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

In preparation for the upcoming event, a crew of drivers made a pit stop in Joliet, as the track prepares for its first competitive race since 2019. —Matt Zahn, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026

Their intrepid and autocratic driver, Ian Stewart, stubbornly refused to make pit stops on long road trips so the guys could have a pee. —Literary Hub, 21 Apr. 2026

Right after being showered with applause and confetti at victory lane, the 29-year-old Spaniard thanked his crew, whose quick work on the last pit stop proved to be the difference. —Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026

Fryce Cream, a concept inspired by that fortuitous road trip pit stop. —Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 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