In this paper, a novel zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) push–pull high-frequency-link (PPHFL) single-phase inverter is proposed, which consists of a primary-side converter with three power switches ${\mathrm{ S}}_{1}{\sim } {\mathrm{ S}}_{3}$ , high-frequency isolation transformer, cycloconverter, and $LC$ filter circuit. First, the evolution process and the switching strategy of the proposed PPHFL inverter are discussed. Then, the steady operating principle and output characteristics of the inverter are analyzed in detail based on the switching sequence. In addition, the design guidelines and topologies in comparison with the ZVS phase-shift full-bridge topology and typical push–pull circuit are given. It shows that the switches (S1 and ${\mathrm{ S}}_{2})$ of the primary-side converter can realize ZVS easily and the switch S3 can also achieve ZVS when the leakage inductor energy is large enough. Furthermore, the cycloconverter can achieve ZVS commutation. Finally, a 20-kHz PPHFL inverter prototype is developed, whose efficacy is verified by experimental results.