diff --git a/documentation/ref-manual/variables.rst b/documentation/ref-manual/variables.rst
index 635eea4525..6c461810dd 100644
--- a/documentation/ref-manual/variables.rst
+++ b/documentation/ref-manual/variables.rst
@@ -9573,6 +9573,18 @@ system and gives an overview of their function and contents.
       the Yocto Project Development Tasks Manual for information on how to
       use this variable.
 
+   :term:`USE_NLS`
+      Determine if language translations should be built for recipes that can
+      build them. This variable can be equal to:
+
+      -  ``yes``: translations are enabled.
+      -  ``no``: translation are disabled.
+
+      Recipes can use the value of this variable to enable language
+      translations in their build. Classes such as :ref:`ref-classes-gettext`
+      use the value of this variable to enable :wikipedia:`Gettext <Gettext>`
+      support.
+
    :term:`USE_VT`
       When using
       :ref:`SysVinit <dev-manual/new-recipe:enabling system services>`,