diff --git a/documentation/ref-manual/ref-variables.xml b/documentation/ref-manual/ref-variables.xml
index 3b69b04018..df6ca481c9 100644
--- a/documentation/ref-manual/ref-variables.xml
+++ b/documentation/ref-manual/ref-variables.xml
@@ -4088,10 +4088,10 @@ recipes-graphics/xorg-font/font-alias_1.0.3.bb:PR = "${INC_PR}.3"
         <glossentry id='var-TOPDIR'><glossterm>TOPDIR</glossterm>
             <glossdef>
                 <para>
-                    This variable is the
+                    This variable points to the
                     <ulink url='&YOCTO_DOCS_DEV_URL;#build-directory'>Build Directory</ulink>.
-                    BitBake automatically sets this variable.
-                    The OpenEmbedded build system uses the Build Directory when building images.
+                    The OpenEmbedded build system uses the Build Directory when
+                    building images.
                 </para>
             </glossdef>
         </glossentry>