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 Italian driver made another two pit stops to try to solve the problem but to no avail. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 6 July 2026

In the West End neighborhood at the Lee + White development on the Atlanta Beltline’s Southwest Trail, Strangers in Paradise is a pure bar with no kitchen, perfect for a nightcap after dinner or a quick pit stop before. — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026

Red Bull opted to not swap his engine ahead of Sunday’s race, and Verstappen looked competitive, battling with Russell early on before diving in for his first pit stop. — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 5 July 2026

With lithium, the objective is ruthless efficiency, fewer pit stops, and highly predictable output. — Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 24 June 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