Norma

¹ American  

[nawr-muh] / ˈnɔr mə /

noun

Astronomy.

1. the Rule, a small southern constellation between Lupus and Ara.

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Norma ² American  

[nawr-muh] / ˈnɔr mə /

noun

1. a female given name.

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Norma ³ American  

[nawr-muh] / ˈnɔr mə /

noun

1. an opera (1831) with music by Vincenzo Bellini.

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Norma British  

/ ˈnɔːmə /

noun

1. a constellation in the S hemisphere crossed by the Milky Way and lying near Scorpius and Ara

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Etymology

Origin of Norma

First recorded in 1810–15; from Latin; see origin at norm

Example Sentences

Billy Wilder’s Sunset Boulevard, the tale of silent film star Norma Desmond’s descent into murderous derangement as her Hollywood comeback stays out of frame, is the other.

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026

Norma Frerichs was shocked to learn how much her monthly Medigap premiums would cost for 2026.

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

“The Department holds its employees to the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and integrity,” Officer Norma Eisenman said in an emailed statement.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

All Norma Tactacon can do is pray as the sirens blare.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

“It’s an outrage!” says McGuinty, leaning slightly toward Norma now that he sees he’s got the popular vote.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen