mackerel sky

noun

1. an extensive group of cirrocumulus or altocumulus clouds, especially when well-marked in their arrangement: so called because of a resemblance to the scales on a mackerel.

mackerel sky

noun

1. a sky patterned with cirrocumulus or small altocumulus clouds

Word History and Origins

Origin of mackerel sky¹

First recorded in 1660–70

Word History and Origins

Origin of mackerel sky¹

from the similarity to the pattern on a mackerel's back