HTML <dfn> tag

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

When writing in HTML (hypertext markup language), the <dfn> tag, also known as the HTML definition element, is an inline element used to represent the defining instance of a term. This tag has an order of operations of sorts; detailed below. The following sections contain information about this tag, including an example of it in use, and related attributes and browser compatibility.

Note

The <dfn> tag marks the term as being defined, but the actual definition should be given by the surrounding <p> element or definition list group.

Note

This element is unique in that it is a phrase tag, which indicates that a section of text has structural meaning.

Example of <dfn> code

<p><dfn>Computer Hope</dfn> is a computer help website.</p>

Example result

Computer Hope is a computer help website.

Attributes

All HTML tags support standard attributes that define the settings of an HTML element. Unlike other HTML tags, the <dfn> tag has no unique attributes.

Additional notes on the usage of the <dfn> tag

The exact value of the term being defined changes based on the following situations:

  1. If the <dfn> tag has a title attribute, then that its definition is the value of that attribute.
  2. If <dfn> has an <abbr> tag with a title attribute, then that its definition is the value of that attribute.
  3. If <dfn> doesn't have either, the text inside its tags is the definition.

Compatibility

Edge Internet Explorer Firefox Safari Opera Chrome
All versions All versions All versions All version All versions All versions

Additional phrase tags

Browser, Compatibility, Container tag, Web design terms