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
If this became the norm, hungry tourists might leave with more than a full stomach.
—
Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 20 Oct. 2024
Workplace Climates Some workplaces have a climate in which presenteeism becomes the norm.
—Erik Pham, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024
With a passed referendum, increased support for teachers and a return to Avon excellence became the norm.
—Caroline Beck, The Indianapolis Star, 16 Oct. 2024
Students now seem increasingly incapable of reading whole books, a problem professors say is becoming the norm, even at some of the nation's most elite colleges.
—Theara Coleman, theweek, 15 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for the norm 
Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 20 Oct. 2024
Workplace Climates Some workplaces have a climate in which presenteeism becomes the norm.
—Erik Pham, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024
With a passed referendum, increased support for teachers and a return to Avon excellence became the norm.
—Caroline Beck, The Indianapolis Star, 16 Oct. 2024
Students now seem increasingly incapable of reading whole books, a problem professors say is becoming the norm, even at some of the nation's most elite colleges.
—Theara Coleman, theweek, 15 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for the norm
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.
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 5 Nov. 2024.
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