pitmaster
noun
pit·mas·ter
ˈpit-ˌma-stər 
variants
or pit master
plural pitmasters or pit masters
: a person who oversees the cooking done in a barbecue pit : a professional or skilled barbecuer
"This is good, really good," Allan says, tasting pitmaster Scott Smith's first cured pork belly. "I wouldn't change a thing."—
John T. Edge
John T. EdgeHe was one of Houston's most celebrated pitmasters and helped to kick off the barbecue renaissance here.—J. C. Reid
J. C. ReidRobert Polk, the pit master I met earlier this morning, comes in carrying a gorgeous brisket fresh from the smoker and hands it off to Smitty, who starts slicing it to make sandwiches and plates.—Patricia Sharpe
Patricia SharpeExamples of pitmaster in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The outpouring reflects the deep ties Brotherton’s has built in Central Texas since opening in 2017, as well as the legacy of its founder, John Brotherton, a respected pitmaster known for his generosity and collaborative spirit within the Texas barbecue community.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 12 Jan. 2026
Before his first barbecue class with the Wounded Warrior Project, pitmaster Christopher Prieto of Prime Barbecue in Knightdale, North Carolina, hadn’t ever spoken to a wounded veteran.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 10 Nov. 2025
Once defined by its rigid rules, Texas barbecue is getting a shake-up thanks to a growing class of pitmasters telling stories of migration and global flavors through such dishes as seekh kebab sausage and smoky brisket tacos.
—Naomi Tomky, AFAR Media, 7 Oct. 2025
Muslim American pitmasters code-switch flavors and identities effortlessly in their approach, all evolving a uniquely American BBQ style.
—Farhan Mustafa, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025
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Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 12 Jan. 2026
Before his first barbecue class with the Wounded Warrior Project, pitmaster Christopher Prieto of Prime Barbecue in Knightdale, North Carolina, hadn’t ever spoken to a wounded veteran.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 10 Nov. 2025
Once defined by its rigid rules, Texas barbecue is getting a shake-up thanks to a growing class of pitmasters telling stories of migration and global flavors through such dishes as seekh kebab sausage and smoky brisket tacos.
—Naomi Tomky, AFAR Media, 7 Oct. 2025
Muslim American pitmasters code-switch flavors and identities effortlessly in their approach, all evolving a uniquely American BBQ style.
—Farhan Mustafa, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pitmaster
Cite this Entry
“Pitmaster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pitmaster. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026.
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