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
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The golf pundit rule of thumb on Augusta National has long been that experience is key to excelling.
—
Mike Dojc, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
An old rule of thumb suggests that a used vehicle really starts to show its age at around five years.
—Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2025
But the rule of thumb is that the selection committee is stuck choosing from whatever is left after Venice and Cannes have cleared the table.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 24 Feb. 2025
The rule of thumb was that none of these deaths can actually happen in the [real] world.
—Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rule of thumb
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Mike Dojc, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
An old rule of thumb suggests that a used vehicle really starts to show its age at around five years.
—Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2025
But the rule of thumb is that the selection committee is stuck choosing from whatever is left after Venice and Cannes have cleared the table.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 24 Feb. 2025
The rule of thumb was that none of these deaths can actually happen in the [real] world.
—Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Feb. 2025
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 13 Mar. 2025.
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