diff --git a/doc/Guidebook.mn b/doc/Guidebook.mn
index 1802eca98..72963a6bb 100644
--- a/doc/Guidebook.mn
+++ b/doc/Guidebook.mn
@@ -2601,7 +2601,8 @@ exclude that alignment from being picked randomly.
 Cannot be set with the `O' command.  Persistent.
 .lp autodescribe
 Automatically describe the terrain under cursor when asked to get a location
-on the map.  The
+on the map (default true).
+The
 .op whatis_coord
 option controls whether the description includes map coordinates.
 .lp autodig
diff --git a/doc/Guidebook.tex b/doc/Guidebook.tex
index 7a118abb6..98533d091 100644
--- a/doc/Guidebook.tex
+++ b/doc/Guidebook.tex
@@ -3038,8 +3038,8 @@ Cannot be set with the `{\tt O}' command.  Persistent.
 %.lp
 \item[\ib{autodescribe}]
 Automatically describe the terrain under cursor when asked to get a location
-on the map.  The
-{\it whatis\verb+_+coord\/}
+on the map (default true).
+The {\it whatis\verb+_+coord\/}
 option controls whether the description includes map coordinates.
 %.lp
 \item[\ib{autodig}]
diff --git a/doc/fixes36.2 b/doc/fixes36.2
index 9c108add6..8baf780cc 100644
--- a/doc/fixes36.2
+++ b/doc/fixes36.2
@@ -157,6 +157,7 @@ floating eye is classified as a flyer but flying is blocked while levitating,
 being trapped (bear trap, web, molten or solidified lava, chained to buried
 	iron ball) blocks both levitation and flight (note: being stuck in a
 	pit ends when either of those starts so doesn't apply)
+change default value for the 'autodescribe' option to 'on'
 
 
 Fixes to Post-3.6.1 Problems that Were Exposed Via git Repository
diff --git a/src/options.c b/src/options.c
index 9829874e8..e337b4c36 100644
--- a/src/options.c
+++ b/src/options.c
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ static struct Bool_Opt {
 #else
     { "asksavedisk", (boolean *) 0, FALSE, SET_IN_FILE },
 #endif
-    { "autodescribe", &iflags.autodescribe, FALSE, SET_IN_GAME },
+    { "autodescribe", &iflags.autodescribe, TRUE, SET_IN_GAME },
     { "autodig", &flags.autodig, FALSE, SET_IN_GAME },
     { "autoopen", &flags.autoopen, TRUE, SET_IN_GAME },
     { "autopickup", &flags.pickup, TRUE, SET_IN_GAME },