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

This is the message students are receiving, in a world where getting ahead at all costs has become the norm. —Theo Baker, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2026

After all, buying a full ounce of gold outright now requires a significant upfront investment, one that's increasingly out of reach at a time when elevated borrowing costs and persistent inflation pressures are the norm. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026

In Seattle, persistent light drizzles are the norm. —Lauren Schuster, Sacbee.com, 23 Apr. 2026

Journalists use sources to fulfill the norm of objectivity, which requires the presentation of supporting evidence and conflicting possibilities. —Florian Wintterlin, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2026

Rhymes for the norm

• brainstorm
• conform
• deform
• firestorm
• hailstorm
• inform
• landform
• lukewarm
• perform
• planform
• platform
• preform