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.
This came as China launched its first new-generation amphibious warship on Friday. David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024 The additional battalions would also provide the United States with more amphibious forces in the Baltics. Elaine McCusker, Foreign Affairs, 13 Dec. 2024 The amphibious lifestyle is a hit with Hamburg’s upper-earning echelons, who are either those bored with sitting in traffic jams or eco-entrepreneurs who like to showcase their green credentials by navigating the city by bike or boat. Zoë Dare Hall, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024 The future of robotics is looking increasingly amphibious, and the Honey Badger is leading the pack. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 5 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near amphibious

Cite this Entry

“Amphibious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amphibious. Accessed 18 Jan. 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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