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

Our picks include sets perfect for traveling, running errands, or lounging in the house. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 29 Mar. 2025

Historically, betting against bigs who can pass is a fool’s errand. —John Hollinger, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025

This matching two-piece set takes the guesswork out of pulling together a cute outfit for traveling, lounging, or running errands. —Isabel Garcia, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025

Pull them on to lounge at home, run errands on the weekend, or relax on a long flight. —Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 27 Mar. 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