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
Silverfield visited Gilbert's high school during the recruiting process, which isn't the norm for head coaches with kickers.
—
Arkansas Online, 16 Jan. 2026
The state of Magic Johnson Park is the norm, not the exception in LA and many parts of Southern California.
—Rafael Perez, Daily News, 16 Jan. 2026
But departures from the norm don’t end in the dining room.
—Su-Jit Lin, Southern Living, 15 Jan. 2026
Avoid Street Parking If street parking is the norm in your community, consider moving your car (if possible) ahead of or post-major snowfall.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the norm
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Arkansas Online, 16 Jan. 2026
The state of Magic Johnson Park is the norm, not the exception in LA and many parts of Southern California.
—Rafael Perez, Daily News, 16 Jan. 2026
But departures from the norm don’t end in the dining room.
—Su-Jit Lin, Southern Living, 15 Jan. 2026
Avoid Street Parking If street parking is the norm in your community, consider moving your car (if possible) ahead of or post-major snowfall.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 15 Jan. 2026
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 Jan. 2026.
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