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

Pisces February 19 – March 20 Sunday might have more than errands in store. — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026

The groom, who is close enough in age to feel more like a cousin, sends them on a quick errand that turns into a string of misadventures, leaving the trio at risk of missing the wedding altogether. — Essie Assibu, Variety, 30 Oct. 2026

Watching with the hope that anything serious will ever shift for the central characters is a fool’s errand. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026

Thoreau reluctantly emerged, did an errand, and then went to collect huckleberries. — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 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