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

The same goes for the San Diego-Scripps conservation area, except for the recreational taking of coastal pelagic species (northern anchovy, Pacific sardine, Pacific mackerel and jack mackerel) by hook and line only. —Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026

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, 2 Apr. 2026

At Mandalay Bay Resort, the big fish are fed a mix of mackerel, herring, blue runner and sardines, according to The Associated Press (AP). —Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 20 Mar. 2026

The sentences cut a swift, clean trail across the page—a mackerel through the water. —David Remnick, New Yorker, 20 Mar. 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