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.
Their efforts are instead expected to focus on developing the Ivy League Players’ Association as a vehicle to negotiate group licensing deals on behalf of Ivy league athletes on a conference-wide level. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 31 Dec. 2024 Billy Carter, who owned a gas station, visited the country in 1978 and 1979 as part of his work on behalf of an American company seeking to get into the oil industry there. Jesus Jiménez, New York Times, 30 Dec. 2024 The Institute for Free Speech challenged those limits in court, filing a lawsuit on behalf of the conservative political action committee Dinner Table Action, a super PAC that funds mostly Republican candidates and causes. Chris Wade | The Center Square Contributor, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 30 Dec. 2024 Having said that, even the human user might become obsolete if OpenAI can do things on the computer on your behalf. John Werner, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near behalf

Cite this Entry

“Behalf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/behalf. Accessed 6 Jan. 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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