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

No salesperson wants to sheepishly explain that some of the bells and whistles on a customer’s new toy sit behind a paywall. — Emma Witman, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2026

The sprawling property has been updated many times—most recently in 2018—and today includes all the luxurious bells and whistles without sacrificing that old-school charm. — Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2026

Planners keep drawing new homes for the Chicago Bears, with renderings of football stadiums full of bells and whistles. — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026

Feature-wise, the device is meant for people who want glanceable information, with some but not all the bells and whistles of a smartwatch. — Victoria Song, The Verge, 12 Oct. 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