noun
amphibian
am-FIH-beern
Amphibian (noun) means a cold-blooded animal, such as a frog or salamander, that typically starts life in water and can later live on land. Example: “Frogs and toads are the most familiar amphibians.”
noun
1
A cold-blooded animal, such as a frog or salamander, that typically starts life in water and can later live on land.
"Frogs and toads are the most familiar amphibians."
"The salamander is an amphibian that can regenerate lost limbs."
2
A vehicle designed to travel on both land and water.
"The tour used an amphibian to drive straight into the lake."
adj
1
Able to live or operate on both land and water.
"The military tested a new amphibian assault craft."
How to use amphibian
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn animal (like a frog) that lives part of its life in water and part on land, or a vehicle that can do the same.
Common pairings
amphibian species
amphibian vehicle
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Word forms
- Plural
- amphibians
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Frogs and toads are the most familiar _____.
Etymology
From Greek amphibios, "living a double life", from amphi- ("both") + bios ("life").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for amphibian
See all rhymes for amphibian →Frequently asked questions
What does “amphibian” mean?
The word “amphibian” means a cold-blooded animal, such as a frog or salamander, that typically starts life in water and can later live on land. In plain terms, an animal (like a frog) that lives part of its life in water and part on land, or a vehicle that can do the same.
How do you pronounce “amphibian”?
“Amphibian” is pronounced am-FIH-beern (/æmˈfɪbɪən/ in IPA).
How do you use “amphibian” in a sentence?
Here is “amphibian” used in a sentence: “Frogs and toads are the most familiar amphibians.”
What part of speech is “amphibian”?
Depending on how it is used, “amphibian” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “amphibian” come from?
The word “amphibian” comes from Greek. From Greek amphibios, "living a double life", from amphi- ("both") + bios ("life").
How many meanings does “amphibian” have?
“Amphibian” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a cold-blooded animal, such as a frog or salamander, that typically starts life in water and can later live on land.
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