Structure · WCAG 2.0 Level A
<dl> elements must only directly contain properly-ordered <dt> and <dd> groups, <script>, <template> or <div> elements
Ensure <dl> elements are structured correctly.
What it means
The definition-list rule flags elements that fail this check. It maps to WCAG success criterion 1.3.1.
Who it affects
Screen reader users who navigate by structure, and people who change text spacing or orientation.
How to fix it
A <dl> may only contain <dt>/<dd> groups (optionally wrapped in div).
<dl><dt>Plan</dt><dd>Solo</dd></dl>Check it on your site
Run a free scan. If this rule fails, the results list the affected elements. Deque, which maintains axe-core, also documents this rule in detail: Deque University: definition-list.
Quick answers
What does the axe rule "definition-list" check?
Ensure <dl> elements are structured correctly.
How do I fix "<dl> elements must only directly contain properly-ordered <dt> and <dd> groups, <script>, <template> or <div> elements"?
A <dl> may only contain <dt>/<dd> groups (optionally wrapped in div).
Who is affected by definition-list failures?
Screen reader users who navigate by structure, and people who change text spacing or orientation.
Automated accessibility scan. Results are informational and may not identify every accessibility issue. This service is not legal advice, a compliance certification, or a substitute for comprehensive manual accessibility testing.