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

Military tracker accounts on X showed the USS Boxer, an amphibious assault ship that the Marines are reportedly deploying abord, leaving port at San Diego on March 18. —Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 21 Mar. 2026

Personnel are seen on board the US Navy's USS Tripoli (LHA-7) amphibious assault ship during a port call at the Port Area in Manila on September 27, 2022. —Eleanor Watson, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026

The amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli was approaching Singapore, at the southwestern edge of the South China Sea, Tuesday morning, according to AIS tracking data seen by CNN. —Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 17 Mar. 2026

If China attempted to invade Taiwan, these missiles could hit Chinese amphibious fleets and/or attack escorting warships. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 15 Mar. 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"