pitmaster
noun
pit·mas·ter
ˈpit-ˌma-stər 
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
John T. EdgeHe was one of Houston's most celebrated pitmasters and helped to kick off the barbecue renaissance here.—J. C. Reid
J. C. ReidRobert 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
Patricia SharpeExamples of pitmaster in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As craft barbecue surged in popularity, more and more aspiring pitmasters entered the game, launching food trucks and pop-up operations with the goal of eventually upgrading to brick and mortar restaurants.
—Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 16 Jan. 2025
The Peg Leg Porker and Bringle's Smoking Oasis owner is the first pitmaster in the United States to create a bourbon brand.
—Mackensy Lunsford, The Tennessean, 28 May 2024
Kamado Joe View 8 Images Kamado Joe's new grill is designed for pitmasters who need plenty of room to cook up a feast, and also appreciate the convenience of high-tech features in their barbecue gear.
—New Atlas, 4 Feb. 2025
There’s excitement as people sit on coolers and discuss the 26-year-old pitmaster who’s turned the barbecue world upside down.
—Elazar Sontag, Bon Appétit, 9 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for pitmaster
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.
Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 16 Jan. 2025
The Peg Leg Porker and Bringle's Smoking Oasis owner is the first pitmaster in the United States to create a bourbon brand.
—Mackensy Lunsford, The Tennessean, 28 May 2024
Kamado Joe View 8 Images Kamado Joe's new grill is designed for pitmasters who need plenty of room to cook up a feast, and also appreciate the convenience of high-tech features in their barbecue gear.
—New Atlas, 4 Feb. 2025
There’s excitement as people sit on coolers and discuss the 26-year-old pitmaster who’s turned the barbecue world upside down.
—Elazar Sontag, Bon Appétit, 9 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for pitmaster
Cite this Entry
“Pitmaster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pitmaster. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share