arialabelClose

arialabelClose is an informal term used in web accessibility to describe labeling a close control with an explicit accessible name using the aria-label attribute. It typically applies to icon-only close buttons in dialogs, alerts, modals, or drawers, where a visible symbol (such as ×) may not convey the action to screen readers.

The practice ensures that assistive technologies announce the intended action clearly, improving clarity for users who rely on screen readers. When an element has only a graphical representation, aria-label provides a concise, human-readable label. The aria-label value is often "Close" or a context-specific variant like "Close dialog," depending on the control’s location and purpose.

Common implementation involves a focusable element such as a button. Example: a button element with aria-label="Close" and a visible icon. In some cases, aria-labelledby or visually hidden text may be used instead of aria-label, but aria-label remains a direct way to assign an accessible name. It is important that the label is accurate, concise, and consistent across the interface, and that it remains readable in localization contexts. The element should be reachable via keyboard, include proper focus indicators, and be operable with standard activation keys.

Alternative approaches include using aria-labelledby to reference visible text or adding a visually hidden label. The overarching goal is to ensure that the close action is reliably announced to users of assistive technologies, regardless of the control’s visual presentation. See also aria-label, aria-labelledby, and accessible name concepts.