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 move suggests China is adapting its ground forces while reinforcing amphibious assault capabilities. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Apr. 2026 To get an amphibious invasion force to Kharg would mean transiting the Strait of Hormuz and most of the Persian Gulf. Jon Gambrell, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026 Wiseman, Glover, Koch and Hansen will be helped out of the capsule and airlifted by helicopter to a waiting Navy amphibious transport dock. William Harwood, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026 Such units have traditionally been used for missions like large-scale evacuations and amphibious operations that require ship-to-shore movements, including raids and assaults. James Legge, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Amphibious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amphibious. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster