ARIA: term role

The term role can be used for a word or phrase with an optional corresponding definition. It is equivalent in semantics to the HTML <dfn> element and the definition term (<dt>) element within a definition list (<dl> ).

The term role is used to explicitly identify a word or phrase for which a definition has been provided by the author or is expected to be provided by the user. If there is an existing definition, or a form or form control to enter a definition, authors SHOULD set aria-details to point to the related element.

Don't use the role="term" on interactive elements like links because it can interfere with assistive technology users ability to interact with the element. Also, the term itself is the accessible name, so do not use aria-label or aria-labelledby.

None.

None.

None.

<p>
  <span role="term">Mansplaining</span>,
  <span role="definition"
    >a portmanteau of "man" and "explain", is the patronizing act of explaining
    without being asked to do so, to someone already learned on the topic, often
    after someone has already explained it</span
  >.
</p>

Including better semantics, the above could also be written:

<p>
  <dfn role="term">Mansplaining</dfn>,
  <span role="definition"
    >a portmanteau of "man" and "explain", is the patronizing act of explaining
    without being asked to do so, to someone already learned on the topic, often
    after someone has already explained it</span
  >.
</p>

or without any ARIA (but possibly not how you want it presented)

<dl>
  <dt>Mansplaining</dt>
  <dd>
    A portmanteau of "man" and "explain", is the patronizing act of explaining
    without being asked to do so, to someone already learned on the topic, often
    after someone has already explained it.
  </dd>
</dl>

Don't use the role="term" on interactive elements such as links as it can interfere with the assistive technology user's ability to interact with the element.

Allow the term itself to define the accessible name. Do not use aria-label or aria-labelledby.

• ARIA: definition role.
• The HTML <dfn> element