diff --git a/backbone.js b/backbone.js
index b91bdc60e..d67ef4b0c 100644
--- a/backbone.js
+++ b/backbone.js
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
   if (!_ && (typeof require !== 'undefined')) _ = require('underscore');
 
   // For Backbone's purposes, jQuery, Zepto, or Ender owns the `$` variable.
-  var $ = root.jQuery || root.Zepto || root.ender;
+  var $ = root.jQuery || root.Zepto || root.ender || root.$;
 
   // Runs Backbone.js in *noConflict* mode, returning the `Backbone` variable
   // to its previous owner. Returns a reference to this Backbone object.