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
In China, as Riofrancos reports, the pollution flowing from mineral extraction has led to places where disproportionate rates of disease, including cancer, are the norm.
—
Scott W. Stern, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2025
As such transfers of power are not the norm, vice presidents can usually be found in unglamorous busy work, at best breaking tie votes in the Senate and at worst serving as White House gofers.
—Book Marks
october 2, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2025
Three-receiver sets are the norm for nearly every team on Seattle’s schedule, and Macdonald likes to match those 11 personnel groupings with his three best cover corners.
—Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
And in a fun twist on the norm, instead of a minibar in each room there are free snacks and non-alcoholic drinks available on each floor.
—Elliott Harrell, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the norm
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Scott W. Stern, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2025
As such transfers of power are not the norm, vice presidents can usually be found in unglamorous busy work, at best breaking tie votes in the Senate and at worst serving as White House gofers.
—Book Marks
october 2, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2025
Three-receiver sets are the norm for nearly every team on Seattle’s schedule, and Macdonald likes to match those 11 personnel groupings with his three best cover corners.
—Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
And in a fun twist on the norm, instead of a minibar in each room there are free snacks and non-alcoholic drinks available on each floor.
—Elliott Harrell, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 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 8 Oct. 2025.
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