diff --git a/meson_options.txt b/meson_options.txt
index 7a9aecfc..f1d67808 100644
--- a/meson_options.txt
+++ b/meson_options.txt
@@ -47,6 +47,7 @@ option('qcam',

 option('test',
         type : 'boolean',
+        value : false,
         description: 'Compile and include the tests')

 option('tracing',