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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of Spanish mackerel

An Americanism dating back to 1660–70

Example Sentences

Others traditionally caught off Japan’s southern shores, like yellowtail or Spanish mackerel, are reappearing in northern waters, according to industry groups.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 23, 2023

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 is very good on sardines or cut bait.

From Washington Times • Oct. 2, 2019

Brining and applewood-smoking Spanish mackerel yielded silky, mild results to happily contrast hearty little slices of seeded rye bread.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 15, 2019

Among those found are red-fish, Spanish mackerel, speckled trout, black trout, blue-fish, mullet, sheep's-head, croakers, flounders, and the aristocratic pompano.

From Four Months in a Sneak-Box by Bishop, Nathaniel H. (Nathaniel Holmes)