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

Wild mackerel and anchovies, for example, have higher levels of iron, omega-3s, vitamin B12, and vitamin A than salmon. —Simon Spichak, Health, 1 Oct. 2025

Snacks include crispy lake perch with whitefish tonnato, prawns with Campari aioli, and smoked mackerel with pretzels and mustard zabaglione. —Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Sep. 2025

Researchers believe compounds in turmeric, seaweed, soy, and fatty fish (such as mackerel, salmon, and tuna) could have neuroprotective effects. —Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 22 Sep. 2025

The offerings here are simple, but classic, with things like saba (mackerel) sushi, unagi (eel) handrolls, and king crab on the set menu. —Aniesia Williams, Travel + Leisure, 22 Aug. 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