<dd>
Definition
The dd
element is a part of the HTML dl
(description list) element. It is used to provide a description for a preceding dt
(description term) element in the description list.
The dd
element typically contains one or more paragraphs, and can include other HTML elements such as links, images, and code snippets.
It is important to note that the dt
and dd
elements must be used together in a dl
element, and the dt
element must come before the dd
element in the HTML source code.
Examples
<dl>
<dt>First term</dt>
<dd>Description of the first term.</dd>
<dt>Second term</dt>
<dd>Description of the second term.</dd>
<dt>Third term</dt>
<dd>Description of the third term.</dd>
</dl>
In this example, each dt
element is followed by a corresponding dd
element with a description of the term. The dl
element acts as a container for the description list.
Attributes
Attribute | Description | Deprecated |
---|---|---|
nowrap | Indicates that the text in the dd element should not wrap onto multiple lines. This attribute is deprecated and should not be used. | Yes |
Best Practices
- Always use the
dd
element in conjunction with thedl
(description list) anddt
(description term) elements. Thedl
element acts as a container for the description list, while thedt
anddd
elements are used together to provide a description for a term. - Use the
dd
element to provide a detailed description for the term that precedes it. This description can include one or more paragraphs, as well as other HTML elements such as links, images, and code snippets. - Make sure to include the
dt
element before thedd
element in the HTML source code. This ensures that the description provided by thedd
element is associated with the correct term. - Use CSS to style the
dl
,dt
, anddd
elements as needed. This allows you to customize the appearance of the description list to match your website's design. - Avoid using the deprecated
nowrap
attribute on thedd
element. This attribute was used in the past to prevent text from wrapping onto multiple lines, but it is now deprecated and should not be used. Instead, use CSS to control the text wrapping behavior of thedd
element.
Accessibility Considerations
When using the dd
element in HTML, it is important to consider accessibility. This includes making sure that the dl
(description list) and dt
(description term) elements are used in conjunction with the dd
element, and that the dt
element comes before the dd
element in the HTML source code. This ensures that the description provided by the dd
element is associated with the correct term, and that assistive technologies such as screen readers can properly interpret the description list.
Additionally, the dd
element should be used to provide a detailed description for the term that precedes it. This description should include enough information to give context and clarity to the term, and should be written in a clear and concise manner. It may also be helpful to include other HTML elements such as links, images, and code snippets in the description to provide additional information and enhance the accessibility of the description list.
Finally, it is important to use CSS to properly style the dl
, dt
, and dd
elements. This can include setting the font size, color, and other styling properties to ensure that the description list is easy to read and understand for all users, including those with visual impairments.
Browser Compatibility
Chrome | Firefox | Safari | Internet Explorer | Microsoft Edge | Opera |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |