pit stop

noun

1
: a stop at the pits during an automobile race
2
a(1)
: a stop (as during a trip) for fuel, food, or rest or for use of a restroom
(2)
: a temporary deviation from a direct or usual course
a career pit stop … where he worked temporarily in between TV jobsMark Lorando
b(1)
: a place where a pit stop is or can be made
(2)
: an establishment providing food or drink

Examples of pit stop in a Sentence

We made a pit stop for some food before getting back on the highway. This little town is an ideal pit stop between the two cities.
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.
With the new Google Maps update, the app will automatically recommend pit stops along your route, whether that means grabbing a croissant whilst on a stroll through Paris, or checking out the world’s largest ball of twine during a Kansas road trip. Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2024 The View's 10 most disturbing Halloween costumes of all time Both Harris and Biden have made recent appearances on The View, as the talk show has long been an important pit stop for political candidates before a presidential election. EW.com, 30 Oct. 2024 In a series of photos posted to Instagram, Madonna, 66, showed off her recent pit stop in London to support her 24-year-old son's latest exhibition. Jade Gomez, People.com, 29 Oct. 2024 About 30 miles east of Topeka, the college town of Lawrence is another fun pit stop. Jamie Siebrase, The Denver Post, 6 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pit stop 

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pit stop was in 1915

Dictionary Entries Near pit stop

Cite this Entry

“Pit stop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pit%20stop. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

pit stop

noun
1
: a stop at the pits during an automobile race
2
a
: a stop (as during a trip) for fuel, food, or rest or for use of a restroom
b
: a place where a pit stop is or can be made
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!