n., pl., mackerel, or -els.
- Any of several widely distributed marine fishes of the family Scombridae, especially the Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus), an important food fish having dark wavy bars on the back and a silvery belly.
- Any of the smaller fishes of the suborder Scombroidea, such as the Spanish mackerel.
- Any of various similar fishes.
[Middle English makerel, from Old French maquerel.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
