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

Keep your phone and ID in the cargo pockets for easy access on quick errands or from the bag check to the TSA line. —Amber Cardullo, Travel + Leisure, 18 Dec. 2025

Early mornings on weekdays tend to be quieter, making errands less stressful. —Sara Braun, Miami Herald, 15 Dec. 2025

Between hosting, cooking, and running last-minute errands, sometimes a gift falls through the cracks. —Essence, 15 Dec. 2025

Style it with sneakers for a day of catching flights or running errands, or dress it up with booties or flats for a casual night out. —Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 12 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