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

Gap Easy Pants The Gap Easy Pants are designed for everyday wear, from the office to running errands, catching a flight, and more. —Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2026

Speculation about their separation circulated online after Ratajkowski was seen running errands without her wedding ring in 2022. —Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026

In many ways, this was a fool’s errand. —Lorraine Nicholson, Vanity Fair, 11 June 2026

In a rare interview, the 30-year-old is speaking over video call while taking a break from running errands. —Jordan Bassett, SPIN, 10 June 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