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 feature also doubles as a useful cargo rack for running errands or carrying luggage on longer trips. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2025

Take after the actress and pair it with coordinating beige slacks for an easy monochromatic moment, or throw it on over T-shirts and leggings for running errands or lounging on the couch. —Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025

Tufts of acacia pollen drift down the slope of the rue d’Alésia, and the neighborhood is out for morning errands. —Nathan Heller, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2025

Our editors wore them everywhere—working, lounging, running errands, and even traveling—and the best picks felt soft against skin, struck the right balance of structure and stretch, and held up to frequent washing. —Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 10 Oct. 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