behalf

noun

be·​half bi-ˈhaf 

-ˈhäf, 

bē-

: interest, benefit

also : support, defense

argued in his behalf

see also:

on behalf of

On Behalf of vs. in Behalf of: Usage Guide

A body of opinion favors in with the "interest, benefit" sense of behalf and on with the "support, defense" sense. This distinction has been observed by some writers but overall has never had a sound basis in actual usage. In current British use, on behalf (of) has replaced in behalf (of); both are still used in American English, but the distinction is frequently not observed.

Examples of behalf in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Our investigation has shown that the parcel wasn't removed by a courier operating on behalf of Just Eat, however. —Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 3 May 2026

Crockett also campaigned as a surrogate on behalf of former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris. —Jack Fink, CBS News, 3 May 2026

Biffle’s niece, Jordyn, who is in charge of her uncle’s estate, accepted the award on his behalf. —Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 2 May 2026

Then, Thursday, Dan Spillane, the NBA’s Executive Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, League Governance & Policy, sent a four-page letter on behalf of the league to Christopher Kirkpatrick. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 2 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from by + half half, side

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing behalf

• in behalf of someone
• in someone's behalf
• on behalf of
• on behalf of someone
• on someone's behalf

Rhymes for behalf

• carafe
• digraph
• distaff
• falstaff
• giraffe
• subgraph
• autograph
• biograph
• cenotaph
• chronograph
• epigraph
• epitaph

Kids Definition

behalf

noun

be·​half bi-ˈhaf 

-ˈhȧf

: useful aid : support

spoke in my behalf