nuts and bolts

noun

: the working parts or elements

: the practical workings of a machine or enterprise as opposed to theoretical considerations or speculative possibilities

nuts-and-bolts

ˈnəts-ən(d)-ˈbōlts

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

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Her resourceful approach extended to the nuts and bolts of touring. —

Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 23 Oct. 2024 This article covers the film’s conception and its release, and another will delve into the nuts and bolts of the production itself. —

Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 14 Oct. 2024 His coverage focuses on all things cinema, from the intricacies of film history to the nuts and bolts of filmmaking. —

Edward Vega, Vox, 8 Oct. 2024 This question refers to the nuts and bolts of our financial lives, a simple income minus expenses accounting of the situation. —

Phil Stark, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Sep. 2024 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

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Nuts and bolts.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nuts%20and%20bolts. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

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