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
Setting your thermostat to 78 degrees during the hotter months is a good rule of thumb, Brown told The Bee during a phone interview on Monday.
—
Brianna Taylor, Sacramento Bee, 9 July 2024
Tech industry insiders used to cite a rule of thumb stating that only one in ten of an online community’s users generally post new content, with the masses logging on only to consume images, video or other updates.
—Taylor Lorenz, Washington Post, 27 June 2024
One rule of thumb is to release analytical judgments but not the underlying raw intelligence on which they are based.
—David V. Gioe, Foreign Affairs, 23 Apr. 2024
One rule of thumb: Avoid taking out a bigger balance than what your salary could be after graduation.
—Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 2 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for rule of thumb 
Brianna Taylor, Sacramento Bee, 9 July 2024
Tech industry insiders used to cite a rule of thumb stating that only one in ten of an online community’s users generally post new content, with the masses logging on only to consume images, video or other updates.
—Taylor Lorenz, Washington Post, 27 June 2024
One rule of thumb is to release analytical judgments but not the underlying raw intelligence on which they are based.
—David V. Gioe, Foreign Affairs, 23 Apr. 2024
One rule of thumb: Avoid taking out a bigger balance than what your salary could be after graduation.
—Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 2 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for rule of thumb
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
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“Rule of thumb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rule%20of%20thumb. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.
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