References

Beginner-friendly references for web development, with live, editable examples.

The HTML <dt> tag

Element All modern browsers Updated
Quick answer

The HTML <dt> element specifies a term or name in a description list (<dl>), followed by one or more <dd> descriptions.

Overview

The <dt> (description term) element names the item being described inside a <dl>. Each <dt> is followed by the <dd> element(s) that describe it.

You can list several <dt> elements in a row before the descriptions, in which case those consecutive terms share the <dd> descriptions that follow — useful when two names mean the same thing.

Syntax

<dl>
  <dt>Coffee</dt>
  <dd>A hot beverage.</dd>
</dl>

Example

Live example 
<dl>
  <dt>Apple</dt>
  <dd>A red or green fruit.</dd>
</dl>

Best practices

  • Use <dt> for the term, immediately followed by its <dd> description.
  • Place it only inside a <dl>.
  • List consecutive <dt> elements when several terms share the same description.
  • Keep the term concise; put the explanation in the <dd>.

Frequently asked questions

What is the dt element?
The term being defined inside a description list, followed by its <dd> description.
Where does dt go?
Inside a <dl>, immediately before the <dd> that describes it.
Can multiple terms share one description?
Yes. List the <dt> elements consecutively and the following <dd> descriptions apply to all of them.
What is the difference between dt and dd?
<dt> is the term; <dd> is its description.
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