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

Copy the Modern Family star by styling them with a white T-shirt while running errands this winter, or pair them with sweaters and sweatshirts while cozying up at home. —Averi Baudler, People.com, 18 Dec. 2024

The two children were left in his care while their mother ran errands. —Elizabeth Pritchett, Fox News, 17 Dec. 2024

Soon, Gen Z and millennial celebrities like Millie Bobbie Brown and Justin Bieber were photographed wearing the patches while running errands, and teenagers posted vlogs on TikTok and YouTube sporting the patches to school. —Morgan Smith,valentina Duarte, CNBC, 17 Dec. 2024

The third suit stems from an incident in Feb. 2020 where Doe, who had run errands for Combs in 2006, set up a meeting with him to discuss missing job payments. —Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 12 Dec. 2024

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