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

So the entire operation makes a pit stop at Windsor Castle at the invitation of the (absent) King of England, until the perimeter around Air Force One can be cleared. — Adam B. Vary, IndieWire, 15 Oct. 2026

In fall 2027 there will be many pit stops at under-the-radar Christmas markets in Spain, France, and Italy with Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and northern lights pursuits in Norway with Holland America Line. — Brittany Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Oct. 2026

Located on the edge of downtown near Boise State University, Capitol Corner Bar could be a pit stop for partiers headed toward the city’s core. — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 8 Oct. 2026

There’s a new reason for music enthusiasts to make a pit stop at their local record store this Black Friday. — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 6 Oct. 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