diff --git a/core/field_dropdown.js b/core/field_dropdown.js
index acc2ab291..d1b0af929 100644
--- a/core/field_dropdown.js
+++ b/core/field_dropdown.js
@@ -108,7 +108,7 @@ Blockly.FieldDropdown = function(menuGenerator, opt_validator, opt_config) {
   /**
    * The dropdown menu.
    * @type {Blockly.Menu}
-   * @private
+   * @protected
    */
   this.menu_ = null;