diff --git a/packages/textfield/textarea.ts b/packages/textfield/textarea.ts
index 1e3df38b9..80884d2d4 100644
--- a/packages/textfield/textarea.ts
+++ b/packages/textfield/textarea.ts
@@ -33,6 +33,7 @@ import {MdcTextField} from './text-field';
     [attr.minlength]="minlength"
     [disabled]="disabled"
     [required]="required"
+    [readonly]="readonly"
     (mousedown)="onInputInteraction($event)"
     (touchstart)="onInputInteraction($event)"
     (focus)="onFocus()"