pitmaster

noun

pit·​mas·​ter ˈpit-ˌma-stər How to pronounce pitmaster (audio)
variants or pit master
plural pitmasters or pit masters
: a person who oversees the cooking done in a barbecue pit : a professional or skilled barbecuer
"This is good, really good," Allan says, tasting pitmaster Scott Smith's first cured pork belly. "I wouldn't change a thing."—John T. Edge
He was one of Houston's most celebrated pitmasters and helped to kick off the barbecue renaissance here.—J. C. Reid
Robert Polk, the pit master I met earlier this morning, comes in carrying a gorgeous brisket fresh from the smoker and hands it off to Smitty, who starts slicing it to make sandwiches and plates.—Patricia Sharpe

Examples of pitmaster in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The annual festival will once again feature some of the top barbecue pitmasters from around the country, live music, and Pitt Football's first home game of the 2026 season. — Patrick Damp, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026 Join the event trackside as top local restaurants and legendary pitmasters fire up the grills to serve a mouth-watering medley of smoky, savory BBQ (available for purchase) alongside a full day of thrilling horse racing. — Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 But the protege turned pitmaster wanted to put his own riff on the dish that looks like a smoldering cigar, originally a playful transformation of the Cuban sandwich. — Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 The Castillos plan to use it for future dinner service, special events and collaborations with visiting chefs and pitmasters. — Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pitmaster

Word History

Etymology

pit entry 1 (in barbecue pit) + master entry 1

First Known Use

1984, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pitmaster was in 1984

Rhymes for pitmaster

See All Rhymes for pitmaster

Browse Nearby Words

pitman chest
pitmaster
pit membrane
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pitmaster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pitmaster. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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