mackerel shark

noun

: any of a family (Lamnidae) of large sharks of tropical to cool temperate oceans that have a pointed snout and relatively few, large teeth and include the great white shark and mako sharks

especially : porbeagle

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Megalodon was a colossal species of mackerel shark that stalked the oceans 3.6 to 23 million years ago. —

Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 June 2022 Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon researchers produced a skillful ten-year cod forecast, ecologists found that the age of a lobster can be determined by its DNA, and paleontologists sought to determine why so few species of mackerel shark are alive today. —

Rafil Kroll-zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 23 Nov. 2021 Orange Beach, with the nickname Mako – a large mackerel shark – will start its varsity football existence in Class 2A, Region 1. —

al, 12 Aug. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mackerel shark.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of mackerel shark was in 1819

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near mackerel shark

mackerel scale

mackerel shark

mackerel sky

See More Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

Style

“Mackerel shark.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mackerel%20shark. Accessed 26 Mar. 2023.

Copy Citation