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

My top picks of the versatile bottoms can be worn from the airplane to running errands to hot yoga, and the best part? —Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2025

The versatile, ultra-soft bottoms are made with a light and breathable material that’s ideal for running errands, heading to the gym, curling up on the couch; the list goes on. —Melony Forcier, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025

Fessceruna 3-Piece Loungewear Set Fessceruna’s three-piece loungewear set is perfect for cozying up at home on the couch, running quick errands, and enduring long travel days. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Sep. 2025

Not every outing can be for an extravagant meal at Giorgio Baldi, but that isn’t stopping Rihanna and A$AP Rocky from making the most of even the most basic errand run. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 3 Sep. 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