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

Over several months, reporters contacted city, county, state, and federal officials on her behalf but found few resources available. — Joan Murray, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026

Former President Bill Clinton and former Vice President Kamala Harris campaigned on Colom’s behalf in the campaign’s closing weeks. — Bill Barrow, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026

Where necessary to support device-discovery functionality, information about nearby devices detected on the local network may be transmitted to a third-party service provider acting on LG’s behalf to identify compatible devices. — John Higgins, The Verge, 11 Nov. 2026

Former President Clinton and former Vice President Kamala Harris campaigned on Colom’s behalf in the campaign’s closing weeks. — Bill Barrow, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 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