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
As a rule of thumb, experts suggest settling for side or back positions as much as possible.
—
Brianna Kamienski, The Arizona Republic, 12 June 2024
As a rule of thumb, sneakers with suits are a terrible idea.
—Guy Trebay, New York Times, 3 June 2024
Business News The 5 most affordable cities for first-time home buyers — and the 5 least affordable
All the most expensive cities are located along the coasts
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An old rule of thumb may not be so handy anymore.
—Rocio Fabbro, Quartz, 2 June 2024
As a rule of thumb, societies with fewer people tend to have smaller economies, as do societies where the elderly make up a disproportionate share of the population.
—Nicholas Eberstadt, Foreign Affairs, 8 May 2024
This ‘rule of thumb’ takes into account that running shoes tend to run small and that feet may swell while running.
—Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Mar. 2024
Preparing for the unexpected is a good rule of thumb when camping, especially in terms of clothing and footwear.
—Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2024
But one rule of thumb is that some brands are geared toward specific age demographics.
—Leslie Patrick, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2024
The rule of thumb, explosives experts say, is that 10% of munitions do not detonate on impact.
—Anas Baba, NPR, 13 May 2024
Brianna Kamienski, The Arizona Republic, 12 June 2024
As a rule of thumb, sneakers with suits are a terrible idea.
—Guy Trebay, New York Times, 3 June 2024
Business News The 5 most affordable cities for first-time home buyers — and the 5 least affordable
All the most expensive cities are located along the coasts
By
Start Slideshow
An old rule of thumb may not be so handy anymore.
—Rocio Fabbro, Quartz, 2 June 2024
As a rule of thumb, societies with fewer people tend to have smaller economies, as do societies where the elderly make up a disproportionate share of the population.
—Nicholas Eberstadt, Foreign Affairs, 8 May 2024
This ‘rule of thumb’ takes into account that running shoes tend to run small and that feet may swell while running.
—Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Mar. 2024
Preparing for the unexpected is a good rule of thumb when camping, especially in terms of clothing and footwear.
—Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2024
But one rule of thumb is that some brands are geared toward specific age demographics.
—Leslie Patrick, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2024
The rule of thumb, explosives experts say, is that 10% of munitions do not detonate on impact.
—Anas Baba, NPR, 13 May 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 18 Jun. 2024.
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