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Definition of king mackerel
king mackerel
Plural:king mackerel
king mackerel Lexical Profile
CEFR
B2
Grade
7
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
North American A large, migratory species of pelagic fish in the mackerel family native to the western Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, characterized by its elongated, silver body, sharp teeth, and status as a highly sought-after game fish.
Example
"During the summer tournament, the angler caught a massive king mackerel that weighed over forty pounds."
2
The firm, rich, and oily flesh of the king mackerel, often consumed as seafood and typically prepared by grilling, broiling, or smoking.
Example
"The seaside restaurant is famous for its smoked king mackerel dip, served with freshly toasted crostini."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for king mackerel• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The name pairs 'king', referring to its large size and dominance relative to other species, with 'mackerel', which derives from the Old French 'maquereau'.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of King mackerel. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/king mackerel