diff --git a/select2.js b/select2.js
index 14f6c620..3508062a 100644
--- a/select2.js
+++ b/select2.js
@@ -799,6 +799,7 @@ the specific language governing permissions and limitations under the Apache Lic
             opts.element.prop("autofocus", false);
             if (this.autofocus) this.focus();
 
+            this.search.attr("placeholder", opts.searchInputPlaceholder);
         },
 
         // abstract
@@ -3313,7 +3314,8 @@ the specific language governing permissions and limitations under the Apache Lic
         selectOnBlur: false,
         adaptContainerCssClass: function(c) { return c; },
         adaptDropdownCssClass: function(c) { return null; },
-        nextSearchTerm: function(selectedObject, currentSearchTerm) { return undefined; }
+        nextSearchTerm: function(selectedObject, currentSearchTerm) { return undefined; },
+        searchInputPlaceholder: ''
     };
 
     $.fn.select2.ajaxDefaults = {