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
For many houseplants, allowing the top inch or two of soil to dry out before watering is a good rule of thumb.
—
Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 11 Apr. 2026
The traditional real estate industry rule of thumb has been that a seller's market is one with less than 4 months of supply of homes to buy, while a buyer's market is 6 months or greater.
—Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026
The exact spacing varies according to the species and cultivar being grown, but a handy rule of thumb is to set low-growing hedge plants (3-4 feet tall) about two feet apart within rows.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026
Jon Meador taught us some rules of thumb for grain movement, and another shopmate has a CNC [Computer Numerical Control] machine that’s been helpful to us.
—Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rule of thumb
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Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 11 Apr. 2026
The traditional real estate industry rule of thumb has been that a seller's market is one with less than 4 months of supply of homes to buy, while a buyer's market is 6 months or greater.
—Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026
The exact spacing varies according to the species and cultivar being grown, but a handy rule of thumb is to set low-growing hedge plants (3-4 feet tall) about two feet apart within rows.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026
Jon Meador taught us some rules of thumb for grain movement, and another shopmate has a CNC [Computer Numerical Control] machine that’s been helpful to us.
—Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 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 19 Apr. 2026.
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