Writing Accessible Glossary Definitions
Writing Accessible Glossary Definitions focuses on the accessibility purpose of making unusual-word meanings available, distinct from the existing guide about alphabetizing and formatting a glossary section.
When unusual, restricted, or specialized words need explanation, provide a definition that readers can reach from the content; a glossary can be one appropriate mechanism.
Key details
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
This page is about accessible definition availability and wording, not the alphabetical back-matter formatting of a conventional glossary.
Further guidance
Content
Define the term in language that resolves the meaning needed in the current content and make that definition available from the term or page.
Practical Application
Define unusual, restricted, or specialized words in plain language at the point of need or through an easy-to-reach glossary entry; write the definition to explain the term, not merely restate it with another specialist phrase.
Purpose
Readers should be able to determine the intended meaning of unusual or specialized words.
Reader Check
Could a reader unfamiliar with the term understand the definition without needing to look up a second unexplained term?
Worked Example
Example: Define “latency” as “the delay before a system begins responding” instead of “response-time lag” if “lag” is not already familiar to the audience.
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.
- Understanding Success Criterion 3.1.3: Unusual Words — WCAG 2.2 (opens in a new tab)World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) · W3C WCAG 2.2 Understanding guidance for making definitions of unusual or restricted-use words available, including via a glossary.