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

Throngs of volunteers shuttle items, run errands, or offer rides to those in need. —Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 24 Jan. 2026

Forecasters urge people to run errands and stock up on supplies before Saturday afternoon, when the snow is expected to begin. —Anusha Mathur, NPR, 24 Jan. 2026

Run any necessary errands before the storm, avoid traveling while conditions are dangerous, and have weather alerts turned on to stay informed. —Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 23 Jan. 2026

Denim tops are extremely versatile for dressing up or down, which is ideal for the Florentine lifestyle, transitioning from morning errands to museum visits to evening aperitivos. —Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 21 Jan. 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