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

Now scientists at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore have built an amphibious version by outfitting the cockroaches with a tiny diving suit, according to a paper published in Nature Communications. — ArsTechnica, 3 Aug. 2026

Chinese military affairs expert Song Zhongping said the Type 076 amphibious assault ship marks a significant technological advance, introducing new possibilities for naval operations. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026

The amphibious vehicle takes groups through the downtown core both on land and pops right into the harbour for a completely different perspective of the waterfront. — Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

The jets, which cost more than $130 million to build and outfit for battle, are widely used by aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships. — Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 July 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"