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

To further support operations, the United States also repositioned the Fort Lauderdale, a large amphibious landing ship, off Venezuela’s Caribbean coast to serve as a mobile command post. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026

Reinforcing the Southwest Islands Japan has deployed missiles, radar systems, air-defense units, and amphibious forces on islands stretching toward Taiwan, including Okinawa and the Ryukyu chain. — Frank Lavin, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

For amphibious groups such as the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, that means greater situational awareness while operating far from shore and without dependence on nearby airfields. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 22 June 2026

At least five San Diego warships will participate in RimPac, as well as dozens of foreign vessels, including BAP Pisco, a Peruvian amphibious warship that arrived in San Diego on Monday. — Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 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"