Definition List Items

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Definition List Items are pairs of terms and their descriptions grouped together in a structured way. When built correctly, assistive tools can clearly communicate which description belongs to which term. Well-formed definition lists make content clearer for both people and search engines.

Definition List Items

Definition list items are term-description pairs wrapped in the HTML <dl>, <dt>, and <dd> elements. A <dt> is the term being defined and <dd> is the description that follows it. When these elements are properly paired inside a <dl>, browsers and assistive tools understand which description belongs to which term — creating a clear, structured relationship.

Why It Matters

Screen readers announce the relationship. When definition list items are properly structured, screen readers can tell users "term: X, definition: Y" — making glossaries, FAQs, and metadata fields genuinely useful for assistive technology users.
Search engines understand structured data better. Well-formed definition lists give search engines clear signals about the relationship between terms and their meanings, which can help with featured snippets and rich results.
They enforce content clarity. Using definition lists encourages you to think about your content in pairs — what is the thing, and what does it mean? This structure improves readability for everyone.
Improper structure breaks the relationship. If <dt> and <dd> elements are orphaned, mismatched, or used outside a <dl>, the term-definition relationship is lost and the markup becomes meaningless noise.

How to Use Them Correctly

Always wrap pairs in a <dl>. The definition list container is required. A <dt> or <dd> floating on its own outside a <dl> is invalid HTML.
Pair every <dt> with at least one <dd>. A term without a description is incomplete. Every <dt> should be followed by one or more <dd> elements that explain it.
Keep the order logical. Put the <dt> first, then its <dd>. You can have multiple <dd> elements after a single <dt> if a term has multiple definitions.
Use them for the right content. Definition lists are ideal for glossaries, metadata pairs (like "Author: Jane Doe"), FAQs, and any content where items naturally pair as label-value or term-description.
Do not use them for layout. Definition lists are not a replacement for regular lists or grid layouts. Use them only when the content genuinely represents term-description relationships.

Common Mistakes

Orphaned <dt> without a <dd>. A term without a definition is like a question without an answer. Screen readers and validators will flag this as an issue.
Putting non-list content inside a <dl>. The only direct children of a <dl> should be <dt>, <dd>, and optionally <div> wrappers that group <dt>/<dd> pairs.
Using <dt>/<dd> outside a <dl>. These elements only have meaning when they are inside a definition list. Used elsewhere, they are just divs with no semantic value.
Mixing up <dl> with <ul> or <ol>. Regular lists are for sequences of items. Definition lists are specifically for term-description pairs. Using the wrong list type confuses the semantic meaning of your content.

Bottom Line: Use <dl>, <dt>, and <dd> together to create properly structured term-description pairs. Always pair every term with at least one description, and keep them inside a <dl> container.

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Synonyms: Definition List, DT/DD Pairs, Description List

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noun | / LIK-wid PUR-pul /

(biochemistry) Also known as visual purple or rhodopsin — a light-sensitive receptor protein found in the rods of the retina. It enables vision in dim light by transforming invisible darkness into visible form. Derived from the Greek rhódon (rose) and ópsis (sight), its name reflects its delicate pink hue and vital role in perception.
(modern usage) Liquid Purple — a digital marketing agency specializing in uncovering unseen opportunities and illuminating brands hidden in the digital dark. Much like its biological namesake, Liquid Purple transforms faint signals into clear visibility — revealing what others overlook and bringing businesses into the light.

Origin: From the scientific term rhodopsin, discovered by Franz Christian Boll in 1876; adopted metaphorically by a marketing firm dedicated to visual clarity in the age of algorithms.

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Definition List Items