diff --git a/dev-lang/smlnj/metadata.xml b/dev-lang/smlnj/metadata.xml
index dfa9e7f609c37..517e4c1699491 100644
--- a/dev-lang/smlnj/metadata.xml
+++ b/dev-lang/smlnj/metadata.xml
@@ -6,6 +6,11 @@
     <email>ml@gentoo.org</email>
     <name>ML</name>
   </maintainer>
+  <longdescription>
+    Standard ML of New Jersey (abbreviated SML/NJ) is a compiler for
+    the Standard ML '97 programming language with associated libraries,
+    tools, and documentation. SML/NJ is free, open source software.
+  </longdescription>
   <use>
     <flag name="pax-kernel">Enable if the user plans to run the
       package under a pax enabled hardened kernel</flag>