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

The stalks on the juvenile Arthropleura resemble those of a crab, which could point to the creature having an amphibious youth before becoming terrestrial in adulthood. —Olatunji Osho-Williams, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Oct. 2024

Sally Hawkins stars in a dialogue-free role as Elisa, a janitor at a top-secret research facility who falls for the amphibious humanoid (Doug Jones) trapped in one of the facility's labs. —Katie Rife, EW.com, 18 Oct. 2024

While there are other opportunities to get on the water via the municipal ferry or amphibious boat tours, none offer the luxury of a private yacht. —Anna Haines, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024

The new video shows the complete Liberty Lifter in action, landing in the sea at a remote island location and unloading heavy armored amphibious vehicles before taking off again. —David Szondy, New Atlas, 25 Sep. 2024

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"