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

According to the Museum, more than 150,000 troops participated in the invasion, one of the largest amphibious military operations in history and a pivotal step toward the liberation of Western Europe. —Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 7 June 2026

Accessibility for those with mobility impairments Not recommended for people with disabilities, including because of the arrival by amphibious plane, as well as the many uneven stone steps and sandy trails on the islands. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026

The beaches of Normandy, France, were about to become the site of one of the largest amphibious invasions ever, and this day would forever be known as D-Day, the military’s standard lingo for the first day of a major op. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 June 2026

The drills involved live-fire events and amphibious operations and were carried out with participation from the Royal Thai Armed Forces, the Republic of Korea Marine Corps and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. —Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 June 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"