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

Other cargo accessories include an oversized rear rack basket for carrying serious cargo and twin panniers for commuting, errands, and travel. —Erica Zazo, Outside, 27 Mar. 2026

For weekend errands Repurpose your go-to work shirt for the weekend by layering it under an oversized tee. —Kelsey Stiegman, Glamour, 27 Mar. 2026

And, of course, Reese took Prince with him to run errands, like grocery shopping. —Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026

Remote workers are running errands and exercising. —Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 25 Mar. 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