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.
Such meetings usually involve handing off details from the outgoing administration about the status of major projects, the nuts and bolts of the organization’s structure, and how to onboard new hires. Brian Bennett, TIME, 7 Feb. 2025 The debate has largely focused on the nuts and bolts of political campaigns: messaging, media strategy, fundraising and on-the-ground organizing. Steve Peoples, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2025 Bits of defunct space junk, some of the millions of pounds of objects left by humans in space ranging from small nuts and bolts to pieces of defunct satellites, have also been documented hitting people and buildings, but have caused nothing more than a minor injury or damage. Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025 In addition, every part of a plane, down to the nuts and bolts, is subjected to routine inspections, repair or replacement. Niraj Chokshi, New York Times, 17 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near 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 22 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!