rule of thumb
noun phrase
1
: a method of procedure based on experience and common sense
2
: a general principle regarded as roughly correct but not intended to be scientifically accurate
Examples of rule of thumb in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But there are rules of thumb that can serve as a general starting point.
—
Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 24 May 2026
The rule of thumb is to stay three bus lengths away from deer and elk and 10 bus lengths from wolves and bears.
—Maryam Siddiqi, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2026
As a rule of thumb, the CADR of your air cleaner should equal at least two-thirds of the room’s square footage.
—Ryan Brennan
may 18, Kansas City Star, 18 May 2026
One rule of thumb suggests rebalancing when any portfolio component drifts 5 percentage points from your goal.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for rule of thumb
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Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 24 May 2026
The rule of thumb is to stay three bus lengths away from deer and elk and 10 bus lengths from wolves and bears.
—Maryam Siddiqi, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2026
As a rule of thumb, the CADR of your air cleaner should equal at least two-thirds of the room’s square footage.
—Ryan Brennan
may 18, Kansas City Star, 18 May 2026
One rule of thumb suggests rebalancing when any portfolio component drifts 5 percentage points from your goal.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for rule of thumb
Cite this Entry
“Rule of thumb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rule%20of%20thumb. Accessed 28 May. 2026.
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