Design Nomenclature / Systems & Spec
Label
Also called <label>, form label, visible label, field label
This entry has not been translated yet and is shown in English.
The visible text naming a control, and in HTML the `label` element that binds that text to an input — so clicking it focuses the field and assistive technology can find it. It is one source among several for the accessible name, and a low-precedence one: `aria-label` silently overrides it.
In practice
Placeholder text is not a label. It vanishes on focus, usually fails contrast, and leaves nothing behind for anyone who looks away mid-form. A real label is also the only reliable way to keep the visible and computed names the same string, and it enlarges the hit area for free.
Not to be confused with
- Accessible nameThe string assistive technology announces for an element, computed by the accessible name specification from a fixed precedence: `aria-labelledby`, then `aria-label`, then native sources such as an associated `label` or the element's own content, then `title`. It is computed, not authored — you influence it, you don't set it.
- ARIAA W3C specification of roles, states, and properties that supply or override accessibility semantics where native markup can't express them. It changes only what assistive technology is told — never appearance, focus order, or keyboard behaviour, all of which remain yours to build.