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

It’s made from a soft, naturally breathable modal fabric that can easily transition from the gym to running errands, according to shoppers. —Averi Baudler, People.com, 5 Jan. 2025

But Jinna said customers don’t mind the wait and either hang around and talk to other customers or run errands in the area. —Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 2 Jan. 2025

Parents running quick errands for a few minutes may think their child will remain unharmed if left alone and buckled in the car. —David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024

The ease of forgoing this one article of clothing somehow makes running errands in the winter more bearable. —The Editors, Outside Online, 27 Dec. 2024

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

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