errand

noun

er·​rand ˈer-ənd How to pronounce errand (audio)
ˈe-rənd
Synonyms of errand
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
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.
Havaianas are great for quick errands in your neighborhood. — Emma Bocchi, Vogue, 28 June 2026 Great for running errands, chilling on the couch, or curling up on a redeye flight, this sporty set can do it all. — Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 26 June 2026 Pair it with sneakers for errands, flat sandals for brunch, or wedges for a casual summer dinner. — Aashna Gheewalla, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026 Friends and couples are gathering around kitchen tables with laptops, snacks and the kind of nagging errands most people put off for months. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2026 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

Phrases Containing errand

Rhymes for errand

See All Rhymes for errand

Browse Nearby Words

errancy
errand
errand boy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Errand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/errand. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for errand

Nglish: Translation of errand for Spanish Speakers

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