listItem

Listitem is a role used in web accessibility to label an item that is part of a list. In native HTML, the li element represents a list item inside ordered or unordered lists. In ARIA, the role listitem is used when custom widgets implement a list-like structure using non-native markup. The container should have the list role (or be a native list) and each child item should have the listitem role.

These items typically participate in keyboard navigation; authors should implement appropriate navigation such as arrow keys, Home and End, and typeahead where applicable. States such as aria-selected, aria-checked, or aria-disabled may be applied to listitems to convey selection or status as needed.

Semantic grouping is important for accessibility. In complex widgets like trees or grids, listitems can appear as children within a broader structure, with related roles such as treeitem or gridcell used to convey the correct semantics. Using ARIA roles helps assistive technologies announce items and enable reliable navigation.

Best practices include preferring native HTML list semantics when possible and using role=list and role=listitem only for non-native widgets. When implementing custom lists, ensure proper labeling via aria-label or aria-labelledby and maintain a consistent focus order to support keyboard users and screen readers.

Overall, listitem serves as a semantic label for a member of a list-like collection, whether in native markup or in accessible custom widgets, and is key to enabling navigable, accessible lists.