# createElement()

*noun*

say it: **“kree-AYT EL-uh-ment”** **/kriˈeɪt ˈɛləmənt/**

A DOM method that makes a new element, ready to be filled in and added to the page.

## What is **createElement()** in JavaScript?

**createElement()** — A method on `document` that makes a new element from a tag name. It isn't on the page until you add it with `appendChild()` or `append()`.

```javascript
const item = document.createElement("li");
item.textContent = "Chai";
document.getElementById("cart").appendChild(item);
```

## In a sentence

- “I used **createElement**("li") to make a new item for the cart list.”

Level: Apprentice · [More JavaScript terms at this level](https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary?category=javascript&level=2)

Updated: October 28, 2026

Source: https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/createelement