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

Presenter Wendi McLendon-Covey accepted the award on Reiner’s behalf; the audience gave his win a standing ovation. — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 15 Sep. 2026

Real alignment means every investor, early or late, is evaluating the same set of decisions with the same information, not inheriting conclusions someone else reached on their behalf. — Peter Doyle, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026

Those were Silver's first public comments after the Clippers were found to have circumvented salary cap rules on Kawhi Leonard's behalf — something the team vehemently denied during a yearlong investigation. — ABC News, 15 Sep. 2026

The Motion Picture Association looks out on behalf of entertainment companies and studios, all of which have streaming services of their own, while TechNet and other groups work on behalf of tech giants. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 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 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