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

The pair are believed to have been found guilty in an Iranian court of spying on behalf of both France and Israel and given long prison sentences, according to the BBC. —Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 16 Mar. 2026

The spending on Kelly’s behalf has been widely viewed as an attempt to split the Black vote between her and Stratton, potentially aiding Krishnamoorthi. —Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026

Donations are made to Arts Orange County on behalf of Artist of the Year. —Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026

The Women of Impact honor went to the La Jolla Woman’s Club, whose president, Nancy Jones, accepted the award on the group’s behalf. —Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 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