pit stop

American  

[pit stop] / ˈpɪt ˌstɒp /

noun

1. 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.

2. Informal. any brief stop, as during a ride or trip in an automobile, so that one may get refreshments, use a restroom, etc.

3. a place where one makes such stops.

---

pit stop British  

noun

1. motor racing a brief stop made at a pit by a racing car for repairs, refuelling, etc

2. 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

See Examples For:

pit stop

The best part of the 90-minute pit stop to charge the car to 93% besides the $21.88 price: cheap lattes and bathrooms at the Thriftway supermarket across the street.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2026

The three cars circulated together in a stalemate, with no-one able to pass and the teams all waiting for the expected accident that would lead to a safety car and a cheap pit stop.

From BBC ● Sep. 26, 2026

He closed in on Antonelli initially, and let the gap to within two seconds by the time the Mercedes driver made his second pit stop on lap 40.

From BBC ● Aug. 23, 2026

One served as a "staging path" -- a kind of pit stop to route the agent's activity and cover its tracks -- and another as a place to store data.

From Barron's ● Jul. 29, 2026

The driver reached over and pulled the lever—and ended anyone’s hope that this was a short pit stop.

From "The Darkest Minds" by Alexandra Bracken

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---