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Structural Element - Definition/description list

  • WAVE Category: Structural Element
  • WAVE Structural Element: Definition/description list

Page Content Status

  • WAVE Tool Reference text
  • Example of a DOM Snippet Generated From WAVE Tool
  • Screenshots of Accessibility Pattern in Use
  • Credits/Authors

WAVE Tool Reference

Click to see WAVE Tool Reference

This content added 2026-03-23. Check for updated guidance at: https://wave.webaim.org/api/docs?format=html#dl

WAVE Category

Structural Elements

WAVE Error

Definition/description list

What It Means

A definition/description list (<dl> element) is present.

Why It Matters

Definition lists (called description lists in HTML5) present the descriptions for terms or name/value pairs. Users of many assistive technologies can navigate by and within lists.

What To Do

Ensure that the list is appropriate for the context (it is used for definitions or name/value pairs) and that definition terms (<dt>) and descriptions (<dd>) are provided.

The Algorithm... in English

A <dl> element is present.

Standards and Guidelines

Example of a DOM Snippet Generated From WAVE Tool

[HTML snippet showing the problematic code structure that WAVE detected]

Screenshots of Accessibility Pattern in Use

1. Descriptive Title for Screenshot Set 1

Description/text for image

[INSERT IMAGE HERE]

Credits/Authors

  • @Rabia2219
  • [INCLUDE Contributor 2]
  • [INCLUDE Contributor N]