errand

noun

er·​rand ˈer-ənd How to pronounce errand (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Taxing deliveries will encourage people to run errands for themselves and thus put more cars on the road in direct contradiction to the holy grail of liberal environmental policy. Kevin Igoe, Baltimore Sun, 4 Mar. 2025 Dress them up with a blouse and blazer for a day in the office, or style them with a T-shirt for a casual day running errands. Averi Baudler, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025 This jacket comes in dozens of colors and is perfect for running errands, outdoor exercise or layering over your favorite sweater. Lauryn Jiles, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2025 This arrangement gives Chapman time to work out and run errands. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 1 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for errand

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of errand was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Errand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/errand. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

errand

noun
er·​rand ˈer-ənd How to pronounce errand (audio)
: a short trip taken to do or get something especially for someone else
also : the object or purpose of such a trip

More from Merriam-Webster on errand

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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