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
By 2025, detailed product labels and fancy QR codes that spill all the tea (or THC) are the norm.
—
Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2025
Testing the water Offering go-and-see visits – whereby one member of a family is allowed to return to a home country to evaluate the situation and subsequently permitted to reenter the host country without losing their legal status – is the norm in many refugee situations.
—Ana Martín Gil, The Conversation, 27 Jan. 2025
However, the Only Murders in the Building actress was aware her story wasn't the norm and found herself in tears watching footage about the eight subjects in Living Undocumented.
—Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 27 Jan. 2025
Bezos and Musk, the tortoise and the hare, appeared chatty and friendly in a way that has not been the norm for the rivals.
—Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 27 Jan. 2025
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.
Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2025
Testing the water Offering go-and-see visits – whereby one member of a family is allowed to return to a home country to evaluate the situation and subsequently permitted to reenter the host country without losing their legal status – is the norm in many refugee situations.
—Ana Martín Gil, The Conversation, 27 Jan. 2025
However, the Only Murders in the Building actress was aware her story wasn't the norm and found herself in tears watching footage about the eight subjects in Living Undocumented.
—Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 27 Jan. 2025
Bezos and Musk, the tortoise and the hare, appeared chatty and friendly in a way that has not been the norm for the rivals.
—Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 27 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for the norm
Dictionary Entries Near the norm
Cite this Entry
“The norm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20norm. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share