---
title: "<dl> Definition List Structure | Accessibility Rule"
description: "<dl> elements must only directly contain properly-ordered <dt> and <dd>
  groups, <script>, <template> or <div> elements"
source_url:
  html: https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/definition-list
  md: https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/definition-list.md
---

# Ensure \<dl\> elements are structured correctly

Rule ID: definition-list User Impact: serious Guidelines: WCAG 2.0

Definition lists (`<dl>`) should be correctly structured to ensure accessibility and proper semantic meaning.

## About This Rule

This rule ensures that `<dl>` elements are structured correctly, containing only properly ordered `<dt>` and `<dd>` groups, optionally wrapped in `<div>`, `<script>`, or `<template>` elements. Adhering to this structure is essential for semantic accuracy and accessibility.

## Why It Matters

Screen readers interpret definition lists in a specific way. Improperly structured lists can lead to confusion or inaccurate output for users relying on assistive technologies. Ensuring correct markup enhances the user experience and maintains semantic integrity.

## How to Fix

Ensure that your definition lists adhere to the following structure:

- `<dl>` elements should contain only `<dt>` (definition term) and `<dd>` (definition description) elements, optionally wrapped in `<div>`, `<script>`, or `<template>` elements. 
- Each `<dt>` should be immediately followed by one or more corresponding `<dd>` elements. 
- Avoid placing non-permissible elements directly within a `<dl>`. 

### Example

#### Correct Structure

```html
<dl>
  <dt>Coffee</dt>
  <dd>A brewed beverage prepared from roasted coffee beans.</dd>
  <div>
    <dt>Milk</dt>
    <dd>A white liquid produced by the mammary glands of mammals.</dd>
  </div>
</dl>
```

#### Incorrect Structure

```html
<dl>
  <p>This is a paragraph inside a dl, which is incorrect.</p>
  <dt>Tea</dt>
  <dd>An aromatic beverage commonly prepared by pouring hot water over cured leaves.</dd>
</dl>
```

## Other Rules

Interested in other web accessibility rules? Please see these other rules:

- [dlitem](https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/dlitem)
- [document-title](https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/document-title)
- [duplicate-id-aria](https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/duplicate-id-aria)
- [form-field-multiple-labels](https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/form-field-multiple-labels)
- [frame-focusable-content](https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/frame-focusable-content)