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.
There’s some other new features this year, too, including the Pitmasters BBQ showdown, hosted by Lord of the Ribs owner Ralph Rayes and Pops BBQ pitmaster Tomeako Honesto, featuring 16 teams competing tournament style over the weekend. — Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2026 The organization was created by a group of BBQ pitmasters after the deadly 2011 EF-5 tornado in Joplin, Missouri, with the purpose of feeding communities after disasters. — Darius Johnson, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026 Professional pitmaster Susie Bulloch also prefers larger pieces. — Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 1 Aug. 2026 Southern barbecue is undergoing a significant evolution, with pitmasters moving beyond rigid traditions to infuse personal heritage and global flavors into their menus. — Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 31 July 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

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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 22 Aug. 2026.

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