king·fish / ˈkingˌfish/ • n. (pl. same or -fish·es) 1. any of a number of large sporting fish, many of which are edible: ∎  a fish of the jack family (Carangidae), including the yellowtail kingfish (Seriola grandis) of the South Pacific. ∎  (northern kingfish) a fish of the drum family (Menticirrhus saxatilis, family Sciaenidae), of the east coast of North America. ∎  a western Atlantic fish of the mackerel family (Scomberomorus cavalla, family Scombridae). 2. inf. a person regarded as an authority figure; an influential leader or boss.

kingfish Name applied to several varieties of fish valued for food or sport. They include Scomberomorus cavalla, a type of large mackerel, and Menticirrhus saxitalis, a member of the drum family, also known as whiting.