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
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The rule of thumb is that people should have retirement savings worth one year of their annual income by age 30, then double that by age 35, and rising from there, according to Fidelity.
—
Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
One rule of thumb is to put aside enough to have access to 70%-80% of your current income.
—David McMillin, CNBC, 6 Feb. 2026
Here is a simple rule of thumb.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026
As a rule of thumb, never remove more than one-third of a plant’s stems or branches in one go.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Feb. 2026
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Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
One rule of thumb is to put aside enough to have access to 70%-80% of your current income.
—David McMillin, CNBC, 6 Feb. 2026
Here is a simple rule of thumb.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026
As a rule of thumb, never remove more than one-third of a plant’s stems or branches in one go.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Feb. 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 13 Feb. 2026.
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