diff --git a/documentation/ref-manual/ref-variables.xml b/documentation/ref-manual/ref-variables.xml
index 179fbd4575..3d772f9ec4 100644
--- a/documentation/ref-manual/ref-variables.xml
+++ b/documentation/ref-manual/ref-variables.xml
@@ -7857,6 +7857,16 @@ recipes-graphics/xorg-font/font-alias_1.0.3.bb:PR = "${INC_PR}.3"
                     <link linkend='var-CXXFLAGS'><filename>CXXFLAGS</filename></link>
                     is set to the value of this variable by default.
                 </para>
+
+                <para>
+                    Additionally, the SDK's environment setup script sets
+                    the
+                    <link linkend='var-CXXFLAGS'><filename>CXXFLAGS</filename></link>
+                    variable in the environment to the
+                    <filename>TARGET_CXXFLAGS</filename> value so that
+                    executables built using the SDK also have the flags
+                    applied.
+                </para>
             </glossdef>
         </glossentry>