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

During the episode, Conrad steps up to help Belly run errands for the big day while Jeremiah is stuck at work. —Emily Longeretta, Variety, 7 Aug. 2025

The curfew would provide exceptions, including going to and from work, emergencies and running errands on with the permission of a parent or guardian. —Scott Wartman, The Enquirer, 7 Aug. 2025

However, a source tells PEOPLE that the apparent bruising in the photos, which show Richards running errands in Los Angeles wearing a baseball cap, is a result of a cosmetic procedure. —Liza Esquibias, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025

Tripping on an uneven surface or down the stairs Many of the falls ER doctors encounter aren’t the result of obviously risky activities like rock climbing or bungee jumping, but rather everyday stumbles while doing errands or commuting. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 5 Aug. 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