the norm
noun
1
: an average level of development or achievement
She scored well above/below the norm in math.
2
: something (such as a behavior or way of doing something) that is usual or expected
Smaller families have become the norm.
Examples of the norm in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
While this standard may no longer be the norm, its historical significance is indisputable.
—
William Mullane, USA TODAY, 12 May 2024
Some flowers have multiple rows of petals (double flowering), although single flowers are the norm.
—Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 May 2024
Kim and Darwin observed something similar with their retreats, Sanu and The Village respectively, noting that their early guests hailed from cultural backgrounds where postpartum support is the norm.
—Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 8 May 2024
Kona retired from the K-9 Unit Dec. 20 and was released into the custody of her handler, which is the norm when law enforcement dogs retire.
—Mark Price, Miami Herald, 8 May 2024
If successful, Biden would bring the United States more in line with other wealthy countries, where generous safety net programs are the norm.
—Chris Megerian, Fortune, 8 May 2024
After decades of tolerating workaholic culture as the norm, employees are tired, unafraid to show it and yearning to yank back control of their lives.
—Amy X. Wang, New York Times, 7 May 2024
If Beats once stood out for offering one of the most bass-forward sound signatures, this sort of response is now the norm in the consumer realm.
—PCMAG, 30 Apr. 2024
Some experts expect that trend to proliferate further and eventually become the norm.
—Bypaolo Confino, Fortune, 26 Apr. 2024
William Mullane, USA TODAY, 12 May 2024
Some flowers have multiple rows of petals (double flowering), although single flowers are the norm.
—Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 May 2024
Kim and Darwin observed something similar with their retreats, Sanu and The Village respectively, noting that their early guests hailed from cultural backgrounds where postpartum support is the norm.
—Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 8 May 2024
Kona retired from the K-9 Unit Dec. 20 and was released into the custody of her handler, which is the norm when law enforcement dogs retire.
—Mark Price, Miami Herald, 8 May 2024
If successful, Biden would bring the United States more in line with other wealthy countries, where generous safety net programs are the norm.
—Chris Megerian, Fortune, 8 May 2024
After decades of tolerating workaholic culture as the norm, employees are tired, unafraid to show it and yearning to yank back control of their lives.
—Amy X. Wang, New York Times, 7 May 2024
If Beats once stood out for offering one of the most bass-forward sound signatures, this sort of response is now the norm in the consumer realm.
—PCMAG, 30 Apr. 2024
Some experts expect that trend to proliferate further and eventually become the norm.
—Bypaolo Confino, Fortune, 26 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'the norm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near the norm
Cite this Entry
“The norm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20norm. Accessed 17 May. 2024.
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