A: < dt> and < dd> elements must be contained by a < dl> (WCAG 1.3.1)
dlitem
Ensure that <dt> and <dd> elements are contained within a <dl> element.
This means
The elements <dt> (term) and <dd> (description) must not stand alone or inside arbitrary containers. Semantically, they belong inside a definition list <dl>. Outside of a <dl>, they lose their meaning.
Impact
Screen readers cannot correctly associate terms and descriptions. Users lose orientation; the semantic structure is faulty and violates WCAG.
Recommendation
-
Always use <dt> and <dd> inside a <dl>.
-
Do not wrap <dt>/<dd> in foreign wrappers for layout. Instead, apply classes directly to <dt>/<dd> or style content inside <dd>.
-
If definitions are not intended, use appropriate semantics (e.g., <ul>/<li> or <h2> + <p>).
Example
Problematic
<p><dt>Shipping</dt><dd>3–5 business days</dd></p>
<div class="spec"><dt>Material</dt><dd>Wood</dd></div>
Better
<dl>
<dt>Shipping</dt>
<dd>3–5 business days</dd>
<dt>Material</dt>
<dd>Wood</dd>
</dl>
Related WCAG criterion:
WCAG 1.3.1 - Info and Relationships