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

See Examples For:

Spanish mackerel

"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

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

There were plans to review the status of Spanish mackerel.

From The Guardian ● Sep. 3, 2020

Spanish mackerel is very good on sardines or cut bait.

From Washington Times ● Oct. 2, 2019

The delicious shad and Spanish mackerel have no gastronomic rivals in these waters, and the sole must be accepted in their stead.

From Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science Volume 15, No. 86, February, 1875 by Various