Website Terminology: Full Glossary of Web Design & Development Terms

August 11, 2025

Understanding website terminology is essential whether you’re a designer, developer, marketer, or someone creating your first website. Knowing the right vocabulary helps you communicate clearly, avoid misunderstandings, and design more effectively. This guide covers essential website terminology, web design jargon, page layout terms, and everything in between.

Table of Contents

What is a Web Page?

A web page is an online document that can be viewed through a web browser, usually containing text, images, videos, and hyperlinks to other pages. Web pages are the building blocks of websites.

Important parts of a Web Page

Web pages are made up of several distinct sections, each playing a critical role in both usability and visual appeal. Understanding these components helps designers create intuitive experiences and allows users to better navigate a site.

Header (Top Bar / Navigation Bar)

The header is positioned at the topmost section of a web page. It usually includes the company or site logo, main navigation menu, search functionality, and sometimes language selectors or contact links.
This is the first thing users see, so it plays a big role in branding and usability.
Also known as: Nav bar, top menu, global header.

Hero Section

This is a large, visually impactful section just below the header. It often features a banner image, video, or carousel slider.
It typically includes headlines, subheadings, and calls to action (CTAs) like buttons to learn more or sign up.
An impactful hero section instantly captures attention and establishes the tone for the rest of the website.

Body Content

The core area of the page where the majority of textual and media content resides.
It may include headings, paragraphs, images, videos, embedded maps, product listings, or service descriptions.
This section varies greatly depending on the page type (homepage, product page, blog post, etc.).

Sidebar

A vertical panel located on either the left or right side of the main content area.
Often used for secondary navigation, social media links, recent posts, advertisements, or filters on e-commerce sites.
In responsive design, sidebars often collapse into dropdowns or disappear on smaller screens.

Footer

Located at the very bottom of the page, the footer provides persistent information and links.
Common elements include contact details, social media icons, sitemap links, privacy policy, and terms of service.
Some footers also contain a secondary navigation bar or newsletter sign-up form.

Website Layout Terminology

Layout refers to how the components of a web page are visually and functionally organized to guide the user experience. A well-thought-out layout ensures content is presented in a logical, aesthetically pleasing way, enhancing usability and engagement.

Website Terms

Grid System: A framework of vertical and horizontal lines that helps align elements consistently across the page. It provides structure and balance, especially in responsive web design.
Whitespace: Whitespace (also known as negative space) refers to the empty areas between design elements like text, images, and buttons. It improves readability, reduces cognitive load, and enhances visual appeal.
Above the Fold: The area of a webpage that is immediately visible to users without requiring any scrolling. Key content and CTAs are often placed here to grab attention quickly.
Below the Fold: Content that appears after a user scrolls down. This space is used for supporting details, deeper content, or extended information.
Responsive Design: An approach where the layout automatically adjusts based on screen size and device type (e.g., desktop, tablet, smartphone), ensuring usability across all platforms.
Fixed Layout: A non-flexible design where elements are set at specific pixel widths. It may not adapt well to different screen sizes.
Fluid Layout: Uses percentages rather than fixed widths to allow the content to stretch and shrink with the browser window.
Adaptive Layout: Delivers pre-designed layouts based on the device type or screen width using media queries.
Modular Design: Content is organized into independent blocks or “modules” that can be reused across pages.
Z-Pattern and F-Pattern Layouts: Visual flow patterns based on how users scan content. Z-patterns are common for simpler pages; F-patterns are for text-heavy content like blogs.

Glossary of Web Design Terms

Here are essential terms used in web design and development, presented in an easy-to-skim alphabetical format:

Alt Text: Descriptive text added to images to improve accessibility for screen readers and contribute to SEO rankings.
Back-End: The server-side part of a website, including databases, servers, and application logic that users don’t directly see but powers the site.
Breadcrumbs: A navigational aid showing the user’s location in a site’s hierarchy, often used in larger websites.
Call to Action (CTA): A prompt (usually a button or link) encouraging users to take a specific action, such as “Buy Now” or “Sign Up.”
CMS (Content Management System): A platform (like WordPress or Joomla) that allows users to build and manage websites without coding.
CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): The code that controls how HTML elements are displayed in terms of layout, colors, fonts, and responsiveness.
Domain Name: A human-friendly web address, such as “example.com,” that corresponds to a website’s IP address.
Front-End: The client-facing side of a website, including the design, layout, and interactive elements coded using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language): The backbone language for structuring content on the web.
Hero Section: The large, prominent area at the top of a page, usually with a banner image or video and a CTA.
JavaScript: A scripting language used to build interactive and dynamic features on websites.
Landing Page: A standalone web page designed for marketing or advertising campaigns, optimized for conversions.
Navigation: A menu system that helps users move between different pages and sections of a website.
Responsive Design: A design method that ensures websites display and function well on all device sizes and orientations.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization): Techniques used to enhance a website’s ranking and visibility in organic search engine results.
SSL Certificate: A digital certificate that secures the connection between browser and server, enabling HTTPS.
Typography: The visual styling of text, including typeface, size, line spacing, and letter spacing.
UI (User Interface): The visual and interactive elements of a website, such as buttons, sliders, and forms.
UX (User Experience): The complete experience a user has when interacting with a website, including its usability, performance, design, and overall satisfaction.

Website Development Terms

These core definitions form the foundation of understanding how websites are designed and built. Whether you’re a client, designer, or developer, knowing these terms helps you communicate clearly and avoid confusion.

Web Design

The process of planning, conceptualizing, and arranging content intended for the internet. This includes elements like layout, color schemes, typography, and imagery. Web design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about functionality and user engagement.

