magnetic levitation

American  

noun

1. the suspension of an object above or below a second object by means of magnetic repulsion or attraction.

2. Railroads. the suspension of a vehicle above or below a suitable guide rail by such means, often with the vehicle being propelled by a linear induction motor.

---

magnetic levitation Cultural  

1. A process by which a magnet moving over a piece of metal causes electric currents (see also current) to flow in the metal that, in turn, produce forces that push the magnet upward. If the force is large enough, the moving magnet can float (be levitated).

---

Discover More

Magnetic levitation (or maglev) trains are capable of cruising speeds of up to three hundred miles per hour.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

magnetic levitation

This unique ability makes them extremely valuable for technologies such as efficient power transmission, energy storage, magnetic levitation systems, and quantum computers.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 21, 2025

Additionally, observes Scientific American, superconductors repel magnetic fields, which could lead to more efficient magnetic levitation, or maglev, trains.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 10, 2023

Some of the most exciting and promising clean tech — like magnetic levitation trains and other low-cost, high-speed transportation — could finally be viable for mass development with superconductor use.

From Salon ● Aug. 10, 2023

The concept was resurrected in 2013 when Elon Musk published a whitepaper on the subject, incorporating magnetic levitation used by bullet trains and bestowing the current branding.

From The Verge ● Feb. 22, 2022

Pirates and Small World were converted to magnetic levitation, and they opened up Grand Canyon Land in the dry moat around Tom Sawyer’s Island.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman