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
One of the key assumptions with this rule of thumb is that there will be a 30-year period in retirement.
—
Steve Parrish, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
For them, too, the rule of thumb has been to make nice.
—Ned Temko, The Christian Science Monitor, 9 Jan. 2025
Sergio De Larrea, 6-6 SF, Valencia My basic rule of thumb is that guys who can play at a high level in Europe as teenagers have near-zero fail rates.
—John Hollinger, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
This article highlights the growing green software movement, and provides rules of thumb for building more energy-efficient websites, apps, and AI implementations.
—IEEE Spectrum, 26 Dec. 2024
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Steve Parrish, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
For them, too, the rule of thumb has been to make nice.
—Ned Temko, The Christian Science Monitor, 9 Jan. 2025
Sergio De Larrea, 6-6 SF, Valencia My basic rule of thumb is that guys who can play at a high level in Europe as teenagers have near-zero fail rates.
—John Hollinger, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
This article highlights the growing green software movement, and provides rules of thumb for building more energy-efficient websites, apps, and AI implementations.
—IEEE Spectrum, 26 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rule of thumb
Dictionary Entries Near 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 Jan. 2025.
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