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

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

Once defined by its rigid rules, Texas barbecue is getting a shake-up thanks to a growing class of pitmasters telling stories of migration and global flavors through such dishes as seekh kabab sausage and smoky brisket tacos. —AFAR Media, 14 July 2025

With pitmasters from across the country on hand, the toughest part of this fest will be choosing what to eat. —Jennifer Day, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2025

Most grilling experts and pitmasters recommend removing the membrane. —Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 4 July 2025

Neighbors collaborate on town ventures while everyone—from artists to pitmasters—sprinkles a sense of history into Dunedin’s next chapter. —Katie Strasberg Rousso, Southern Living, 12 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1984, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pitmaster

• bandmaster
• broadcaster
• cadastre
• disaster
• forecaster
• headmaster
• newscaster
• paymaster
• pilaster
• postmaster
• roadmaster
• schoolmaster