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

Thai mackerel, whole duck, silkie chickens and more are included in Zoland’s protein offerings. — Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026

And fatty fish, such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel, earn their place thanks in large part to their long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA. — Laura Solla, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026

Atlantic mackerel is very low in mercury and is a healthy seafood option. — Jillian Kubala, HEALTH, 8 Oct. 2026

Salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, and anchovies provide omega-3 fatty acids, and Fantuzzi points out that fatty fish provides forms of omega-3 that are more readily available to the body than the ALA found in plant foods. — Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 19 Sep. 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