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 Fatty fish, such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, Routhenstein said. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 5 Dec. 2025

All of that brings us back to the anchovy, along with fish such as the sardine and mackerel. —New Atlas, 5 Dec. 2025

The richest sources are mackerel, salmon, sardines, herring and anchovies—cold-water species naturally high in EPA and DHA. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2025

Rotating choices among several nutrient-dense fish, including sardines and tuna, but also salmon, mackerel, and other fish, can help balance benefits and nutrition. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 17 Nov. 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