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
As a rule of thumb, auditors recommend two years of preparation time before a reporting deadline hits.
—
Sophia Mendelsohn, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
But as a rule of thumb, if the weather is clear, the best aurora is usually visible within an hour or two of midnight, according to NOAA.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2025
As a rule of thumb, novice golfers do well with compression lower than 70, while intermediate prefer compression rates of 70 to 80.
—Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 13 Mar. 2025
The rule of thumb for a Recession is two sequential negative GDP quarters.
—Robert Barone, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
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Sophia Mendelsohn, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
But as a rule of thumb, if the weather is clear, the best aurora is usually visible within an hour or two of midnight, according to NOAA.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2025
As a rule of thumb, novice golfers do well with compression lower than 70, while intermediate prefer compression rates of 70 to 80.
—Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 13 Mar. 2025
The rule of thumb for a Recession is two sequential negative GDP quarters.
—Robert Barone, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 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 Apr. 2025.
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