An "errant child" is one who misbehaves. (You might also see "arrant" occasionally - it's a word that originated as an alteration of "errant" and that usually means "extreme" or "shameless.")

ERRANT definition: deviating from the regular or proper course; erring; erring; straying. See examples of errant used in a sentence.

ERRANT definition: 1. behaving wrongly in some way, especially by leaving home: 2. behaving wrongly in some way…. Learn more.

1. Roving, especially in search of adventure: knights errant. 2. Failing to adhere to guidelines or moral standards: errant youngsters.

Definition of errant adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Although errant is commonly used as a synonym for "misbehaving" or "naughty," it also refers to things that are just out of place. An errant bomb can hit a house instead of an army base, and an errant lock …

Arrant vs. Errant: What's the Difference? Although they may sound similar, arrant and errant convey distinct meanings. Arrant is an adjective that intensifies the negative connotation of a noun, often …

Errant is used to describe someone whose actions are considered unacceptable or wrong by other people. For example, an errant husband is unfaithful to his partner.

Dec 11, 2025 · Adjective errant (comparative more errant, superlative most errant) Straying from the proper course or standard, or outside established limits.

errant, adj. meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary