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

Streamlined and minimal, the only bells and whistles in Branch’s office furniture are details that make a real difference throughout the workday (like adjustable arm rests and flexible lumbar support). — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2026

To bring on the best talent possible, employers are pulling out all of the bells and whistles. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026

There’s a practice court, a training room, an officials room and a video room packed with all the bells and whistles required for broadcasting in 2026. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026

Indeed, this one has arrived with the bells and whistles that typically elude the rollout of a Gray movie; its mix of bold classical filmmaking and rich memoiristic undertones is ideal for placing the movie in the context of his career. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 26 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bells and whistles

• bristles
• missals
• missiles
• thistles
• dismissals
• epistles

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