nuts and bolts

noun

Synonyms of nuts and boltsnext
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.
Nevertheless, the nuts and bolts of this honeytrap plot, known as Operation Edzell, still make the jaws drop. Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 3 June 2026 Where Macy’s has landed in the innovation sweepstakes is on a philosophy focused on improving the nuts and bolts of the core retail business, rather than on often expensive gimmickry. Phil Wahba, Fortune, 2 June 2026 The nuts and bolts of weather forecasting Earth is huge. Chris Vagasky, The Conversation, 28 Apr. 2026 The one on East 12th Avenue in Congress Park is my go-to, with walls jam-packed with products and a wall of screws and nails and nuts and bolts that will leave you awestruck. Barbara Ellis, Denver Post, 27 Apr. 2026 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 12 Jun. 2026.

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