diff --git a/meson_options.txt b/meson_options.txt
index 7a9aecfc6..f1d678089 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',