Description List

The <dl>, <dt> and <dd> tags.

Screenshot of a description list for DVD player item listing.

Introduction

A description list represents an association list consisting of zero or more name-value groups. It maintains the many-to-many relationship between names and values (ex: terms and definitions, metadata topics and values, questions and answers, or any other groups of name-value data).

The <dl> element encloses a list of groups of terms (specified using the <dt> element) and descriptions (provided by <dd> elements). Common uses for this element are to implement a glossary or to display metadata (a list of key-value pairs).

Working Examples

The content for this section is not yet available.

Best Practices

• Every list should have a pairing (name-value).

• Lists should not be nested within each other.

Interaction Design

Description lists themselves are not interactive, but may contain nested interactive elements (such as links).

Developer Guide

A description list requires no ARIA.

<dl>
    <dt>Authors:</dt>
    <dd>Remy Sharp</dd>
    <dd>Rich Clark</dd>
    <dt>Editor:</dt>
    <dd>Brandan Lennox</dd>
    <dt>Category:</dt>
    <dd>Comment</dd>
</dl>