# DL - Definition List

Syntax | <DL>...</DL>

Attribute Specifications

- COMPACT (compact display)
- common attributes

Contents | One or more DT or DD elements
Contained in | APPLET, BLOCKQUOTE, BODY, BUTTON, CENTER, DD, DEL, DIV, FIELDSET, FORM, IFRAME, INS, LI, MAP, NOFRAMES, NOSCRIPT, OBJECT, TD, TH

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.

In addition to the common attributes shared by most elements, DL takes a COMPACT attribute. This attribute, deprecated in HTML 4.0 and poorly supported among browsers, suggests that visual browsers render the list compactly, perhaps with reduced spacing between items.

## 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