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

If the street style at the fashion weeks this year is anything to go by, the rule of thumb is to never wear them with sweatpants. — Rosana Lai, Glamour, 11 Nov. 2026

That question may be more valuable than any single retirement rule of thumb. — Justin T. Pierce, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Nov. 2026

Usually the rule of thumb for these hydrangeas is to prune them after flowers start to fade in summer, and no later than August. — The Spruce, 8 Nov. 2026

Traders use a rule of thumb that 16 points for the VIX equate to a 1% move in the index. — Oliver Renick, CNBC, 5 Nov. 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