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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- mackerels
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She grilled a fresh _____ with lemon and herbs.
Etymology
From Middle English makerel, borrowed from Old French maquerel — the deeper origin is uncertain.
Rhymes for mackerel
See all rhymes for mackerel →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.
