, CNN Money, 10 June 2026

According to the Museum, more than 150,000 troops participated in the invasion, one of the largest amphibious military operations in history and a pivotal step toward the liberation of Western Europe. —Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 7 June 2026

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"