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

Presidents fought an undeclared war against Afghanistan for two decades costing $2.3 trillion on a fool’s errand concluding in a defeat by the Taliban. —Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 1 May 2025

That’s a lot less than most of us need to sleep, exercise, eat, run errands, and do our best at work. —Shani Harmon, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025

Cargo Tote 26 This canvas tote is a casual yet stylish option for days spent running errands, strolling farmer’s markets, and getting brunch with friends. —Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025

Rain continues to linger in the metro area, mainly along Interstate 70, which could lead to a few sprinkles for Wednesday morning’s commute and errands, the weather service said in its forecast discussion. —Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 23 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