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

But all the recovery bells and whistles—many not exactly proven—don’t necessarily mean better results. — Michele Promaulayko, Allure, 17 June 2026

Though the budget contains fewer bells and whistles than might have been expected in an election-year plan designed to attract voters, Pritzker said Democrats' spending priorities stand in sharp contrast to Republican initiatives at the federal level. — Ben Szalinski, CBS News, 16 June 2026

Keep scrolling to learn more about the bells and whistles that make this a standout cordless lawn mower. — Quincy Bulin, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 June 2026

Could they be loaded with the endless bells and whistles that characterize so many modern motorcycles? — New Atlas, 29 May 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