behalf

noun

be·​half bi-ˈhaf How to pronounce behalf (audio)
-ˈhäf,
bē-
: interest, benefit
also : support, defense
argued in his behalf
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.

Phrases
on behalf of or in behalf of
: in the interest of
also : as a representative of
I wrote the letter on behalf of my client.

Examples of behalf in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His results spoke on his behalf. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2025 Davis sued the Mansfield school district on behalf of Black students in 1955, and a federal appeals court ruled in their favor. Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Oct. 2025 Not on his wife’s behalf but, rather, for the fact that he’d been given this luxury, had spent his life tending to his mind in the space that his wife had cleared for him. Ayşegül Savaş, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2025 The Cut mentioned the bombshell lawsuit Williams's ex-husband, Kevin Hunter, filed on her behalf in June. Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for behalf

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from by + half half, side

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of behalf was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Behalf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/behalf. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

behalf

noun
be·​half bi-ˈhaf How to pronounce behalf (audio)
-ˈhȧf
: useful aid : support
spoke in my behalf

More from Merriam-Webster on behalf

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