# ::placeholder

Styles the hint text in an empty input.

## What does `::placeholder` do?

`::placeholder` styles the hint text shown in an empty input.

```css
input::placeholder { color: #999; font-style: italic; }
```

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

Updated: September 27, 2026

Source: https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/placeholder-css