Structure · WCAG 2.0 Level A
<dt> and <dd> elements must be contained by a <dl>
Ensure <dt> and <dd> elements are contained by a <dl>.
What it means
The dlitem 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
Put <dt> and <dd> elements inside a <dl>.
<dl><dt>Term</dt><dd>Definition</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: dlitem.
Quick answers
What does the axe rule "dlitem" check?
Ensure <dt> and <dd> elements are contained by a <dl>.
How do I fix "<dt> and <dd> elements must be contained by a <dl>"?
Put <dt> and <dd> elements inside a <dl>.
Who is affected by dlitem 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.