diff --git a/variables.h b/variables.h
index cdefafe508..8a0f1ad4ec 100644
--- a/variables.h
+++ b/variables.h
@@ -422,6 +422,9 @@ VARDEF int _debug_ai_level;
 VARDEF int _debug_net_level;
 
 /* Forking stuff */
+#if !defined(pid_t)
+typedef int pid_t;
+#endif
 VARDEF bool _dedicated_forks;
 VARDEF bool _dedicated_enabled;
 VARDEF pid_t _dedicated_pid;