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

Dropping off a homemade meal or running errands can make a big difference and help ease their burden. —Julie Scott, Msn, Anp-Bc, Aocnp, Verywell Health, 27 Jan. 2025

Marylanders shouldn’t have to put up with danger and chaos just to go to work or run errands. —Cailey Locklair, Baltimore Sun, 27 Jan. 2025

Free Assembly Welt Pocket Cardigan Sweater This cardigan has range — it can be worn casually with jeans for nights out, dressed up with slacks for the office, or worn as an extra layer while running errands or lounging around at home. —Kelsey Fredricks, People.com, 26 Jan. 2025

According to authorities, Victoria Rivera was running errands while little Jazeli Mirabal drowned in the tub inside their apartment on West Farms Road near Boone Ave. —Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 25 Jan. 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

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