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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of pit stop

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

pit stop

The race turned on a virtual safety car that gifted Hamilton a cheap pit stop and ensured he would come out in the lead from Mercedes drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.

From BBC ● Jun. 14, 2026

Here’s what the space agency expects to do before embarking on an ambitious lunar pit stop to Mars.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 2, 2026

We made a quick pit stop at a bakery in the village of Valencia de las Torres and then continued on, as a dense fog formed around us.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 30, 2026

It’s a quick pit stop before coming home after work.

From Salon ● May 30, 2026

In my interview, I had been promised a thirty-minute lunch break, but this turns out to be a five-minute pit stop at a convenience store, if that.

From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich