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

This creates yet another gear-hauling space, this one capable of tying down oversized gear like kayaks, paddleboards or surfboards, which can team with the bicycles and general camping setup to support an amphibious land/water multi-sport adventure. —New Atlas, 21 Apr. 2025

Soon, six tweens were racing around Peanut Lake in Ernest E. Debs Regional Park, sticks in hand, arguing over where exactly the amphibious pond dwellers were. —Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025

It is associated with three amphibious warships that assemble an ARG, deploying together for a range of operations. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025

After all, this kindly amphibious gentleman has had a long and stellar career of making contributions to our nation’s literacy. —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 3 Apr. 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"