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
The country is rewriting the norm that a cushy office job is the only failsafe career.
—
Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 17 Dec. 2025
In men’s, variations of the Chelsea boot and options featuring lug soles for rugged winter weather appear to be the norm among some of the brands.
—Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 17 Dec. 2025
Nearly 50,000 cases were counted in 2012, which wasn't the norm, but cases in 2024 and 2025 have exceeded 25,000 in each year.
—Erika Edwards, NBC news, 17 Dec. 2025
The exception is the far northern tier, which could see thermometers hover right around or just below the norm for this time of year.
—Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the norm
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Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 17 Dec. 2025
In men’s, variations of the Chelsea boot and options featuring lug soles for rugged winter weather appear to be the norm among some of the brands.
—Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 17 Dec. 2025
Nearly 50,000 cases were counted in 2012, which wasn't the norm, but cases in 2024 and 2025 have exceeded 25,000 in each year.
—Erika Edwards, NBC news, 17 Dec. 2025
The exception is the far northern tier, which could see thermometers hover right around or just below the norm for this time of year.
—Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 16 Dec. 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 20 Dec. 2025.
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