A linear motor (L) provided with: a stator (2, 3) in which first magnetic pole teeth (22, 32) are disposed at a prescribed pitch along the movement direction (A) of a movable element (4); and the moveable element (4), which has second magnetic pole teeth (41) disposed at a prescribed pitch along the movement direction (A), and a nonmagnetic holder (42) for holding the second magnetic pole teeth (41), wherein thinning holes (422) and holding holes (421) capable of holding the second magnetic pole teeth (41) are alternatingly formed in the holder (42) along the movement direction (A), the boundary portions (423) of the holding holes (421) and the thinning holes (422) adjacent in the movement direction (A) in the holder (42) being caused to function as positioning parts in the movement direction (A) for the second magnetic pole teeth (41), whereby the magnetic pole teeth of the moveable element can be continually held in the prescribed position even during motion of the moveable element at high speed and high acceleration, and correct action of the linear motor can be secured, while reducing the weight of the moveable element.