bells and whistles

plural noun

Synonyms of bells and whistlesnext
: 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
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Could they be loaded with the endless bells and whistles that characterize so many modern motorcycles? New Atlas, 29 May 2026 Many modern dishwashers come with lots of bells and whistles. Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 28 May 2026 And, fortunately, a lot of the bells and whistles never came into play since people kept getting voted out with idols in their pockets, or were unable to find idols and advantages that were hidden (literally) right underneath them. Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 22 May 2026 Official visit season is here and will pick up in earnest next weekend, when programs across the country roll out all their flashiest bells and whistles. Grace Raynor, New York Times, 21 May 2026 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 8 Jun. 2026.

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

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