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
One where overdressing used to be the norm.
—
José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 19 Feb. 2026
Surprisingly, hand delivery isn’t the norm for the dresses that run from $3,000-$8,000, averaging around $5,000 (McKinnon charges by the hour).
—Patrice Hutton, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
But disappointment has become the norm and supporters are wary of being let down again.
—Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Planet Earth has gone through many periods where supercontinents and superoceans were the norm, and many others where multiple continents and multiple separate, independent oceans covered Earth’s surface.
—Big Think, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the norm
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José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 19 Feb. 2026
Surprisingly, hand delivery isn’t the norm for the dresses that run from $3,000-$8,000, averaging around $5,000 (McKinnon charges by the hour).
—Patrice Hutton, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
But disappointment has become the norm and supporters are wary of being let down again.
—Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Planet Earth has gone through many periods where supercontinents and superoceans were the norm, and many others where multiple continents and multiple separate, independent oceans covered Earth’s surface.
—Big Think, 17 Feb. 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 21 Feb. 2026.
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