English Reference
Noun

amphibian

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /æmˈfɪbiən/ UK /æmfˈɪbiən/ am·phib·ian UK spelling amphibian's, amphibian's

n.an animal that lives both in water and on land. Frogs, toads, and newts are all examples of this.

n.a cold-blooded vertebrate that typically lives in water as a larva and on land as an adult. Includes frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts.


SIMPLE

The frog is a common example of an amphibian.

CONTEXTUAL

Many amphibians are sensitive to changes in their environment, making them important indicators of ecosystem health.

COMPLEX

Unlike reptiles, which have dry, scaly skin, amphibians possess moist, permeable skin that allows for gas exchange and makes them highly susceptible to environmental toxins.

The extinct spadefoot toad, now named Spea labreae , represents the first new extinct amphibian species discovered from the famous fossil site.

ScienceDaily· 16 Aug 2026

In Ecuador, the Photo Ark has highlighted amphibians, many of which may be extinct in the country due to disease and habitat loss.

Smithsonian Magazine· 7 Aug 2026

Learned borrowing from Latin amphibius [from Ancient Greek ἀμφίβιος (amphíbios), from ἀμφίς (amphís, “of both kinds”) + βίος (bíos, “life”)] + -an.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Ancient Greek ἀμφίβιος
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated