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

But the norm has also endured because economic espionage is difficult to put into practice. — David S. Cohen, Foreign Affairs, 8 Oct. 2026

Obstruction, dysfunction and even government shutdowns have become the norm. — Jeff Merkley, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026

Outside, Casa Marina’s 1,100 feet of private beach, lined with loungers and framed by two piers, is the most coveted slice of sand on the island—a true beach scene in a town where rocky shores are the norm. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026

Always-on displays have been the norm on Android for years, and the fact that TCL’s Nxtpaper phones didn’t have them was a dealbreaker for many. — Dominic Preston, The Verge, 5 Oct. 2026

Rhymes for the norm

• brainstorm
• conform
• deform
• firestorm
• hailstorm
• inform
• landform
• lukewarm
• perform
• planform
• platform
• preform