errand

noun

er·​rand ˈer-ənd 

ˈe-rənd

1

a

: a short trip taken to attend to some business often for another

was on an errand for his mother

b

: the object or purpose of such a trip

2

archaic

a

: an oral message entrusted to a person

b

: embassy, mission

Examples of errand in a Sentence

He was sent out on an urgent errand.

We were there on an errand of mercy to help provide medical care for the refugees.

Recent Examples on the Web

Hoosiers who need to mail a letter, visit their bank or those who have business at the BMV might want to run their errands ahead of Veterans Day, which honors the women and men who served in the United States military. —John Tufts, IndyStar, 6 Nov. 2025

Bella Hadid and Julia Fox have been running errands in their underpants. —Julie Beck, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2025

Also, Google Wallet and Google Maps slide into daily errands without fuss. —PC Magazine, 4 Nov. 2025

If Maciel goes out to run errands, sometimes Mazikeen tags along in a sling. —Idaho Statesman, 4 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English erend message, business, from Old English ǣrend; akin to Old High German ārunti message

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing errand

• errand boy
• fool's errand

Rhymes for errand

• gerund

Kids Definition

errand

noun

er·​rand ˈer-ənd 

: a short trip taken to do or get something especially for someone else

also : the object or purpose of such a trip