# Providing definitions for abbreviations by using the abbr element

ID: H28

Technology: html

Type: Technique

## When to Use

HTML

## Description

The objective of this technique is to provide expansions or definitions for abbreviations by using the `abbr` element. It is always appropriate to use the `abbr` element for any abbreviation, including acronyms and initialisms.

## Examples

### Using `abbr` element to expand abbreviations

    <p>Sugar is commonly sold in 5 <abbr title="pound">lb.</abbr> bags.</p>
    <p>Welcome to the <abbr title="World Wide Web">WWW</abbr>!</p>

### Using `dfn` and `abbr` element to define abbreviations

    <p>Tasini
      <dfn id="etal"><abbr title="and others">et al.</abbr></dfn>
      <abbr title="versus">v.</abbr>
      The New York Times <abbr title="and others">et al.</abbr> is the landmark lawsuit
      brought by members of the National Writers Union against ...
    </p>

### Using the `abbr` element to expand an acronym

    <p>Recent updates to the <abbr title="Cascading Style Sheets">CSS</abbr> color module ...</p>

### Using the `abbr` element to expand an initialism

    <p><abbr title="British Broadcasting Corporation">BBC</abbr></p>

## Tests

### Procedure

1. Check that an expansion or definition is provided for each abbreviation via `abbr`.

### Expected Results

- Check #1 is true.

## Related Techniques

- G102

## Resources

- HTML - the `abbr` element
- HTML - the `dfn` element
- Using the HTML title attribute