pitmaster

American  

[pit-mas-ter] / ˈpɪtˌmæs tər /

noun

1. the chief cook at a barbecue where the meat is roasted in a barbecue pit.

   Come for beef brisket, shoulder, and ribs cooked low and slow by famous pitmaster Judith.

---

Etymology

Origin of pitmaster

First recorded in 1980–85; pit ¹ ( def. ) + master ( def. )

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

pitmaster

“We weren’t always known for barbecue,” said Randy Pauly, an award-winning pitmaster and the director of barbecue operations at Buc-ee’s.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 6, 2026

She also was a nurse for a BBQ pitmaster turned OB-GYN named Fat Daddy.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 5, 2024

Texas barbecue is unique and sacred: Every pitmaster and amateur barbecuer has their own wood blend, dry rubs and perfected cooking methods.

From Seattle Times ● May 24, 2022

James Beard Award-winner Rodney Scott makes history again by compiling the first cookbook by a Black pitmaster alongside writer and documentarian Lolis Eric Elie.

From Salon ● Dec. 23, 2021

The pitmaster snapped his whip and shouted out commands.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---