The purpose of HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) in web development is to create and structure web pages. HTML defines the content and layout using elements such as headings, paragraphs, links, images, and multimedia. It establishes the framework that browsers render into visual interfaces. By organizing information hierarchically and semantically, HTML ensures that web content is accessible and enhances search engine optimization (SEO). Furthermore, combining HTML with CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) and JavaScript allows developers to create dynamic and interactive web experiences. Thus, HTML is foundational for anyone involved in web design and development.