the norm

noun

: an average level of development or achievement

She scored well above/below the norm in math.

: 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 Given the way the Florida Panthers have defended throughout the Stanley Cup playoffs to this point, that was pretty much the norm. —

Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 23 May 2024 Smiling, friendly faces are the norm rather than the exception—from the clerk at the drugstore to folks just passing by on the street. —

Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 21 May 2024 Since the Regency era is a time period where overlays, embellishments, and dramatic details were the norm, the Mondrichs leaned into this. —

Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 15 May 2024 Long distances became the norm, long commutes a habit, and car dependency the rule. —

Carlos Moreno, Fortune, 7 May 2024 In some writing workshops, merciless criticism is the norm. —

Michael Laser, Baltimore Sun, 25 Apr. 2024 While this standard may no longer be the norm, its historical significance is indisputable. —

William Mullane, USA TODAY, 12 May 2024 Some flowers have multiple rows of petals (double flowering), although single flowers are the norm. —

Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 May 2024 Kim and Darwin observed something similar with their retreats, Sanu and The Village respectively, noting that their early guests hailed from cultural backgrounds where postpartum support is the norm. —

Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 8 May 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'the norm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.