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
John T. EdgeHe was one of Houston's most celebrated pitmasters and helped to kick off the barbecue renaissance here.—J. C. Reid
J. C. ReidRobert 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
Patricia SharpeExamples of pitmaster in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Muslim American pitmasters code-switch flavors and identities effortlessly in their approach, all evolving a uniquely American BBQ style.
—Farhan Mustafa, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025
Join us in Birmingham for the Southern Living Food + Fire event on Saturday, September 27 to sample delicious dishes from 30 of the South’s best pitmasters and chefs.
—Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2025
He’s joined by pitmaster-cooks Maricruz Sanchez (28 years), Mario Miranda (26 years) and Omar Hernandez (17 years).
—Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 15 Sep. 2025
The pitmaster has also brought his stylings to television, with a second season of Barbecue: Life of Fire now on the air.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pitmaster
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Farhan Mustafa, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025
Join us in Birmingham for the Southern Living Food + Fire event on Saturday, September 27 to sample delicious dishes from 30 of the South’s best pitmasters and chefs.
—Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2025
He’s joined by pitmaster-cooks Maricruz Sanchez (28 years), Mario Miranda (26 years) and Omar Hernandez (17 years).
—Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 15 Sep. 2025
The pitmaster has also brought his stylings to television, with a second season of Barbecue: Life of Fire now on the air.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pitmaster
Cite this Entry
“Pitmaster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pitmaster. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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