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
The Eisenhower matrix provides a useful rule of thumb for decluttering your calendar.
—
Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
As a rule of thumb, bring your own.
—Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 18 June 2026
When calculating the age of a mature tree, the rule of thumb is to measure its circumference at chest level.
—Theodore R. Johnson, Washington Post, 17 June 2026
As a rough rule of thumb, every 10% sustained increase in oil prices adds as much as a third of a percentage point to annual inflation over the following year, according to Christopher Hodge, an economist at Natixis CIB Americas.
—Mike Winters, CNBC, 16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for rule of thumb
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
As a rule of thumb, bring your own.
—Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 18 June 2026
When calculating the age of a mature tree, the rule of thumb is to measure its circumference at chest level.
—Theodore R. Johnson, Washington Post, 17 June 2026
As a rough rule of thumb, every 10% sustained increase in oil prices adds as much as a third of a percentage point to annual inflation over the following year, according to Christopher Hodge, an economist at Natixis CIB Americas.
—Mike Winters, CNBC, 16 June 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 22 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
