HTML <dt> Tag

The HTML <dt> tag is used to define a term (or name) within a description list. It is typically used in conjunction with the <dl> (definition list) and ,<dd> (definition description) tags. The <dt> tag represents the term or title being described, while the <dd> tag is used to provide the description or definition for that term.

Syntax of the <dt> Tag

The <dt> tag is used inside a <dl> (definition list) element. Here's the basic syntax:

html
<dl>
  <dt>Term</dt>
  <dd>Description</dd>
</dl>

In this structure:

  • <dt>: Defines the term or title that needs a description.
  • <dd>: Defines the description or definition of the term.

Attributes of the <dt> Tag

While the <dt> tag is primarily used for marking terms within a description list, it also supports the following global attributes that can enhance its functionality:

AttributeDescription
classAssigns a class to the element for CSS styling.
idAssigns a unique ID to the element for identification or linking purposes.
langSpecifies the language of the content within the <dt> tag.
styleAllows for inline CSS styling specific to the <dt> element.
titleProvides additional information, displayed as a tooltip when hovered over.
accesskeyAssigns a keyboard shortcut to focus on the term.
tabindexSpecifies the tabbing order when navigating through the page using the Tab key.

While <dt> doesn’t have specific attributes, these global attributes allow for customization and enhanced accessibility.

Examples of HTML <dt> Tag

Example 1: Simple Definition List

html
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
    <meta charset="UTF-8">
    <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
    <title>Definition List Example</title>
</head>
<body>
    <dl>
        <dt>HTML</dt>
        <dd>Hypertext Markup Language, the standard markup language for creating web pages.</dd>
        
        <dt>CSS</dt>
        <dd>Cascading Style Sheets, used for designing and laying out web pages.</dd>
        
        <dt>JavaScript</dt>
        <dd>A programming language commonly used to create interactive effects within web browsers.</dd>
    </dl>
</body>
</html>

In this example, each term (like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript) is defined using the <dt> tag, with its corresponding description provided within the <dd> tag.

Example 2: Glossary with Styling

html
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
    <meta charset="UTF-8">
    <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
    <title>Styled Definition List</title>
    <style>
        dt {
            font-weight: bold;
            color: blue;
        }
        dd {
            margin-left: 20px;
        }
    </style>
</head>
<body>
    <dl>
        <dt>API</dt>
        <dd>Application Programming Interface, a set of rules that allows software applications to communicate with each other.</dd>
        
        <dt>SEO</dt>
        <dd>Search Engine Optimization, the process of improving the quality and quantity of website traffic from search engines.</dd>
        
        <dt>HTTP</dt>
        <dd>Hypertext Transfer Protocol, used for transmitting hypermedia documents on the web.</dd>
    </dl>
</body>
</html>

This example demonstrates how to style the <dt> and <dd> tags for better presentation. The terms are bolded and coloured blue, while the descriptions are indented for clarity.

FAQs About HTML <dt> Tag

Q1: What is the purpose of the HTML <dt> tag?
A: The <dt> tag is used to define a term in a description list, where it acts as the title or term being described. It pairs with the <dd> tag, which provides the term’s definition.

Q2: Can the <dt> tag be used without the <dd> tag?
A: Technically, the <dt> tag can exist without the <dd> tag, but it’s best practice to use them together to ensure a proper description list structure.

Q3: Does the <dt> tag affect SEO?
A: While the <dt> tag doesn’t directly impact SEO, using semantic HTML tags like <dt> and <dd> improves the structure of your content, making it easier for search engines to understand and index your webpage.

Q4: Is the <dt> tag supported in all browsers?
A: Yes, the <dt> tag is supported by all major browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.

Q5: Can the <dt> tag be styled using CSS?
A: Yes, the <dt> tag can be styled using CSS like any other HTML element. You can apply styles such as font-weight, color, and margin to improve the appearance of the terms.

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