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.
Shared physical activities like cooking, working out or running errands together can be bonding experiences and feel more natural than just texting or talking. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025 Participants in the study also used Lyft to run errands, to make social visits and to get to fitness classes and other entertainment events. Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 7 June 2025 These women's styles seamlessly transition from physical activities like tennis, yoga and golf, to a casual lunch with friends or running errands, without running home and changing clothes. Jené Luciani Sena May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 7 June 2025 The water-resistant tote can be dressed up for the office, or dressed down for an afternoon spent running errands. Will Porter, Architectural Digest, 6 June 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 16 Jun. 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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