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

In the past, the rule of thumb was that young starters would not add more than 30 innings to their workloads from one season to the next. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 18 Aug. 2026

Sooner rather than later is a good rule of thumb when trying to rebook. — Eve Chen, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026

As a rough rule of thumb, the potential $100 price, spread over 24 months, is a little over $4 per month, an increase that is far less threatening to consumers. — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Maybe the simplest rule of thumb is that although audiences are losing interest in most comic-book adaptations, Spider-Man will always endure. — David Sims, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1658, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rule of thumb

• abomasum
• become
• checksum
• humdrum
• income
• outcome
• pisum
• succumb
• therefrom
• wherefrom
• bum
• chum

Kids Definition

rule of thumb

1

: a method based on experience and common sense

2

: a general principle that is roughly correct