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

The only difference between the two pit stops was the drivers. —Rob Reed, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

McLaren, however, intervened later by issuing team orders to swap places, especially since Piastri's pit stop was quick. —Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025

The birds are naturally drawn to flowers, but are also known for taking pit stops at bright feeders filled with sugary goodness for them. —Joyce Orlando, Nashville Tennessean, 4 Sep. 2025

Alex Bowman falls three laps down after a slow pit stop. —Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 1 Sep. 2025

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