nuts and bolts

noun

1
: the working parts or elements
2
: the practical workings of a machine or enterprise as opposed to theoretical considerations or speculative possibilities
nuts-and-bolts adjective

Examples of nuts and bolts in a Sentence

the nuts and bolts of the merger of the two companies have yet to be worked out
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Other literal nuts and bolts of COP are not faring so well. Natasha Bracken, semafor.com, 13 Nov. 2025 The actual nuts and bolts of it were typical. Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 12 Nov. 2025 Its various committees also help countries with the nuts and bolts of climate policy by providing a forum to plan mitigation and adaptation measures, facilitate access to new technologies, and share information on financial, technological, and capacity-building needs. Jessica F. Green, Foreign Affairs, 7 Nov. 2025 Sachs emphasizes, from the start of the movie, its artifice, exposing the nuts and bolts of its creation; the action begins with a view of the slate used to mark the scene and help synchronize the sound. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nuts and bolts

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nuts and bolts was in 1947

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nuts and bolts.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nuts%20and%20bolts. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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