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 upward slope of living standards has been the norm throughout our history as a nation, but this past year has been one of the blockbusters, with incomes rising almost twice as fast as inflation. —Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 24 Dec. 2025

International footprints are becoming the norm among Gulf property developers who were once locally-focused. —Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 23 Dec. 2025

And for men, variations of the Chelsea boot and options featuring lug soles for rugged winter weather were the norm among some brands. —Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 23 Dec. 2025

Since at least the 1940s, three-year deals have generally been the norm for entertainment unions, says Georgia State University associate professor Kate Fortmueller, who studies Hollywood labor. —Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 22 Dec. 2025

Rhymes for the norm

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