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

At trial, Basabe will have the ability to testify on his own behalf and to cross-examine witnesses called by the plaintiffs. — Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026

Bill negotiation PocketGuard partners with Billshark, a company that negotiates for lower rates on your behalf. — Catherine Collins, USA Today, 10 July 2026

Traditional executive recruiting works on behalf of companies. — Gabe Dymond, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Through the chaos, Colleen — who preferred her husband speak on her behalf for this story — is steadied by the TV, waiting for her two favorite programs to come on each evening. — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 10 July 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
• distaff
• falstaff
• giraffe
• autograph
• biograph
• cenotaph
• chronograph
• epigraph
• epitaph
• hodograph
• holograph

Kids Definition

behalf

noun

be·​half bi-ˈhaf 

-ˈhȧf

: useful aid : support

spoke in my behalf