A suction nozzle for applying a suction to an object and thereby holding the object, the suction nozzle including a nozzle portion having an end surface, and a suction passage formed in the nozzle portion and opening in the end surface thereof, the end surface providing a suction surface that applies the suction to the object and thereby holds the object. At least a free end portion of the nozzle portion has a shape whose diameter gradually increases in a direction from the end surface thereof toward a base end thereof opposite to the end surface.