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
Avatars, crypto wallets, digital goods will be the norm.
—
Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
But because these methods often take years to start showing effects—and because American farmers have relied on fertilizers to enable steady crop yields for so long—some are hesitant to sway from the norm, Hansel said.
—Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2026
The western, which ran from 1955-75, produced more than 30 episodes per season for its first 11 years — the norm in TV at the time.
—Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026
Related Stories In a country with a limited domestic market, filmmakers have long looked beyond national borders, making international co-productions the norm.
—Lise Pedersen, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the norm
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Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
But because these methods often take years to start showing effects—and because American farmers have relied on fertilizers to enable steady crop yields for so long—some are hesitant to sway from the norm, Hansel said.
—Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2026
The western, which ran from 1955-75, produced more than 30 episodes per season for its first 11 years — the norm in TV at the time.
—Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026
Related Stories In a country with a limited domestic market, filmmakers have long looked beyond national borders, making international co-productions the norm.
—Lise Pedersen, Variety, 16 Apr. 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 22 Apr. 2026.
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