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 jobs …

—Mark 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

Hamlin’s team had a tough time on a pit stop in Stage 3, dropping him to 19th place. — Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026

The café is tucked away in the heart of the garden—a lovely pit stop. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Sep. 2026

And while many of the vehicles have Michelin written on their tires, so do the plaques and menus at many of the hotels and restaurants hosting luxurious pit stops. — Iain MacAuley, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2026

The Sidecar lounges are a new design, targeting solo and small groups of travelers who are looking for a quicker pit stop as opposed to long-term lounging. — Jason Stauffer,brett Holzhauer, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for pit stop

• atop
• backdrop
• backstop
• bebop
• blacktop
• bookshop
• clatsop
• desktop
• eavesdrop
• estop
• hardtop
• hilltop

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