# <dt> and <dd> elements must be contained by a <dl>

> Canonical HTML version: https://rocketvalidator.com/accessibility-validation/axe/4.8/dlitem
> Attribution: Rocket Validator (https://rocketvalidator.com)
> License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

To be valid, definition list items (`dt` and / or `dd`) must be enclosed by parent `dl` elements. This allows screen reader users to recognize the right hierarchy of the list's information.

A definition list item is invalid if it is not surrounded by parent `dl` elements.

A definition list must adhere to a particular hierarchy. Using the `dl` element, a list is defined. It is followed by alternating sets of `dt` and `dd` elements, beginning with `dt`. `dt` elements define a term while `dd` elements denote a term's description. Each group of `dt` components must be accompanied by a group of `dd` elements. In the definition list, only `dt` and `dd` items are permitted. If not followed, this hierarchy will render the list invalid.

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

Ensures that every child `dd` and `dt` element has a parent `dl` element.