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

Key Takeaways Fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes. — Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 14 Aug. 2026

Salmon and other fatty fish Another food rich in omega-3 fatty acids is fatty fish, which include salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, and tuna. — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 24 July 2026

Next up is the Open Sea exhibit, where Pacific mackerel circle and meticulously illuminated jellyfish pulsate. — Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 20 July 2026

Common examples are salmon, sardines, mackerel, and anchovies. — Matt Fuchs, Time, 26 June 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