diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 147ff6db6434cd..6100568c1dce83 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -8,8 +8,9 @@
   </a>
 </p>
 
-Node.js is a JavaScript runtime built on Chrome's V8 JavaScript engine. For
-more information on using Node.js, see the [Node.js Website][].
+Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform, JavaScript runtime environment. It
+executes JavaScript code outside of a browser. For more information on using
+Node.js, see the [Node.js Website][].
 
 The Node.js project uses an [open governance model](./GOVERNANCE.md). The
 [OpenJS Foundation][] provides support for the project.