diff --git a/cmdk/src/index.tsx b/cmdk/src/index.tsx
index fb7ba0b..7bf45fb 100644
--- a/cmdk/src/index.tsx
+++ b/cmdk/src/index.tsx
@@ -74,6 +74,10 @@ type CommandProps = Children &
      * By default, uses the `command-score` library.
      */
     filter?: (value: string, search: string) => number
+    /**
+     * Optional default item value when it is initially rendered.
+     */
+    defaultValue?: string
     /**
      * Optional controlled state of the selected command menu item.
      */
@@ -137,7 +141,7 @@ const Command = React.forwardRef<HTMLDivElement, CommandProps>((props, forwarded
     /** Value of the search query. */
     search: '',
     /** Currently selected item value. */
-    value: props.value ?? '',
+    value: props.value ?? props.defaultValue?.toLowerCase() ?? '',
     filtered: {
       /** The count of all visible items. */
       count: 0,