errand

noun

er·​rand ˈer-ənd How to pronounce errand (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for errand

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of errand was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Errand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/errand. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

errand

noun
er·​rand ˈer-ənd How to pronounce errand (audio)
: a short trip taken to do or get something especially for someone else
also : the object or purpose of such a trip

More from Merriam-Webster on errand

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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