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

Clark is still able to drive to run errands or go shopping. —Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2025

The lead-up to vacation can be stressful between running errands to purchase travel-sized items, to doing laundry and packing clothes. —John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025

Here’s how my week went running errands, commuting and going out with a lower-tech phone. —Brian X. Chen, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025

While predicting the short-term price action of stocks is a fool’s errand, last Friday’s indiscriminate and panic selling does provide some optimism that stocks could find some footing this week. —Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 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