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

The Moon enters Sagittarius and your 3rd House of Communication, highlighting calls, messages, errands, siblings, neighbors, and daily logistics. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2026

Messages, calls, errands, or coworker questions may interrupt the system that keeps you steady. — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 19 Aug. 2026

Families are no longer looking for someone to simply cover a shift or help with errands. — Dr. Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Weighted vests have moved from niche tactical gear to a mainstream wellness trend, with midlife adults strapping them on for walks, errands and chores in the name of bone health. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 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