# Event Delegation

Handling events for many descendants with one listener on a shared ancestor.

## What is **Event Delegation** in JavaScript?

**Event Delegation** — Handling events for many descendants with one listener on a shared ancestor.

```javascript
list.addEventListener("click", event => {
    const item = event.target.closest("li");
    selectItem(item);
});
```

Level: Freelancer · [More JavaScript terms at this level](https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/subjects/javascript/freelancer)

Updated: September 27, 2026

Source: https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/event-delegation