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

Celebrate Mom by letting her sleep in, take some of those chores off her list, or lighten her load by running some errands. —Jennifer Borresen, USA TODAY, 10 May 2024

Balloon sleeves and a relaxed skirt offer freedom of movement for sightseeing, shopping, running errands, and beyond, and it can even be dressed up or down depending on the occasion, lending itself to a truly versatile travel wardrobe. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 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