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

Get a head start on building your outdoor spring and summer wardrobe with these 70 percent-off Chaco Mega Z Cloud Sandals; these amphibious hiking sandals have wide straps to hold your feet in place comfortably, no matter the terrain. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2026

The drone was spotted on the Sichuan, which is the lead vessel of China’s Type 076 amphibious assault ship class, a new generation platform designed to significantly expand the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s expeditionary and aviation capabilities. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 4 Feb. 2026

Jinchao Wei, 25, who was arrested in August 2023, was a machinist’s mate on the amphibious assault ship USS Essex at Naval Base San Diego. —Greg Norman-Diamond, FOXNews.com, 13 Jan. 2026

The Navy's website says the Essex is equipped to transport and support a Marine Corps landing force of over 2,000 troops during an air and amphibious assault. —CBS News, 13 Jan. 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"