amphibious

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adjective am·phib·i·ous \ am-ˈfi-bē-əs \

Updated on: 11 Sep 2017

Definition of amphibious

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

See amphibious defined for English-language learners

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Recent Examples of amphibious from the Web

Another U.S. naval vessel, the amphibious assault ship USS America, arrived in Singapore and deployed Osprey aircraft and Seahawk helicopters.

— Time, "Navy Will Investigate Fleet Involved With Two Recent Ship Collisions," 21 Aug. 2017
Another U.S. naval vessel, the amphibious assault ship USS America, arrived in Singapore and deployed Osprey aircraft and Seahawk helicopters.

— chicagotribune.com, "Navy chief orders probe into Pacific fleet after Navy destroyer, oil tanker collision," 21 Aug. 2017
The ship is now moored at Changi Naval Base in Singapore, with the amphibious assault ship USS America arriving to provide support and assistance to the McCain's crew.

— author: anna fifield, dan lamothe, Alaska Dispatch News, "Top Navy admiral orders fleetwide investigation following latest collision at sea," 21 Aug. 2017
Guests also can enjoy smoothies and tacos that were created through the pedal-power of stationary bikes and watch an amphibious bike race as competitors take to land and sea throughout the square and into the Oakland Estuary.

— alexandra yoon-hendricks, sacbee, "Jack London Square Pedalfest features amphibious bike races – and much more," 14 July 2017
The original Marine Raiders were organized in response to President Franklin Roosevelt’s desire to have a commando-style force that could conduct amphibious raids and operate behind enemy lines.

— jonathan drew, The Seattle Times, "Elite Marines killed in crash share WWII commando heritage," 12 July 2017
Diez and his team at Rutgers worked on the amphibious drone technology in a swimming pool and developed a 20-second video clip that went viral on Youtube in 2013.

— jacqueline l. urgo, Philly.com, "Rutgers drone, at home in air and water, inspects Del Mem Bridge," 11 July 2017
The incident happened about 11:25 a.m. after the couple tried landing their SeaRey amphibious aircraft on the lake, just off State Route 415 and east of Deltona, said Sheriff’s Office spokesman Andrew Gant.

— christal hayes, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Boater rescues couple after plane crashes on Volusia lake," 8 July 2017
Outside, this is not something that’s valued.’’ The bedrock of Marine tradition is a long-ago era when buff, male and mostly white combat Marines launched amphibious early-morning assaults on enemy beaches armed with M1 rifles and Ka-Bar knives.

— janet reitman, New York Times, "How the Death of a Muslim Recruit Revealed a Culture of Brutality in the Marines," 6 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'amphibious.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of amphibious

Greek amphibios, literally, living a double life, from amphi- + bios mode of life — more at quick

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1608

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Other Automotive Terms

articulated, block, choke, clutch, diesel, neutral, transmission

AMPHIBIOUS Defined for English Language Learners

amphibious

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adjective

Definition of amphibious for English Language Learners

: able to live both on land and in water
: able to be used both on land and water
: done by soldiers who are brought to land in special boats : carried out by land and sea forces acting together

AMPHIBIOUS Defined for Kids

amphibious

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adjective am·phib·i·ous \ am-ˈfi-bē-əs \

Definition of amphibious for Students

1 :able to live both on land and in water

amphibious animals

2 :meant to be used on both land and water

amphibious vehicles

3 :made by land, sea, and air forces acting together

amphibious attack

Learn More about amphibious

Spanish Central: Translation of amphibious Nglish: Translation of amphibious for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of amphibious for Arabic speakers

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amphibious

Definition of amphibious

amphibiously

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Origin and Etymology of amphibious

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AMPHIBIOUS Defined for English Language Learners

amphibious

Definition of amphibious for English Language Learners

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amphibious

Definition of amphibious for Students

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