JavaScript Element ariaDescribedByElements Property
Beginner
5 min read
Updated: Nov 2026
3 examples
Property
Definition
In JavaScript, the ariaDescribedByElements property of Element is an array of elements that provide an accessible description for this element — longer help text than a label (MDN).
Read the notes below before you get or set this property. Prefer feature detection when support is limited.
Syntax
Use el.ariaDescribedByElements. Start with this line.
JavaScript
btn.ariaDescribedByElements
Call
What it does
btn.ariaDescribedByElements
Primary signature.
Built into the browser. Read or assign el.ariaDescribedByElements — no import required.
Library declarations
JavaScript
btn.ariaDescribedByElements
Parameters
Parameter
Description
Described element
Required. Button, input, region, ...
Description elements
Required. Plain-text help / hints / warnings
Return Value
Return Value
Description
*
The current value of el.ariaDescribedByElements.
JavaScript Examples
Example 1 — Read Description Elements
MDN-style: resolve aria-describedby ids and join their text.
JavaScript
const btn = document.querySelector("button");
if ("ariaDescribedByElements" in Element.prototype) {
const els = btn.ariaDescribedByElements;
const text = els.map((e) => e.textContent.trim()).join(" ");
console.log(text);
}
Trash will be permanently removed after 30 days. Or Else!
How It Works
Prefer the property when supported.
Else parse ids from aria-describedby.
Resolve with getElementById and drop missing ids.
Join text the same way in both paths.
Compatibility
Browser Support
Element.ariaDescribedByElements is Baseline Newly available (MDN: since April 2025). It is not Deprecated, Experimental, or Non-standard — still feature-detect for older clients.
✓ Baseline Newly available
Element.ariaDescribedByElements
Array of elements that provide an accessible description. Flexible alternative to aria-describedby id strings; assigned elements need no id.
NewNewly available (Apr 2025)
Google ChromeSupported · Desktop & Mobile
Full support
Mozilla FirefoxSupported · Desktop & Mobile
Full support
Apple SafariSupported · macOS & iOS
Full support
Microsoft EdgeSupported · Chromium
Full support
Internet ExplorerNo native support · Use a polyfill
Polyfill
OperaSupported · Modern versions
Full support
Samsung InternetSupported · Android
Full support
Android WebViewSupported · Modern WebView
Full support
ariaDescribedByElementsNew
Bottom line: Use for button/input help text. Join element text for the description string. Detect support; fall back to aria-describedby ids when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
An array of HTMLElement subclasses that provide an accessible description for the element. Join their inner text with spaces to form the description string (MDN).
No. MDN marks Element.ariaDescribedByElements as Baseline Newly available (since April 2025). It is not Deprecated, Experimental, or Non-standard. Feature-detect on older browsers.
The attribute uses space-separated id strings. The property uses Element references. Assigned elements do not need an id. Setting the property clears the corresponding attribute (MDN).
A label names the control (ariaLabelledByElements). A description adds longer help text — warnings, hints, or extra context (MDN).
No. When read, the array is static and read-only. When written, the assigned array is copied — later changes to that array do not update the property (MDN).
When the associated content is extensive, structured, or needs navigation — use aria-details / ariaDetailsElements instead of a plain-text description (MDN).