rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryerrandTask-related trip
noun

errand

AIR-und/ˈerənd/

A short trip made to carry out a practical task.

She runs an errand to mail a letter near her home.

A woman makes a quick neighborhood errand by walking from her nearby home to post a letter in a street mailbox.
Etymology
errandOld Englishmessage, mission

Old English ærende referred to a message or mission, originally an important one. The meaning later narrowed to a short, simple journey made to carry out a task.

In context

Storytime Haven177:22
certain you left the body here?" "Certain?" I echoed. "Why, look at the hole I made. You don't think I have any interest in leading you here on a fool's errand, do you?"
The Czar's Spy: The Mystery of a Silent Love 🕵️‍♂️💘 | William Le Queux Classic Spy Thriller

More examples

  • I have three errands to finish before lunch.
  • He offered to do errands for his injured neighbor.
  • The quick errand took longer than expected.

Forms

errand · errands

Similar words

chore
A task that need not involve a trip.
mission
Usually sounds more substantial or purposeful.