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 new silhouette is free-flowing and ideal for women on the move—nothing’s too tight or stiff to weigh you down on your morning commute or afternoon errand run. —Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 10 Dec. 2025

After all, anything that cuts down on errands and saves your energy can free up time for sleep, precious time for baby snuggles, or a moment to yourself. —Emily Glover, Parents, 9 Dec. 2025

Wide-leg sweatpants meet a relaxed crewneck, creating a look that’s cozy enough for long flights yet put-together enough for coffee stops or errands. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 8 Dec. 2025

Predicting policy decisions from a transactional president remains a fool’s errand. —Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 8 Dec. 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