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

He was one of Houston's most celebrated pitmasters and helped to kick off the barbecue renaissance here.

—J. C. Reid

Robert 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

Examples of pitmaster in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Knowing whether something needs a little more time on the smoker, more seasoning, or a couple more squirts of sauce is a sixth sense pitmasters must acquire. —Kansas City Star, 20 May 2026

In 2018, Scott was the second pitmaster ever to be named Best Chef, Southeast by the James Beard Foundation. —Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 May 2026

Experienced pitmaster Antonio Chew mentored students on grilling burgers, steaks and chicken. —Brian Strickland, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 8 May 2026

The pitmaster learned about barbecue growing up at his parents' eatery, Scott's Variety Store and Bar-B-Q in Hemingway, S.C. —Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 5 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

pit entry 1 (in barbecue pit) + master entry 1

First Known Use

1984, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pitmaster

• bandmaster
• broadcaster
• cadastre
• disaster
• forecaster
• grandmaster
• headmaster
• newscaster
• paymaster
• pilaster
• postmaster
• roadmaster