HTML supports several type of list elements that should be included within the body element of the document. These elements can be nested meaning they can be embedded one inside the another. ordered, unordered and definition lists.

Directory Lists
A directory list is used to present a list of items containing upto 20 characters each. Items in directory list may be arranged in columns, typically 24 characters wide.

A directory list starts with the <dir> tag. Each list item starts with the <li> tag.

<dir>
<li>1-20</li>
<li>21-40</li>
</dir>

Unordered Lists
An unordered list is a list of items which is separated by white space or is marked by bullets (typically small black circles).

An unordered list starts with the <ul> tag. Each list item starts with the <li> tag.

<ul>
<li>First List Item</li>
<li>Second List Item</li>
</ul>

The output in the browser looks like this :

• First List Item
• Second List Item

Inside a list item you can put paragraphs, line breaks, images, links, other lists, etc.

Ordered Lists
An ordered list is also a list of items, but this one is marked with numbers, in order of importance or the items are sorted by sequence.

An ordered list starts with the <ol> tag. Each list item starts with the <li> tag.
<ol>
<li>First List Item</li>
<li>Second List Item</li>
</ol>

The output in the browser looks like this :

1. First List Item
2. Second List Item

Inside a list item you can put paragraphs, line breaks, images, links, other lists, etc.

Definition Lists
This list is used when a number of terms and definitions are to be included in the HTML document.

A definition list starts with the <dl> tag. Each definition-list term starts with the <dt> tag. Each definition-list definition starts with the <dd> tag.

<dl>
<dt>Term</dt><dd>Definition for first term</dd>
<dt>Term</dt><dd>Definition for second term</dd>
</dl>

The output in the browser looks like this :

Term

Definition for first term

Term

Definition for second term