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

Among them are elite paratroopers trained to drop behind enemy lines and around 5,000 Marines, including amphibious strike groups. —Michael Loria, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026

The group’s focal point is the flagship, Boxer, an 844-foot amphibious assault ship that has spent most of its roughly 30 years of service operating out of San Diego. —Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026

Those MEUs typically have been used for missions like evacuations and amphibious operations that require ship-to-shore movements, such as raids and assaults. —Annette Choi, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026

Marines could attempt an amphibious landing though that approach would leave forces exposed while crossing the strait. —Chris Boccia, ABC News, 27 Mar. 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"