diff --git a/lisp/dired.el b/lisp/dired.el
index 9e09d349f7c..dad58c615d5 100644
--- a/lisp/dired.el
+++ b/lisp/dired.el
@@ -2226,7 +2226,8 @@ directory in another window."
     (find-file (dired-get-file-for-visit))))
 
 (defun dired-find-alternate-file ()
-  "In Dired, visit this file or directory instead of the Dired buffer."
+  "In Dired, visit file or directory on current line via `find-alternate-file'.
+This kills the Dired buffer, then visits the current line's file or directory."
   (interactive)
   (set-buffer-modified-p nil)
   (find-alternate-file (dired-get-file-for-visit)))