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

On Friday, April 24, the content creator posted a TikTok documenting her day running errands. —Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026

These are my go-to shoes in the spring and summer for everything from running errands to heading out to brunch. —Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2026

The victims trusted Gavin for help with running errands and repairs, the district attorney's office said. —Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026

And on one such day, The Iguana just happened to go to town to do some shopping and other errands. —Corky Carroll, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026

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