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.
These bells and whistles may all have narrative meaning for Gaga and her team, or may just be fun to play with. Chris Willman, Variety, 12 Apr. 2025 None of the bells and whistles. Joe Smith, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025 Use this to score a deal on a brand-new home with all the bells and whistles and maybe even some perks on concessions. Ryan Serhant, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025 The contracts include a lot of bells and whistles, pricing them higher than what a commercial customer might pay. ArsTechnica, 5 Apr. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Bells and whistles.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bells%20and%20whistles. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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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