diff --git a/docs/pv.1 b/docs/pv.1
index bc90b78..7d227fd 100644
--- a/docs/pv.1
+++ b/docs/pv.1
@@ -350,7 +350,7 @@ doesn't affect the progress display.
 .\"
 .SS "Alternative operating modes"
 .TP
-\fB\-d\fR, \fB\-\-watchfd\fR \fIPID\fR[\fB:\fR\fIFD\fR]|=\fINAME\fR|@\fILISTFILE\fR...
+\fB\-d\fR, \fB\-\-watchfd\fR \fIPID\fR[:\fIFD\fR]|=\fINAME\fR|@\fILISTFILE\fR...
 Instead of transferring data, watch file descriptor \fIFD\fR of process
 \fIPID\fR, and show its progress.
 Other data transfer modifiers - and remote control - may not be used with
diff --git a/docs/pv.1.md b/docs/pv.1.md
index 9ffe6d3..dedc28c 100644
--- a/docs/pv.1.md
+++ b/docs/pv.1.md
@@ -362,7 +362,7 @@ are explicitly switched on will be shown.
 
 ## Alternative operating modes
 
-**-d**, **\--watchfd** *PID*\[**:***FD*\]\|=*NAME*\|@*LISTFILE*\...
+**-d**, **\--watchfd** *PID*\[:*FD*\]\|=*NAME*\|@*LISTFILE*\...
 
 :   Instead of transferring data, watch file descriptor *FD* of process
     *PID*, and show its progress. Other data transfer modifiers - and