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

Other companies, such as Reverse Recruiting Agency, Find My Profession, and Career Agents, apply to jobs on behalf of customers. —Jake Angelo, Fortune, 19 Apr. 2026

Donations are made to Arts Orange County on behalf of Artist of the Year. —Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026

In a potential sign of concern, Senate Republicans’ main super political action committee, the Senate Leadership Fund, recently announced plans to spend $79 million on Husted’s behalf. —Julie Carr Smyth, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2026

Catholic Charities, which has operated the Family Service Center on behalf of Ramsey County for more than 25 years, was recently notified by the county that their long-standing contract will not be extended past June 30. —Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 19 Apr. 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