How to Pronounce "a rule of thumb"
expression
uh ROOL-uhv THUHM
uh ROOL-ov THUM
Definition
A rule of thumb is a general guideline or basic principle based on experience or common practice, rather than a strict rule.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈɹuɫ/ /ˈəv/ /ˈθəm
British English
æɪ/ /ɹˈuːl/ /ˈɒv/ /θˈʌm
Simplified Pronunciation
US
uh ROOL-uhv THUHM
UK
uh ROOL-ov THUM
Listen in Context
A rule of thumb is to drink eight glasses of water a day.
As a rule of thumb, double-check your work before you finish.
A rule of thumb is to arrive 10 minutes early to appointments.
You don’t have to be exact—just use a rule of thumb when measuring.