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

How To Get Omega-3s Fish like sardines, mackerel, and tuna are good sources of EPA and DHA, while ALA comes from plant foods like walnuts, flaxseed, and canola oil. —Sarah Garone, Health, 21 Jan. 2026

Among the richest sources are fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, and tuna, as well as marine algae and seafood such as oysters. —Md Published, Verywell Health, 5 Jan. 2026

Pacific saury has a dot of perfectly complementary prawn paste, and – so often fishy – the mackerel here is clean and bright. —John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 24 Dec. 2025

Omega-3 fatty acids from fish, like salmon, mackerel, and herring, can also reduce inflammation and delay the onset of muscle soreness. —Outside, 10 Dec. 2025

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