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

Messenger Mercury conjoins ambitious Mars in your 3rd House of Communication, boosting errands and sibling talks, as well as putting more focus on practical, timely conversations. —Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 15 Mar. 2026

Grocery store errands become more efficient, and visits to coffee shops, restaurants, and bars require ascertaining where the nearest bomb shelter lies. —Michael M. Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026

Then an errand or a drive to work ends with their being swept into ICE’s vast detention system. —Daniella Silva, NBC news, 13 Mar. 2026

This two-piece outfit delivers instant coziness, but it can also be dressed up with a few thoughtful pairings; add ballet flats and a jean jacket to run errands in style. —Annie Blackman, InStyle, 13 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