Web Development

The behind-the-scenes coding work that brings the design to life. It includes both:

Frontend Development: What users see (HTML, CSS, JavaScript).
Backend Development: Involves the server-side processes, including database management, server logic, and the core functionality that powers a website behind the scenes.

User Experience (UX)

Refers to how users interact with a website, focusing on creating an intuitive, accessible, and satisfying experience throughout their visit.

User Interface (UI)

This is the visual presentation of the interface—buttons, menus, icons, sliders, and more. It is a part of UX that concentrates specifically on the visual aspects of design.

Responsive Design

A technique that ensures the website looks and functions well on all screen sizes—desktop, tablet, and mobile. It’s crucial for user satisfaction and SEO.

Wireframe vs. Mockup

Wireframe: A basic blueprint or outline of the website’s structure—used for planning.
Mockup: A high-fidelity static design that includes colors, fonts, and images.

Common Jargon and Lingo in Web Design

Understanding the jargon used in web design is essential for anyone involved in the creation or management of a website. Whether you’re a business owner working with an agency, a marketer collaborating with designers, or simply curious about how websites work, knowing these common terms can greatly improve communication and ensure you’re on the same page with your team.

Bounce Rate

One of the most commonly discussed metrics in web design and analytics is the bounce rate. This indicates the percentage of visitors who arrive on your site and exit without engaging or visiting any additional pages. A high bounce rate may suggest that the content isn’t relevant, the page is confusing, or the user experience is lacking. It often signals the need to revisit your content strategy, loading speed, or calls to action to encourage visitors to explore further.

Hero image

Which is a large, visually striking banner often placed at the top of a homepage. It’s designed to immediately grab the visitor’s attention and typically includes a headline and a call-to-action button. Hero images play a critical role in setting the tone of your website and delivering your core message in just a few seconds. When used effectively, they can boost engagement and conversion rates.

Hamburger menu

In modern web design, particularly on mobile devices, you’ll frequently encounter the hamburger menu. Named for its three stacked lines resembling a hamburger, this icon is used to hide the navigation menu until clicked or tapped. It helps declutter the interface, especially on smaller screens, while still providing easy access to the site’s navigation options. While it’s popular for its minimalist look, designers must use it carefully, ensuring that important links are still discoverable and accessible to users.

Parallax scrolling

Parallax scrolling is a popular visual technique used on many modern websites, where background elements move at a different speed than the foreground content as the user scrolls. This creates a sense of depth and motion, adding a dynamic, immersive feel that enhances storytelling and user engagement. It’s commonly used on landing pages, portfolios, and product showcases. However, it should be used sparingly and thoughtfully, as overuse can slow down performance or affect mobile usability.

SEO

Lastly, a term that’s crucial for both design and digital marketing is SEO, or Search Engine Optimization. SEO involves optimizing a website’s structure, content, and technical setup so that it ranks higher in search engine results. This involves incorporating relevant keywords, crafting compelling meta descriptions, optimizing loading speed, ensuring mobile-friendly design, and acquiring high-quality backlinks. Good SEO not only drives more traffic to your site but also ensures that users find exactly what they’re looking for.

FAQ’s

1. What is the definition of a web page?

A web page is a digital file available on the internet, usually coded in HTML (HyperText Markup Language) and viewed through a web browser. It forms part of a website and can contain text, images, videos, links, forms, and other interactive elements. Every web page has a unique URL (Uniform Resource Locator) and can serve different purposes—from providing information to enabling transactions. Web pages are the building blocks of the internet and are designed to deliver content, engage users, or prompt specific actions.

2. How many types of web pages are there?

There are several types of web pages, each serving a specific purpose. The most common include:

Homepage – The main page of a website that introduces users to the brand or purpose of the site.
Landing Page – A focused page designed for marketing campaigns, usually with a single call to action.
About Page – Provides background information about a person, company, or organization.
Contact Page – Lists contact details, forms, or maps to help users get in touch.
Product or Service Page – Showcases offerings with details, pricing, and features.
Blog Page – Contains regularly updated articles, news, or content pieces.
Portfolio Page – Highlights work samples or past projects, especially in creative fields.
FAQ Page – Answers frequently asked questions to help users understand the site, service, or product.

Each type of web page plays a unique role in user experience and conversion strategy.

3. What does “terms of use” mean in web design?

Terms of Use in web design refer to the legal guidelines that define how users can interact with and access a website. These are typically found in a dedicated “Terms of Service” or “Terms and Conditions” page. They outline:

Acceptable use of the site (what users can and cannot do)
Intellectual property rights (ownership of content, images, branding, etc.)
Privacy policies (how user data is collected and used)
Liability limitations (disclaimers about errors or downtime)
User obligations (such as accurate information submission)

Including clear terms of use not only protects the website owner legally but also builds transparency and trust with visitors.

4. What are the 7 C’s of web design?

The 7 C’s of web design are a widely recognized framework that helps ensure a website is effective, user-friendly, and goal-oriented. These principles are:

Context – The site’s purpose, goals, and environment. It should align with user expectations and business objectives.
Content – The information presented on the site. It must be relevant, engaging, and regularly updated.
Community – Encouraging user interaction and connection through comments, forums, or social sharing.
Customization – Offering personalized experiences based on user preferences or behavior.
Communication – Clear, two-way communication via forms, chat, or contact options.
Connection – Linking to external content or platforms, such as social media or related websites.
Commerce – Enabling transactions or conversions effectively, such as purchasing, booking, or subscribing.