Writing & StyleStyle guide

Writing Accessible Definition Labels

Writing Accessible Definition Labels records a distinct W3C-supported accessible-naming task and keeps implementation mechanics outside the writing guidance.

Quick answer

Name a definition with the term it defines, preferably by referencing the visible term rather than inventing a different hidden label.

Key details

Core IssueW3C APG recommends that a definition be named by reference to the term that the definition explains.
Registerweb accessibility and interface content

Important caveats

Scope Boundary

This page covers the wording relationship between a definition and its term; document structure and role assignment are implementation concerns.

Further guidance

Content

Use the defined term itself as the identifying text so the relationship between term and definition stays clear and concise.

Purpose

Naming a definition from its term makes the purpose and referent of the definition clear to assistive-technology users.

Sources and evidence

Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.

  1. Providing Accessible Names and Descriptions — W3C WAI ARIA APG (opens in a new tab)W3C Web Accessibility Initiative · W3C WAI-ARIA Authoring Practices guidance for descriptive accessible names, visible labels, and button/control naming.

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