# Child combinator

The > between selectors: matches direct children only.

## What is the **child combinator**?

The **child combinator** `>` picks elements that are direct children of another, not deeper ones.

```css
.menu > li { display: inline-block; }   /* only the top-level list items */
```

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

Updated: September 27, 2026

Source: https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/child-combinator