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

Paju’s Spanish mackerel is fresh, and it’s braised in the style of the golden-sweet cubes of potato found among the side dishes at Korean barbecue until it’s super-soft, its silvery skin very tender.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 14, 2019

Redfish are good on croakers or mullet, Spanish mackerel are fair on glass minnow, Mahi Mahi on squid or live cigar minnow.

From Washington Times • Oct. 2, 2019

Drain the oil from a can of pickled Spanish mackerel, and cut the fish in slices.

From How to Cook Fish by Reed, Myrtle