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 This relaxed zip-front jacket is my favorite layering item when heading to and from Pilates, for coffee meetups, and running errands. Jean Chen Smith, Travel + Leisure, 24 Mar. 2024 The plot of The Mezzanine is deceptively banal: Howie goes to work, rips his shoelace, runs errands on his lunch break, and returns to his cubicle. Celine Nguyen, The Atlantic, 20 Mar. 2024 The photo and video of the couple running errands at the Windsor Farm Shop over the weekend serves as a prime example. Simon Perry, Peoplemag, 20 Mar. 2024 Hadid was spotted running errands in New York City wearing a sleek, all-black look–her preferred attire for professional engagements. Alex Kessler, Vogue, 15 Mar. 2024 Irish pubs are also historically community hubs — places to chat, network and run errands. Carson Terbush, Washington Post, 14 Mar. 2024 Without these cars, Owens said basic errands would be more stressful. Ari Plachta, Sacramento Bee, 7 Mar. 2024 These unique shoes are great for walking, running errands, and lounging around in like slippers. Kristine Thomason, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2024 Trying to judge how ready a player is for the season based on spring training stats can be a fool’s errand. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'errand.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near errand

Cite this Entry

“Errand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/errand. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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