behalf

1 of 2

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.

on behalf of

2 of 2

phrase

variants or on someone's behalf

1

also US in behalf of someone or in someone's behalf : as a representative of someone

The teacher accepted the award on behalf of the class. = The teacher accepted the award on the class's behalf.

2

also US in behalf of someone or in someone's behalf : for the benefit of someone : in support of someone

She spoke in behalf of the other candidate.

They're willing to do anything on their child's behalf.

3

: because of someone : to please someone

Don't get up on my behalf.

Examples of behalf in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Dance The ballet dancer Misty Copeland’s fight on behalf of Black dancers, who have traditionally been underrepresented in ballet, along with the determination and grace that have characterized her own rise, has arguably transcended the art itself. — Rhoda Feng, New Yorker, 31 July 2026

Colin Gray declined to speak at his sentencing, and his attorneys called no witness to testify on his behalf. — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 31 July 2026

Phrase

The official, who spoke on behalf of the State Department on condition of anonymity, said Brazil has indicated the approval is likely to be delayed until after its election in October. — Abigail Williams, NBC news, 5 Aug. 2026

BanksPhotos/Getty Images A certificate of deposit (CD) account doesn't just produce a sizable return without any effort on behalf of the saver. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from by + half half, side

First Known Use

Noun

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
• 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