errand

noun

er·​rand ˈer-ənd How to pronounce errand (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Yet between travel, laundry, errands, kids’ games and headlines that spark concern, the day can potentially feel less like a recharge and more like another kind of work. Dilan Gomih, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025 This mini tennis dress features a square neckline and subtle front slit for style points, but reviewers attest the soft, flattering fabric is just as good for a workout dress that’s comfortable for both tennis and lounging or running errands. Lauren Alexis Fisher, Footwear News, 27 June 2025 Maggie Slepian has cycled thousands of miles on bikepacking trips as well as running errands on her bike in town. Maggie Slepian, Travel + Leisure, 26 June 2025 These seven-inch yoga shorts sit mid-thigh and are an excellent option for yoga classes or running errands. Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for errand

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of errand was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Errand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/errand. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

errand

noun
er·​rand ˈer-ənd How to pronounce errand (audio)
: a short trip taken to do or get something especially for someone else
also : the object or purpose of such a trip

More from Merriam-Webster on errand

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!