View synonyms for

errand

[er-uhnd]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a short and quick trip to accomplish a specific purpose, as to buy something, deliver a package, or convey a message, often for someone else.
Synonyms: , , ,
the purpose of such a trip.
He finished his errands.
Synonyms: , , ,
a special mission or function entrusted to a messenger; commission.

errand

/ ˈɛ��ə�Ի� /

noun

a short trip undertaken to perform a necessary task or commission (esp in the phrase run errands )
the purpose or object of such a trip

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of errand¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English erande, Old English æ��Ի��; cognate with Old High German ��ܲԳ�ī; compare Old English �� “messenger,” Gothic airus; not related to err ( def. ), errant ( def. )

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of errand¹

Old English ǣ��Ի��; related to �� messenger, Old Norse erendi message, Old High German ��unti, Swedish ä��Ի��

Discover More

Idioms and Phrases

see fool's errand; run an errand.

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

It offered volunteers to run errands or go grocery shopping for families so they can remain indoors.

From

Trying to predict Donald Trump's economic policy decisions from one moment to the next is a fool's errand.

From

But hoping for nuance in this franchise is a fool’s errand.

From

Why not go one step further and put an AI assistant in charge of running our errands?

From

She is hesitant to go to church, hasn’t visited a doctor in months, and can’t run errands with any peace of mind.

From

errancy errand boy

Browse