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
Jim's rule of thumb is one hour of homework per week per stock.
—
Paulina Likos, CNBC, 12 June 2025
The ex-etiquette rule of thumb for this kind of situation is that the person to whom the perpetrator (your husband’s ex) is related is the person to speak up.
—Jann Blackstone, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2025
Applying the 25x rule of thumb: $36,000 × 25 = $900,000
Therefore, $900,000 in investments is required to generate the necessary withdrawals without hemorrhaging retirement funds.
—Wes Moss, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
There’s no need to strictly measure, however, a good rule of thumb is to use 4 to 6 quarts of water per pound of pasta.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rule of thumb
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Paulina Likos, CNBC, 12 June 2025
The ex-etiquette rule of thumb for this kind of situation is that the person to whom the perpetrator (your husband’s ex) is related is the person to speak up.
—Jann Blackstone, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2025
Applying the 25x rule of thumb: $36,000 × 25 = $900,000
Therefore, $900,000 in investments is required to generate the necessary withdrawals without hemorrhaging retirement funds.
—Wes Moss, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
There’s no need to strictly measure, however, a good rule of thumb is to use 4 to 6 quarts of water per pound of pasta.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 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 15 Jun. 2025.
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