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

There were plans to review the status of Spanish mackerel.

From The Guardian • Sep. 3, 2020

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

Spanish mackerel are fair on Mahi Mahi on squid or live cigar minnow.

From Washington Times • Oct. 9, 2019

Open a Spanish mackerel, take out most of the backbone, season with salt and pepper, and stuff with seasoned crumbs.

From How to Cook Fish by Reed, Myrtle