Spanish mackerel

American  

noun

1. an American game fish, Scomberomorus maculatus, inhabiting the Atlantic Ocean.

2. any of various similar scombroid fishes.

3. (in California) the jack mackerel.

---

Spanish mackerel British  

noun

1. Also called: kingfish.  any scombroid food fish of the genus Scomberomorus, esp S. maculatus, of American coastal regions of the Atlantic: family Scombridae (mackerels, tunnies, etc)

2. a mackerel, Scomber colias, of European and E North American coasts that is similar to the common Atlantic mackerel

3. any of various related marine food fishes, esp Scomberomerus Commerson

---

Etymology

Origin of Spanish mackerel

An Americanism dating back to 1660–70

Example Sentences

"We were chasing Spanish mackerel and had one eaten by a pack of six of them, four metres off the edge of the boat," he told AFP.

From Barron's • May 24, 2026

Or sagoshi, as Spanish mackerel is called when it’s young and its flesh still has a mild flavor and a pale blush.

From New York Times • Aug. 31, 2021

Spanish mackerel has had improved success recently on cut bait, squid or shrimp.

From Washington Times • Oct. 2, 2019

For generations, fishermen there have claimed rights to the grounds, which are rich with high-value tuna, grouper and Spanish mackerel.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2019

Gumbo soup and Spanish mackerel if you please.

From Dab Kinzer A Story of a Growing Boy by Stoddard, William Osborn