diff --git a/extra/gdbm/gdbm.factor b/extra/gdbm/gdbm.factor
index 4c035b4faa..4c19cb28ff 100644
--- a/extra/gdbm/gdbm.factor
+++ b/extra/gdbm/gdbm.factor
@@ -13,6 +13,8 @@ TUPLE: gdbm
     { nolock boolean }
     { mode integer initial: OCT: 644 } ;
 
+: <gdbm> ( -- gdbm ) gdbm new ;
+
 
 <PRIVATE