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
While there's no universal dosage, a good rule of thumb is to start slow and work your way up.
—
Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
Using the rule of thumb to withdraw 4% of one's retirement savings annually, a nest egg of $1.46 million would result in about $58,400 in annual income.
—Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2024
My team tested this rule of thumb in 2014, 2021, and 2023; the numbers still appeared to work.
—Wes Moss, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024
Prepare financially According to experts, a good rule of thumb is to set aside three to six months of living expenses.
—Caroline Castrillon, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024
Before productivity began its resurgent growth last year, a rule of thumb was that average hourly pay could rise no more than 3.5% annually for inflation to stay within the Fed’s 2% target.
—Paul Wiseman, Quartz, 21 Feb. 2024
While bleeding will decrease over time, a good rule of thumb is to calculate an average of three pairs of disposable underwear for the first week postpartum.
—Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 21 Mar. 2024
The One-Third Rule is typically a valuable rule of thumb.
—Wes Moss, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024
Invitations, bills and tips go hand in hand One rule of thumb is that the person who invites someone on a date should pay the tab, including gratuity.
—Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 14 Feb. 2024
Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
Using the rule of thumb to withdraw 4% of one's retirement savings annually, a nest egg of $1.46 million would result in about $58,400 in annual income.
—Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2024
My team tested this rule of thumb in 2014, 2021, and 2023; the numbers still appeared to work.
—Wes Moss, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024
Prepare financially According to experts, a good rule of thumb is to set aside three to six months of living expenses.
—Caroline Castrillon, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024
Before productivity began its resurgent growth last year, a rule of thumb was that average hourly pay could rise no more than 3.5% annually for inflation to stay within the Fed’s 2% target.
—Paul Wiseman, Quartz, 21 Feb. 2024
While bleeding will decrease over time, a good rule of thumb is to calculate an average of three pairs of disposable underwear for the first week postpartum.
—Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 21 Mar. 2024
The One-Third Rule is typically a valuable rule of thumb.
—Wes Moss, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024
Invitations, bills and tips go hand in hand One rule of thumb is that the person who invites someone on a date should pay the tab, including gratuity.
—Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 14 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rule of thumb.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near 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 20 Apr. 2024.
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