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 purse's versatility is what makes shoppers grab it for everything from date nights to running errands. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Aug. 2025

Style it with jeans and sneakers for a day spent shopping or running errands, or wear it with sweatpants on your next flight. —Averi Baudler, People.com, 17 Aug. 2025

Some might say the goal of a nuclear-free world is a fool’s errand. —U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025

For others, a short staycation or even a day to catch up on errands and appointments will do wonders. —Kristen M. Waterfield, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 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