pit stop
Americannoun
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Auto Racing. a stop in the pits during a race, in which a competing car receives gasoline, a change of tires, or other servicing or repair.
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Informal. any brief stop, as during a ride or trip in an automobile, so that one may get refreshments, use a restroom, etc.
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a place where one makes such stops.
noun
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motor racing a brief stop made at a pit by a racing car for repairs, refuelling, etc
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informal any stop made during a car journey for refreshment, rest, or refuelling
Etymology
Origin of pit stop
First recorded in 1930–35
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The innovations quickly spread to every racing series, peaking when a McLaren team performed a four-tire pit stop for driver Lando Norris in 1.8 seconds in 2023.
From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026
When times are tough, it’s hard to find a better deal to feed a family than a pizza, purchased at a convenient pit stop on the way home from work.
From Barron's • May 14, 2026
That gave Antonelli a pit stop that cost him less time than the others and ensured he could retain the lead.
From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026
The airport at Jasionka-Rzeszow is a key hub for the transfer of weapons and humanitarian aid, as well as a pit stop for dignitaries traveling in and out of Ukraine.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 2026
Maybe he was in disbelief that it was already time for a pit stop again.
From "The Line Tender" by Kate Allen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
