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
And when that silence becomes the norm, even the most beautiful relationships can begin to feel lifeless.
—
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
But, as Pede and Hayden saw it, all this restraint had conditioned both American troops and the public to believe this level of restraint was the norm.
—Colin Jones, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2025
Even in an alternate timeline in which the average new car didn't cost more than $50,000 and weigh well more than two tons, Volkswagen's Golf GTI would stand above the norm.
—ArsTechnica, 24 Apr. 2025
What to do instead Many people work in environments where being overly nice is the norm.
—Tessa West, Contributor, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the norm
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
But, as Pede and Hayden saw it, all this restraint had conditioned both American troops and the public to believe this level of restraint was the norm.
—Colin Jones, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2025
Even in an alternate timeline in which the average new car didn't cost more than $50,000 and weigh well more than two tons, Volkswagen's Golf GTI would stand above the norm.
—ArsTechnica, 24 Apr. 2025
What to do instead Many people work in environments where being overly nice is the norm.
—Tessa West, Contributor, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the norm
Cite this Entry
“The norm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20norm. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share