HTML <abbr> tag

Updated: 11/13/2018 by Computer Hope
HTML abbr tag

When writing in HTML (hypertext markup language), the <abbr> tag is an inline element used to create an acronym or abbreviation. It is useful when you want to shorten a word or phrase but still want to give additional information to visitors, search engines, and browsers. The following sections contain information about this tag, including an example of it in use and related attributes and browser compatibility.

Note

This element is unique because it's a phrase tag, indicating that a text section has structural meaning.

Example code

The <abbr title="Central Processing Unit">CPU</abbr> ran hot.

Example result

The CPU ran hot.

Tip

Notice that the word "CPU" displays "Central Processing Unit" when you hover your mouse cursor over it.

Attributes

In an HTML tag, attributes dictate certain aspects of an HTML element. Attributes are made up of a name and value pair. While the <abbr> tag has no unique attributes, it does utilize all of the standard attributes.

Compatibility

Edge Internet Explorer Firefox Safari Opera Chrome
All versions 2.0+ 1.0+ All versions 1.3+ 2.0+

Additional phrase tags

<acronym>, Browser, Compatibility, Container tag, CSS, Web design terms