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 the first half of the 20th century, lavish nine or 10-course meals featuring French cuisine were the norm.
—
Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 14 Nov. 2025
But in Miami, such exposure isn’t the norm.
—Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 13 Nov. 2025
Instead, lifelong learning must become the norm.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 12 Nov. 2025
While playing a single warm-up fixture has become the norm under head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes in recent years, having only one game to acclimatise to local conditions is a far cry from England’s previous Ashes tours.
—Michael Bailey, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the norm
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Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 14 Nov. 2025
But in Miami, such exposure isn’t the norm.
—Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 13 Nov. 2025
Instead, lifelong learning must become the norm.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 12 Nov. 2025
While playing a single warm-up fixture has become the norm under head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes in recent years, having only one game to acclimatise to local conditions is a far cry from England’s previous Ashes tours.
—Michael Bailey, New York Times, 11 Nov. 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 16 Nov. 2025.
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