diff --git a/pkgs/development/python-modules/whoosh/default.nix b/pkgs/development/python-modules/whoosh/default.nix
index b56a590a3fa6..963e542f25cd 100644
--- a/pkgs/development/python-modules/whoosh/default.nix
+++ b/pkgs/development/python-modules/whoosh/default.nix
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ buildPythonPackage rec {
     hash = "sha256-fKVjPb+p4OD6QA0xUaigxL7FO9Ls7cCmdwWxdWXDGoM=";
   };
 
-  nativeBuildInputs = [ setuptools ];
+  build-system = [ setuptools ];
 
   nativeCheckInputs = [ pytestCheckHook ];