---
title: "<dt>/<dd> Need Parent <dl> | Accessibility Rule"
description: "<dt> and <dd> elements must be contained by a <dl>. Why the dlitem rule
  fails (WCAG 2.0, serious impact), how to fix it and how to catch it with TestingBot."
source_url:
  html: https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/dlitem
  md: https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/dlitem.md
---

# Ensure \<dt\> and \<dd\> elements are contained by a \<dl\>

Rule ID: dlitem User Impact: serious Guidelines: WCAG 2.0

In HTML, definition terms (`<dt>`) and their corresponding descriptions (`<dd>`) should be properly nested within a definition list (`<dl>`) to maintain semantic structure and ensure accessibility.

## About This Rule

This rule ensures that all `<dt>` and `<dd>` elements are children of a `<dl>` element, maintaining proper semantic structure and enhancing accessibility for users of assistive technologies.

## Why It Matters

Screen readers and other assistive technologies rely on correct HTML semantics to convey information accurately. When `<dt>` and `<dd>` elements are not enclosed within a `<dl>`, it can lead to confusion, making it difficult for users to understand the relationship between terms and their definitions.

## How to Fix

Ensure that all `<dt>` and `<dd>` elements are properly nested within a `<dl>` element:

- Wrap each set of `<dt>` and `<dd>` pairs inside a `<dl>` element.
- Ensure that each `<dt>` is immediately followed by its corresponding `<dd>`.
- Avoid placing `<dt>` or `<dd>` elements outside of a `<dl>`.

### Example

#### Incorrect

Definition terms and descriptions outside of a `<dl>`:

```html
<dt>Coffee</dt>
<dd>A brewed beverage prepared from roasted coffee beans.</dd>
<dt>Tea</dt>
<dd>An aromatic beverage commonly prepared by pouring hot water over cured leaves.</dd>
```

#### Correct

Properly nested `<dt>` and `<dd>` elements within a `<dl>`:

```html
<dl>
  <dt>Coffee</dt>
  <dd>A brewed beverage prepared from roasted coffee beans.</dd>
  <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:

- [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)
- [frame-title-unique](https://testingbot.com/support/accessibility/web/rules/frame-title-unique)