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noun

mackerel

MAK-ruhl

Mackerel (noun) means a small, oily edible sea fish with a streaked or speckled pattern on its back. Example: “She grilled a fresh mackerel with lemon and herbs.”

noun
1
A small, oily edible sea fish with a streaked or speckled pattern on its back.
"She grilled a fresh mackerel with lemon and herbs."
"Mackerel is cheap, sustainable, and full of omega-3s."
2
A sky pattern of small, rippled clouds that looks like fish scales (as in "mackerel sky").
"Sailors say a mackerel sky means rain is coming."

How to use mackerel

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA common oily fish, or the fish-scale pattern of clouds named after it.

Common pairings
smoked mackerel mackerel sky a tin of mackerel

Word forms

mackerel plural, mackerels plural, mackerels plural

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Etymology

From Middle English makerel, borrowed from Old French maquerel — the deeper origin is uncertain.

Origin: Old French

Rhymes for mackerel

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Frequently asked questions

What does “mackerel” mean?

The word “mackerel” means a small, oily edible sea fish with a streaked or speckled pattern on its back. In plain terms, a common oily fish, or the fish-scale pattern of clouds named after it.

How do you pronounce “mackerel”?

“Mackerel” is pronounced MAK-ruhl (/ˈmæk(ə)ɹəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “mackerel” in a sentence?

Here is “mackerel” used in a sentence: “She grilled a fresh mackerel with lemon and herbs.”

What part of speech is “mackerel”?

“Mackerel” is a noun.

Where does the word “mackerel” come from?

The word “mackerel” comes from Old French. From Middle English makerel, borrowed from Old French maquerel — the deeper origin is uncertain.

How many meanings does “mackerel” have?

“Mackerel” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small, oily edible sea fish with a streaked or speckled pattern on its back.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial