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14. dfn Element

Introduction

Section titled “Introduction”

The <dfn> element represents the defining instance of a term. It’s used to mark the first occurrence of a term that is being defined, typically in a glossary or when introducing new terminology. The dfn element helps identify term definitions and improves semantic meaning.

Basic Usage

Section titled “Basic Usage”
<p>The <dfn>HTML</dfn> (HyperText Markup Language) is a markup language.</p>

Common Use Cases

Section titled “Common Use Cases”

Term Definition

Section titled “Term Definition”
<p>
    <dfn>Semantic HTML</dfn> is HTML that uses elements to convey meaning.
</p>

With abbr

Section titled “With abbr”

Combine with abbreviation:

<p>
    <dfn><abbr title="HyperText Markup Language">HTML</abbr></dfn>
    is a markup language.
</p>

In Definition Lists

Section titled “In Definition Lists”
<dl>
    <dt><dfn>HTML</dfn></dt>
    <dd>HyperText Markup Language</dd>
</dl>

Best Practices

Section titled “Best Practices”

First Occurrence

Section titled “First Occurrence”

Use dfn for the first defining instance:

<!-- Good: First occurrence -->
<p>The <dfn>term</dfn> is defined here.</p>
<p>Later uses of the term don't need dfn.</p>


<!-- Avoid: Multiple dfn for same term -->
<p>The <dfn>term</dfn> is defined.</p>
<p>The <dfn>term</dfn> is used again.</p>

References

Section titled “References”