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

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

Two Chinese navy Type 071 amphibious transport docks sailing in the South China Sea during a maritime training exercise on August 3, 2024. —Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025

Skechers Women's Beverlee Tiger Posse Wedge Best Hiking Sandals Hiking sandals are the amphibious, warm weather sibling of hiking boots. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 29 June 2025

France had an active deal worth hundreds of millions of euros to sell amphibious assault ships to Russia; Germany was the largest consumer of Russian gas in Europe and relied on those imports to fuel its manufacturing and industrial base. —Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 23 June 2025

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"