mackerel
n. C / Un. a fast-swimming sea fish with silver skin and dark stripes on its back. It is a popular food because it contains healthy oils.
n. a migratory marine fish of the family Scombridae, characterized by a streamlined body and iridescent green-blue patterning. Valued as a food source for its high lipid content and omega-3 fatty acids.
We had grilled mackerel for dinner last night.
The local market sells fresh mackerel caught by the coastal fleet early each morning.
Large schools of mackerel migrate toward the warmer waters of the continental shelf during the spring spawning season, attracting both commercial trawlers and natural predators.
From Middle English mackerell, macrell, macrelle, makarell, makerel, makerell, makerelle, makrel, makrell, makyrelle, from Old French maquerel. Further origin unknown.
From Middle English makerel, maquerel, from Old French maquerel, from Middle Dutch makelare, makelaer (“broker”) (> makelaar (“broker, peddler”)). See also French maquereau.
The plural form can be 'mackerel' when referring to the food or the species collectively, or 'mackerels' when referring to individual fish.