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

Celebrity hairstylist Mike Martinez’s rule of thumb for the perfect clean? — Valeriya Chupinina, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026

The rule of thumb has long been that ambassadors should spend no more than one month every year back in the United States. — Donald Heflin, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2026

For years, a common rule of thumb was that employers needed to add 100,000 jobs a month or more just to keep pace with a growing labor force. — Bydavid Schepp, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Oct. 2026

Another simple rule of thumb for leaders is to shift from tracking your own achievements to being as generous as possible with credit, while also being accountable when things go wrong. — Carol Geffner, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1658, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rule of thumb

• abomasum
• become
• checksum
• humdrum
• income
• outcome
• pisum
• succumb
• therefrom
• wherefrom
• bum
• chum

Kids Definition

rule of thumb

1

: a method based on experience and common sense

2

: a general principle that is roughly correct