diff --git a/configure.in b/configure.in
index a1afb3c64..f7ebd5fb0 100644
--- a/configure.in
+++ b/configure.in
@@ -77,6 +77,7 @@ dnl Checks for typedefs, structures, and compiler characteristics.
 AC_C_CONST
 AC_TYPE_OFF_T
 AC_TYPE_SIZE_T
+AC_TYPE_MODE_T
 AC_HEADER_TIME
 AC_STRUCT_TM
 AC_DECL_YYTEXT