To provide an inexpensive high thrust linear motor having a simple structure.

Relatively movable armature and cylindrical member and their holding shaft are arranged concentrically, the armature is formed of a ring coil and a magnetic body and a plurality of unit armatures each having a pair of armature yokes for clamping the toroidal coil are arranged coaxially. Each armature yoke is provided, on the inner circumferential surface thereof, with annular magnetic teeth protruding/recessed alternately in the axial direction and the cylindrical member facing the magnetic teeth through a small air gap is provided with annular pole teeth protruding/recessed alternately in the axial direction. When a current is fed to the toroidal coil of the armature, the armature and the cylindrical member can move freely. The invention is especially applicable to a linear stepping motor and a compressor.