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
Another rule of thumb when using sunscreen is to always find the waterproof variety, if not water resistant.
—
Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Apr. 2024
The rule of thumb today is that our chances of severe weather generally increase from northwest to southeast across the region.
—Jeff Halverson, Washington Post, 3 Apr. 2024
The rule of thumb for retirement savings is to draw down 4% of one's retirement assets each year.
—Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2024
According to legal experts, the rule of thumb with how long jury deliberations typically go is this: For each week of testimony, a jury deliberates one day.
—Tresa Baldas, Detroit Free Press, 14 Mar. 2024
While there's no universal dosage, a good rule of thumb is to start slow and work your way up.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
Using the rule of thumb to withdraw 4% of one's retirement savings annually, a nest egg of $1.46 million would result in about $58,400 in annual income.
—Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2024
My team tested this rule of thumb in 2014, 2021, and 2023; the numbers still appeared to work.
—Wes Moss, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024
Prepare financially According to experts, a good rule of thumb is to set aside three to six months of living expenses.
—Caroline Castrillon, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024
Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Apr. 2024
The rule of thumb today is that our chances of severe weather generally increase from northwest to southeast across the region.
—Jeff Halverson, Washington Post, 3 Apr. 2024
The rule of thumb for retirement savings is to draw down 4% of one's retirement assets each year.
—Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2024
According to legal experts, the rule of thumb with how long jury deliberations typically go is this: For each week of testimony, a jury deliberates one day.
—Tresa Baldas, Detroit Free Press, 14 Mar. 2024
While there's no universal dosage, a good rule of thumb is to start slow and work your way up.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
Using the rule of thumb to withdraw 4% of one's retirement savings annually, a nest egg of $1.46 million would result in about $58,400 in annual income.
—Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2024
My team tested this rule of thumb in 2014, 2021, and 2023; the numbers still appeared to work.
—Wes Moss, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024
Prepare financially According to experts, a good rule of thumb is to set aside three to six months of living expenses.
—Caroline Castrillon, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rule of thumb.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near rule of thumb
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“Rule of thumb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rule%20of%20thumb. Accessed 3 May. 2024.
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