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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
Extra bells and whistles include a large 13-inch 4K entertainment screen, water bottle pouch and separate cupholder, power outlet and USB-A and -C charging ports.
—Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 May 2024
The machines offered some new bells and whistles (automatic scorekeeping, sound effects, flashing lights) but the main appeal was that the darts had plastic tips.
—David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2024
Some live drumming Wednesday added some oomph, and there were the usual bells and whistles — flashy video, smoke machines, lasers.
—Piet Levy, Journal Sentinel, 9 May 2024
In recent days, video giants ranging from NBCU to Paramount to Amazon haven been sounding bells and whistles, including new audience measurement-technologies or interactive ads that let viewers shop for the products being shown on screen.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 7 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for bells and whistles
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bells and whistles.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 16 Jun. 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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