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
Once a month is a good rule of thumb, so water your lawn if there have been a few weeks without any rainfall.
—
Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2025
But Flowers said his rule of thumb is for hunters to expect a third of the deer's total weight to be returned for consumption.
—Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 28 Nov. 2025
As a rule of thumb, pay off your balance on time and in full each month to avoid interest charges and keep your credit in good shape.
—Ryley Amond, CNBC, 27 Nov. 2025
While customs vary by destination, a good rule of thumb is $3 to $5 per night for standard hotels and $5 to $10 for luxury stays.
—Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 25 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rule of thumb
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Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2025
But Flowers said his rule of thumb is for hunters to expect a third of the deer's total weight to be returned for consumption.
—Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 28 Nov. 2025
As a rule of thumb, pay off your balance on time and in full each month to avoid interest charges and keep your credit in good shape.
—Ryley Amond, CNBC, 27 Nov. 2025
While customs vary by destination, a good rule of thumb is $3 to $5 per night for standard hotels and $5 to $10 for luxury stays.
—Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 25 Nov. 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 16 Dec. 2025.
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