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
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
For once the story seems less about progress in the nuts and bolts of how the cars weave their way around road hazards.
—
New Atlas, 20 June 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for nuts and bolts
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.
New Atlas, 20 June 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for nuts and bolts
Cite this Entry
“Nuts and bolts.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nuts%20and%20bolts. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
