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.
The initial phase of the deployment includes a Marine air-ground task force aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima and two San Antonio-class transport ships, with more than 2,000 Marines prepared for rapid-response missions. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025 Visible operations—from stealth fighters and amphibious assault ships to transport aircraft—serve both as a deterrent and preparation for potential intervention, thereby heightening regional stakes. John Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025 Two White House officials previously told CNN that the US would send 10 of those planes to the island, where a unit of US Marines has been conducting training exercises for amphibious landings. Michael Rios, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025 The swamp region was home to many Indigenous cultures, now referred to as amphibious due to their proximity to water. Karla Gachet, NPR, 1 Oct. 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 6 Oct. 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"

More from Merriam-Webster on amphibious

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