# Character reference

HTML syntax that represents a character using a named or numeric reference.

## What is **Character reference**?

**Character reference** — HTML syntax that represents a character using a named or numeric reference.

```html
<p>Tea &amp; coffee</p>
```

Level: Novice · [More HTML terms at this level](https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/subjects/html/novice)

Updated: September 27, 2026

Source: https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/character-reference