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 Lululemon Pace Breaker Linerless Shorts are versatile enough for working out, traveling, running errands, or just lounging at home, and the moisture-wicking fabric will keep you dry and comfortable. —Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2026

Looking for trends after 20-something games is a fool’s errand, of course. —Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2026

Casual Weekend Look My weekends are often spent running errands, walking my dog, and meeting up with friends for coffee or brunch. —Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 19 Apr. 2026

And the President doesn’t seem to mind if Vance humiliates himself running errands. —Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 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