bells and whistles

plural noun

: items or features that are useful or decorative but not essential : frills

Examples of bells and whistles in a Sentence

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.
In addition to full no trade protection, Soto has many of the bells and whistles that are inserted into other big-time player contracts. Dan Freedman, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024 Some coffee makers keep it simple, while others have all the bells and whistles. Madison Yauger, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024 One of the more high-tech snow blowers, the Cub Cadet gas snow blower, has all the bells and whistles. Christopher Murray, Fox News, 10 Dec. 2024 While some features of this year's report appear familiar, there are plenty of shiny new bells and whistles. Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bells and whistles 

Word History

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bells and whistles was in 1968

Dictionary Entries Near bells and whistles

Cite this Entry

“Bells and whistles.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bells%20and%20whistles. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

bells and whistles

plural noun
: items or features that are useful or decorative but not necessary
a new car with lots of bells and whistles

More from Merriam-Webster on bells and whistles

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