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What’s the difference between <ol>, <ul>, and <dl> lists?

Asked on Sep 17, 2025

Answer

The difference between <ol>, <ul>, and <dl> lists lies in their structure and purpose: <ol> is for ordered lists, <ul> is for unordered lists, and <dl> is for description lists.

Example Concept: The <ol> element creates an ordered list where each item is numbered, typically used for steps or sequences. The <ul> element creates an unordered list where each item is marked with a bullet point, ideal for lists where order doesn't matter. The <dl> element is used for description lists, which pair terms with their descriptions, and it uses <dt> for terms and <dd> for descriptions.

Additional Comment:
  • <ol> and <ul> lists use <li> elements for each list item.
  • <dl> lists are useful for glossaries or FAQs where terms need explanations.
  • Styling can be customized with CSS to change list markers or numbering.

✅ Answered with HTML best practices.


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