amphibious

adjective

am·​phib·​i·​ous am-ˈfi-bē-əs How to pronounce amphibious (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What To Know The Chinese military released two undated sets of photos on social media on Tuesday, showing its LCAC fleet assigned to the Southern Theater Command conducting maritime exercises and combat training aimed at further enhancing amphibious combat capabilities. Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 July 2025 This amphibious airplane, with a 900-nautical mile range, is powered by conventional Pratt & Whitney Canada PT-6A-135A engines. Daniel Cote, Robb Report, 9 July 2025 The Allied troops’ invasion was coordinated across air, land and sea, in what can be described as amphibious landings. Catherine Nicholls, CNN Money, 5 June 2025 Researchers sampled 15 waterways in neighboring areas and discovered more populations of the new species in a small stream about 40 inches wide and up to 13 inches deep with a high concentration of amphibious plants, the study said. Lauren Liebhaber july 4, Miami Herald, 4 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for amphibious

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of amphibious was in 1608

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Cite this Entry

“Amphibious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amphibious. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

amphibious

adjective
am·​phib·​i·​ous am-ˈfib-ē-əs How to pronounce amphibious (audio)
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"

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