maglev

noun, often attributive mag·lev \ ˈmag-lev \

Updated on: 17 Apr 2018

Definition of maglev

1 : the use of the physical properties of magnetic fields generated by superconducting magnets to cause an object (such as a vehicle) to float above a solid surface

2 : a train utilizing maglev technology

Recent Examples of maglev from the Web

All transportation will be via underground maglev trains, like Japan’s Chuo Shinkansen under construction now, or electric/hybrid cars, which constituted over half the new cars sold in Norway in 2017.

— New York Times, "What’s It Like to Visit Wakanda? You Had Some (Great) Ideas," 3 Apr. 2018
That’s right—the train, which takes just over 7 minutes to complete the journey using magnetic levitation (maglev) technology, doesn’t go to the city center.

— cynthia drescher, Condé Nast Traveler, "The 10 Fastest Trains in the World," 27 Mar. 2018
Japan is one of the first countries to develop and adopt maglev trains.

— Washington Post, "Enthusiasm for ‘maglev’ train between D.C., Baltimore mounts — as does opposition," 6 Jan. 2018
That proposal calls for using maglev technology with trains reaching speeds of 375 miles per hour.

— liz bowie, baltimoresun.com, "Elon Musk unveils route between Baltimore and Washington for underground loop transit system," 23 Mar. 2018
Basically, the Hyperloop is a combination of airplane cabin and life support systems and a maglev train.

— alice bonasio, Ars Technica, "Is it time to take the Hyperloop seriously?," 4 Mar. 2018
The maglev isn’t the only high-speed travel concept Maryland is embracing.

— Washington Post, "Officials have settled on 2 possible routes for the high-speed maglev, but project is still years away," 11 Feb. 2018
How the maglev affects property values is hard to predict, according to Daniel R. Puma Jr., supervisor of assessments for Prince George’s County.

— katie v. jones, Laurel Leader, "Laurel City Council says no to maglev train," 1 Mar. 2018
Wakanda owes its stability to the wise stewardship of the Black Panthers, for centuries the hereditary rulers of the nation, and its wealth to vibranium, a mysterious element used in the construction of both advanced maglev trains and sonic cannons.

— jonathan w. gray, New Republic, "The Liberating Visions of Black Panther," 13 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'maglev.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.