Definition lists must be structured correctly
Rule
dl-structure· Structure & semantics · impact moderate · Static + live
Why it matters
A
- conveys term/description pairs. Other elements directly inside it break the programmatic association between terms and their descriptions.
- ,
- (and optional grouping wrappers that contain dt/dd pairs) as children of
- . role="presentation" on unavoidable decorative children keeps the list valid.
Example
✕ Fails <dl><p>Term</p></dl>✓ Passes <dl><dt>Term</dt><dd>Description</dd></dl>Example
✕ Fails <dl><div><p>What is X?</p><p>X is …</p></div></dl>✓ Passes <dl><div><dt>Term</dt><dd>Description</dd></div></dl>A
inside- is only valid as a wrapper for dt/dd groups.
WCAG success criteria
1.3.1 Info and Relationships — Level A
Structure and relationships conveyed visually (headings, lists, tables, labels, groups) must also be available programmatically.
Standards
This rule contributes to the following standards:
WCAG A EN 301 549
Standard Criteria EN 301 549 9.1.3.1 References
How to fix
Use only