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

Underneath that exhaustion sits a generation that came of professional age during recession and pandemic, then entered leadership roles as constant connectivity became the norm. —Jasmine Browley, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026

While the process has long been a part of the day-to-day for clubs around the league, recent rule changes, seasonal timing and government backlogs have made longer wait times the norm. —Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 22 Jan. 2026

As first reported by WBZ-TV media partner The Boston Business Journal, data released this week by The Warren Group shows where million-dollar homes are becoming the norm. —Neal Riley, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026

Dual-income households are now the norm, and women are increasingly out-earning their partners. —Brian Page, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2026

Rhymes for the norm

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