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

This lounge set includes a crewneck sweatshirt and matching wide-leg sweatpants, fit for traveling, running errands, or cozying up at home. — Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026

Wear the jacket in place of a sweatshirt or puffer vest while traveling, or throw it on to run errands closer to home. — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 17 Sep. 2026

Friends and social media influencers Analyse Talavera and Carmen Rene Smith have traded costly dinner catchups for Costco errand runs. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 17 Sep. 2026

Whether your fall plans include a trip across the world, a weekend getaway, or just an errand trip to the grocery store, upgrade your fall wardrobe with these versatile travel dresses in the season’s must-have color, starting at just $27. — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 2026

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