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.

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Etymology

Origin of pitmaster

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

Example Sentences

The files: Celebrated pitmaster and L.A.-based chef Adam Perry Lang was named years ago as a personal chef to Epstein.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 2026

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

Just unleash your inner pitmaster and rest easy knowing that while you sleep, a giant cut of bone-in, skin-on pork shoulder is transforming into the sweetest, most succulent showstopper you've ever tasted.

From Salon • Feb. 12, 2022

For your next football watch party, we've got the full recipe for smoked hickory meatball skewers with mozzarella from Chris Lilly, world championship pitmaster and spokesperson for the famed charcoal briquette company, Kingsford.

From Fox News • Sep. 21, 2021

The final piece fell into place when he overheard an animal trainer complaining loudly to the pitmaster.

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