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.
The law also would open them to lawsuits filed on behalf of minors. Dara Kam, Orlando Sentinel, 1 Mar. 2025 The Congressional Hispanic Caucus announced Friday that Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.), caucus chair, will deliver, on behalf of Democrats, the official Spanish-language response to Trump’s upcoming joint address to Congress. Fernanda Figueroa, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2025 But the lawsuit filed in federal court in San Francisco on behalf of thousands of federal workers claimed that the only fraud here is being committed by the administration. Chris Arnold, NPR, 1 Mar. 2025 Nonresident and dual-status aliens, taxpayers who file more than once a year and those filing on behalf of an estate, trust or partnership can’t take the standard deduction, either. Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 28 Feb. 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 5 Mar. 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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