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
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.
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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
See all Example Sentences for bells and whistles 
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
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.
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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 1 Jun. 2024.
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