Definition Lists

Topics on this page:

1. Brief description
2. A calendar
3. A play script

Brief Description

A definition list is intended for building a dictionary of terms and their definitions. It can be useful for other things as well. Here's an example of a definition list from the W3C:

Dweeb

Young excitable person who may mature into a Nerd or Geek

Cracker

Hacker on the Internet

Nerd

Male so into the Net that he forgets his wife's birthday

<dl>
  <dt> Dweeb </dt>
  <dd>
    Young excitable person who may mature
    into a <em>Nerd</em> or <em>Geek</em>
  </dd>

  <dt> Cracker </dt>
  <dd> Hacker on the Internet </dd>

  <dt> Nerd </dt>
  <dd>
    Male so into the Net that he forgets
    his wife's birthday
  </dd>
</dl>

Although you'd generally have <dt>...<dd> pairs, it's also acceptable to list multiple terms or to have multiple definitions. Here's another W3C example:

Center

Centre

A point equidistant from all points on the surface of a sphere.

In some field sports, the player who holds the middle position on the field, court, or forward line.

<dl>
  <dt> Center </dt>
  <dt> Centre </dt>
  <dd>
    A point equidistant from all points
    on the surface of a sphere.
  </dd>
  <dd>
    In some field sports, the player who
     holds the middle position on the field, court,
     or forward line.
  </dd>
</dl>

A Calendar

Although intended for terms and definitions, definition lists can be useful for other things. Here's an example of a calendar from the WDG (Web Development Group).

March 8

The Symphony Orchestra presents A Rising Star at the Anderson Center. Call 555-1234 for details.

March 10

Bereaved Families Support Night, 7:00 to 9:00 at 523 Main St.

<dl>
  <dt> March 8 </dt>
  <dd>
      The Symphony Orchestra presents <i>A Rising Star</i>
      at the Anderson Center. Call 555-1234 for details.
  </dd>
  <dt> March 10 </dt>
  <dd>
      Bereaved Families Support Night, 7:00 to 9:00 at
      523 Main St.
  </dd>
</dl>

A Play Script

Here's another example from the WDG.

Brutus

I kiss thy hand, but not in flattery, Caesar;
Desiring thee that Publius Cimber may
Have an immediate freedom of repeal.

Caesar

What, Brutus!

Cassius

Pardon, Caesar; Caesar, pardon:
As low as to thy foot doth Cassius fall,
To beg enfranchisement for Publius Cimber.

<dl>
  <dt> Brutus </dt>
  <dd>
    <p>
      I kiss thy hand, but not in flattery, Caesar;<br>
      Desiring thee that Publius Cimber may<br>
      Have an immediate freedom of repeal.
    </p>
  </dd>
  <dt> Caesar </dt>
  <dd>
    <p>
      What, Brutus!
    </p>
  </dd>
  <dt> Cassius </dt>
  <dd>
    <p>
      Pardon, Caesar; Caesar, pardon:<br>
      As low as to thy foot doth Cassius fall,<br>
      To beg enfranchisement for Publius Cimber.
    </p>
  </dd>
</dl>