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

First, anyone going to Serena with an idea that doesn’t directly benefit Serena is on a fool’s errand. —Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 22 Apr. 2025

Every woman dreams of finding the perfect sundress—one that's versatile enough to wear with a denim jacket while running errands with the kids, layered with a cardigan for the office, and still feel feminine enough to take out for date night. —Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2025

While testing, these quickly became our everyday shoes and came with us on drives, hikes, errand runs, subway trips, and around town. —Hillary Maglin, Travel + Leisure, 17 Apr. 2025

She was dressed casually in a fleece jacket and black pants while running errands. —Julia Moore, People.com, 14 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