DL - Definition List

The DL element defines a definition list. An entry in the list is created using the DT element for the term being defined and the DD element for the definition of the term.

A definition list can have multiple terms for a given definition as well as multiple definitions for a given term. Authors can also give a term without a corresponding definition, and vice versa, but such a structure rarely makes sense.

An example follows:

<DL>

  <DT>Block-level elements</DT>
  <DD>
    <P>
      In HTML, block-level elements may generally contain
      inline elements and other block-level elements. They are
      usually formatted differently than inline elements,
      typically on a new line in visual browsers.
    </P>
  </DD>

  <DT>Inline elements</DT>
  <DT>Text-level elements</DT>
  <DD>
    <P>
      Inline (or text-level) elements generally only contain
      character data and other inline elements.
    </P>
  </DD>

</DL>

The DL element can be adapted for use with structures that are not strict terms and definitions, a practice that is justified when other HTML elements cannot adequately describe a structure. Some examples follow:

• <H1>Community Calendar</H1>
  
  <DL CLASS=calendar>
  
    <DT>March 8</DT>
    <DD>
      The Symphony Orchestra presents <CITE>A Rising Star</CITE>
      at the Anderson Center. Call 555-1234 for details.
    </DD>
  
    <DT>March 10</DT>
    <DD>
      Bereaved Families Support Night, 7:00 to 9:00 at
      523 Main <ABBR TITLE=Street>St.</ABBR>
    </DD> 
  
  </DL>

• <DL CLASS=play>
  
    <DT>Brutus</DT>
    <DD CLASS="role Brutus">
      <P>
        I kiss thy hand, but not in flattery, Caesar;<BR>
        Desiring thee that Publius Cimber may<BR>
        Have an immediate freedom of repeal.
      </P>
    </DD>
  
    <DT>Caesar</DT>
    <DD CLASS="role Caesar">
      <P>
        What, Brutus!
      </P>
    </DD>
  
    <DT>Cassius</DT>
    <DD CLASS="role Cassius">
      <P>
        Pardon, Caesar; Caesar, pardon:<BR>
        As low as to thy foot doth Cassius fall,<BR>
        To beg enfranchisement for Publius Cimber.
      </P>
    </DD>
  
  </DL>

Note the use of the CLASS attribute in the preceding examples. This allows the author to easily suggest, through style sheets, a distinguishing presentation for different kinds of definition lists.

More Information

• DL in W3C HTML 4.0 Recommendation
• DL in W3C HTML 3.2 Recommendation
• DL in HTML 2.0 Standard
• DL in WDG HTML 3.2 Reference
• UL in Learning HTML 3.2 by Examples