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 errand conveniently provided the opportunity for a longish highway test of Lexus’ newest luxury people-mover. —Sponsored Content, Denver Post, 21 Mar. 2026

Whether you’re headed to errands, the office, an after-hours gathering, let your outfit be the least of your worries. —India Roby, Glamour, 21 Mar. 2026

Drivers headed out on their morning commutes and those running errands are urged to use caution and watch for black ice. —Kansas City Star, 16 Mar. 2026

Their paths cross again when Cory accidentally hits Donny’s bicycle with his car and, as penance, agrees to drive him around town for a week to do errands. —Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 15 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