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.
James Beard–winning pitmasters are few and far between, but Rodney Scott is one of them. — Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 June 2026 From championship pitmaster Carey Bringle, who lost his leg to cancer at 17 and became the first BBQ pitmaster to launch a bourbon. — Chris Perugini, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Harp Barbecue, run by pitmaster Tyler Harp, told its followers on Instagram that its last day of service would be Saturday. — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2026 Grill, baby, grill This pitmaster (who probably owns a reliable Weber) prefers traditional grilling techniques and flavors with the classic (and signature) grill marks stamped on all his creations. — Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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