diff --git a/build.zig b/build.zig
index cbdef7b2..193bcb55 100644
--- a/build.zig
+++ b/build.zig
@@ -26,6 +26,9 @@ pub fn build(b: *std.Build) void {
     lib.defineCMacro("MAJOR_IN_SYSMACROS", "1");
     // lib.defineCMacro("MAJOR_IN_MKDEV", "1");
 
+    // we need large file support; see libdrm_macros.h
+    lib.defineCMacro("_FILE_OFFSET_BITS", "64");
+
     lib.installHeader("libsync.h", "libsync.h");
     lib.installHeader("xf86drm.h", "xf86drm.h");
     lib.installHeader("xf86drmMode.h", "xf86drmMode.h");