behalf

noun

be·​half bi-ˈhaf How to pronounce behalf (audio)
-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
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.
Until crude vulgarians like Miller came along, no prominent American political figure would claim on our behalf a right to use our power for purely selfish ends, at the expense of other democratic states and foreign peoples. Bradley Gitz, Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026 The two signed an agreement that month on behalf of limited liability companies to acquire stakes in advertising technology company Adfin, which would later shutter. David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 8 Feb. 2026 Giuffre died by suicide in 2025, but her brother and sister-in-law, who live in El Paso County, have continued to push for justice on her behalf. Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 8 Feb. 2026 Derek Borsody is a first-year medical student at UC and remains unconscious, unresponsive and in intensive care since the collapse, according to a lawsuit filed by Borsody's guardian on his behalf. Gillian Stawiszynski, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Feb. 2026 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 16 Feb. 2026.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster