Semantic HTML
Also known as: Semantic markup
Semantic HTML means using the right HTML element for the job — a <button> for buttons, headings for headings — so browsers and assistive tech understand the page.
In plain terms
A <div> you've styled to look like a button is invisible to a screen reader and can't be operated by keyboard unless you rebuild everything by hand. A real <button> comes with all of that for free. Semantic HTML is the cheapest accessibility win there is: use the element that already means what you want.
Why it matters
Most serious accessibility bugs trace back to fake elements — clickable <div>s and <span>s. Native elements give you keyboard support, focus, labelling and correct announcements out of the box.
Swap <div class="btn" onclick>…</div> for <button>…</button> and you instantly get keyboard operation, focus and a screen-reader announcement of "button".
Related terms
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