HTML <abbr> Tag
Description
The <abbr> tag is used to define an abbreviation or acronym in HTML. It helps provide additional context or clarification for shortened terms, improving accessibility and readability. The full meaning is typically added using the title attribute, which displays as a tooltip when users hover over the abbreviation.
Screen readers and assistive technologies can also use this information to better interpret the content, making your website more accessible.
Example:
<abbr title="HyperText Markup Language">HTML</abbr>
When hovered, users will see “HyperText Markup Language”, helping them understand the abbreviation.
Common use cases include:
- Technical terms (e.g., HTML, CSS, API)
- Acronyms (e.g., NASA, WHO)
- Abbreviations (e.g., etc., approx.)
Using the <abbr> tag improves both usability and semantic clarity in your HTML documents.
Properties
- Permitted Parents
- Any element that accepts phrasing content
- Content
- Inline and text
- Start/End Tags
- Start tag: required, End tag: required
Example
Attributes
None
Global Attributes
The <abbr> tag also supports the Global Attributes in HTML5
Event Attributes
The <abbr> tag also supports the Event Attributes in HTML5
Browser Support
The following information will show you the current browser support for the HTML <abbr> tag. Hover over a browser icon to see the version that first introduced support for this HTML tag.
This tag is supported by all modern browsers.
Desktop
Tablets & Mobile
Last updated by CSSPortal on: 24th December 2025