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

Jersey patches have only recently become the norm across college athletics. — Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2026

Not every backyard can accommodate the 60-foot by 30-foot footprint these courts require, and his residential courts tend to be in communities where larger properties are the norm — like Hillsborough, Atherton, Woodside and Saratoga. — Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 5 July 2026

Aggression is the norm A common misconception is that aggression needs to be physical before it’s considered abusive, but that’s not always the case. — Mark Travers, CNBC, 5 July 2026

As has been the norm this summer, seasonal storms kept attendees guessing about whether the July 4 tradition would go forward until downbeat. — Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026

Rhymes for the norm

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