Illustration of mackerel
- mackerel 1
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
Examples of mackerel in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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
Richer fish like mackerel and swordfish will work too, but bring a stronger flavor.
—Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mackerel
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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
Richer fish like mackerel and swordfish will work too, but bring a stronger flavor.
—Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mackerel
Cite this Entry
“Mackerel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mackerel. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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