A fixed, approved list of terms used to label and describe content so the same idea is always named the same way. It prevents the confusion of one thing being called several different names.
Synonyms
- controlled terms
- authorized vocabulary
Related terms
In plain words
- an approved list of words to use
- one agreed name per thing
- a standard set of labels
Usage example
A controlled vocabulary ensured the help center always said 'sign in' rather than mixing in 'log in' and 'log on'.
Don't confuse with…
- folksonomyA controlled vocabulary is curated and fixed; a folksonomy grows from whatever tags users invent.
Categories
- Information architecture