# <dl> elements must only directly contain properly-ordered <dt> and <dd> groups, <script>, <template> or  elements

> Canonical HTML version: https://rocketvalidator.com/accessibility-validation/axe/4.10/definition-list
> Attribution: Rocket Validator (https://rocketvalidator.com)
> License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Definition lists (`dl`) may only contain `dt` and `dd` groups, `div`, `script`, or `template` elements that are properly organized.

Screen readers have a particular method for reading definition lists. When such lists are not correctly marked up, screen reader output may be erroneous or confusing.

A list of definitions is used to explain the meaning of words or phrases. Using the `dl` element, the definition list is formatted. Within the list, each term is enclosed in its own `dt` element, and its definition is enclosed in the `dd` element that immediately follows.

<h3>What this Accessibility Rule Checks</h3>

Ensures that each `dl` element is correctly constructed.