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 modest height is ideal for errands or nights out, and the toe peeking out from beneath the hem screams fashionista. —Amanda Le, InStyle, 2 Jan. 2026

Engh is one of several people suddenly running an expensive errand to get back behind the wheel after their vehicles were towed during the snow emergency. —Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 1 Jan. 2026

When running errands or making a quick stop, nothing is easier than a wristlet. —Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 1 Jan. 2026

There’s also a zipper across the top of the bag, so all your belongings won’t end up on your passenger seat’s floor by the end of an errands run. —Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 31 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