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 Terrapins announced their similarly amphibious selection Wednesday, though the choice has some historical merit: The late Muppets creator Jim Henson was a graduate of the University of Maryland in 1960, majoring in home economics before embarking on a legacy in puppetry. Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 27 Mar. 2025 In addition, the United States could arm more of its ships that don’t currently carry missiles, such as its amphibious or support vessels, or even prepare to convert merchant ships to carry missiles, as a way to rapidly increase the fleet with which the Chinese navy would have to contend. Stephen Biddle, Foreign Affairs, 19 Mar. 2025 According to the report, China has more than 370 naval ships and submarines, including three Type 075 amphibious assault ships that precede the Type 076. David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024 One of these operatives managed to convince a Uruguayan diplomat to act as a courier, sending him on an amphibious delivery mission on behalf of the CIA. Robert Schmad, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 20 Mar. 2025 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 9 Apr. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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