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( Perceivable / WCAG 1.3.1 )

Definition list item used outside a dl element

This check maps to Info and Relationships. Use the guidance below to confirm the issue, understand who it affects and ship a fix.

Serious Level A WCAG 1.3.1 — Info and Relationships

What’s wrong

A <dt> or <dd> element exists without a <dl> parent wrapping it.

Why it matters

Screen readers use the <dl>/<dt>/<dd> structure to announce term-definition pairs. Without the wrapping list, the relationship between a term and its definition is lost.

How to fix it

Wrap every <dt>/<dd> pair in a <dl> element.

Before
<dt>WCAG</dt>
<dd>Web Content Accessibility Guidelines</dd>
After
<dl>
  <dt>WCAG</dt>
  <dd>Web Content Accessibility Guidelines</dd>
</dl>

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