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
That’s a sizeable increase, and would cover up nearly 30 feet of beach, using a standard rule of thumb.
—
Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
The rule of thumb is to read the room and set your volume accordingly.
—Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2025
An easy rule of thumb is to simply think Greek… as in Greek yogurt.
—Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 23 July 2025
With that said, there are, as with many rules of thumb, some exceptions.
—Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rule of thumb
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Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
The rule of thumb is to read the room and set your volume accordingly.
—Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2025
An easy rule of thumb is to simply think Greek… as in Greek yogurt.
—Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 23 July 2025
With that said, there are, as with many rules of thumb, some exceptions.
—Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 23 July 2025
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 19 Aug. 2025.
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