How is an ordered list created in HTML?

An ordered list in HTML is created using the <ol> tag. This tag stands for "ordered list" and is specifically designed to indicate that the items within it are to be listed in a sequential order. Each item within the ordered list is typically marked with the <li> tag, which stands for "list item". This structure helps to create lists that maintain an inherent order, such as rankings, step-by-step instructions, or any scenario where the sequence of items matters.

The other options do not provide the correct syntax for creating an ordered list. The <ul> tag is used for unordered lists, which do not follow a specific order and are instead marked with bullet points. The <list> tag is not a valid HTML tag at all and would not function as intended in web design. Similarly, the <item> tag does not exist in HTML; it is likely a misunderstanding of how to represent list items. Therefore, the correct choice of <ol> is essential for structuring content that reflects an ordered sequence effectively.