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.
Will Trump want all the security bells and whistles? Tara Copp, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025 After all these decades, astronomers want something shiny, fully modern and more capable: a new build with all the bells and whistles rather than a charming old Colonial that’s been remodeled piecemeal. Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 28 May 2025 The property offers all the bells and whistles as the Dubai outpost: there are macro-counted menus, biohacking treatments, and a 1,600-square-meter Fitness Lab with classes designed in partnership with AC Milan football club and Olympic boxer Ramla Ali. Siobhan Reid, Travel + Leisure, 22 May 2025 Edwards and many others are also involved in the broadcast, which will feature more than 70 cameras and a variety of bells and whistles. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 21 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bells and whistles.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bells%20and%20whistles. Accessed 10 Jun. 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

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!