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

While never a good idea, leaving your pet alone in a vehicle — even during a quick errand — is especially dangerous this time of year. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 27 June 2024

You’d be assigned a different person and could do anything: just visit them, run errands for them, go [see] them at the hospital. —Nicole Acheampong, New York Times, 26 June 2024

The open-front design and breezy fit are ideal for vacations, quick errands, and pickups and drop-offs for summer camp. —Dorian Smith-Garcia, Parents, 26 June 2024

Pair it with a workout set and sneakers for your next day in the airport, or keep it casual with jeans and a T-shirt while running errands or sightseeing. —Rose Marder, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 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