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
Those figures represent the norm for Baty, 26.
—
Tim Britton, New York Times, 29 May 2026
That practice has already become the norm in recent years, but it is now mandated.
—Miles Parks, NPR, 29 May 2026
Attacks on statutory rights are pushing these countries back to conditions reminiscent of the late nineteenth century, when poverty and slums were the norm for a working class with no social safety net.
—Literary Hub, 28 May 2026
Seel said this highlights how building consumer trust should continue even after a purchase is made, especially at a time when returns have become the norm.
—Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for the norm
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Tim Britton, New York Times, 29 May 2026
That practice has already become the norm in recent years, but it is now mandated.
—Miles Parks, NPR, 29 May 2026
Attacks on statutory rights are pushing these countries back to conditions reminiscent of the late nineteenth century, when poverty and slums were the norm for a working class with no social safety net.
—Literary Hub, 28 May 2026
Seel said this highlights how building consumer trust should continue even after a purchase is made, especially at a time when returns have become the norm.
—Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 28 May 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 5 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
