diff --git a/packages/flutter/lib/src/material/dropdown.dart b/packages/flutter/lib/src/material/dropdown.dart
index 67ff4ec0296..6effd9aa692 100644
--- a/packages/flutter/lib/src/material/dropdown.dart
+++ b/packages/flutter/lib/src/material/dropdown.dart
@@ -1062,7 +1062,7 @@ class _DropdownButtonState<T> extends State<DropdownButton<T>> with WidgetsBindi
     if (widget.hint != null || (!_enabled && widget.disabledHint != null)) {
       final Widget emplacedHint = _enabled
         ? widget.hint
-        : widget.disabledHint ?? widget.hint;
+        : DropdownMenuItem<Widget>(child: widget.disabledHint ?? widget.hint);
       hintIndex = items.length;
       items.add(DefaultTextStyle(
         style: _textStyle.copyWith(color: Theme.of(context).hintColor),