pitmaster

[ pit-mas-ter ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pitmaster¹

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

Example Sentences

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

From Los Angeles Times

Draluck notes that he was most inspired by his maternal grandmother, "a New York raised Jew and passionate Civil Rights activist and history buff," along with her husband and Draluck's grandfather, who is a "Black, Texan-born, former cotton-picking, Marine veteran-turned-BBQ pitmaster."

From Salon

You can, and it comes down to the pitmaster’s secret weapon: a rub.

From Seattle Times

Sales are down 50% this year from the same period in 2022, co-owner and pitmaster Daniel Castillo said.

From Los Angeles Times

"Adding charr to meat gives it a nice flavor, one that reminds us of summer cookouts," says Shawn Hill, pitmaster and founder of The Grilling Dad.

From Salon