mackerel

noun

mack·​er·​el ˈma-k(ə-)rəl 

plural mackerel or mackerels

1

: a scombroid fish (Scomber scombrus of the family Scombridae) of the North Atlantic that is green above with dark blue bars and silvery below and is a commercially important food fish

2

: any of various fishes (such as the wahoo and king mackerel) in the same family as the mackerel especially when distinguished from the related bonito or tuna by a comparatively smaller size

Illustration of mackerel

• mackerel 1

Examples of mackerel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Fatty Fish Provide omega-3 fatty acids Fatty fish, including salmon, trout, sardines, and mackerel, are high in omega-3 fatty acids. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 12 June 2026

Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel have some of the highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids in food. —Kathleen Felton, Time, 9 June 2026

Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, trout, and mackerel are among the best sources. —Brianna Tobritzhofer, Health, 4 June 2026

Steller sea lions are active predators that hunt more than 100 species of fish — including Atka mackerel, pollock, salmon and cod — plus cephalopods like squid and octopus. —Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 29 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English makerel, from Anglo-French

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mackerel

• Atka mackerel
• holy mackerel
• horse mackerel
• jack mackerel
• king mackerel
• mackerel shark
• mackerel sky
• Spanish mackerel

Kids Definition

mackerel

noun

mack·​er·​el ˈmak-(ə-)rəl 

plural mackerel or mackerels

1

: a North Atlantic food fish that is green with blue bars above and silvery below

2

: any of various usually small or medium-sized fishes related to the mackerel