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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Skip the dashboard bells and whistles and focus on the 30-second interaction that either wins or loses the user. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025 An Alien television show featuring nothing more than the Coca Cola classic Alien could have sufficed us, so why all the extra bells and whistles? Josh Wigler, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2025 Half an hour away in East Hampton Village, Tesla owner Richard Dempsey sat in his car at a Tesla charging station — a standard asphalt parking lot sans bells and whistles. Stephanie Krikorian, Curbed, 11 Aug. 2025 Sacks’ argument underscores that, for all of AI’s impressive bells and whistles, humans are still very much driving the train at this juncture. Jason Ma, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2025 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

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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 21 Aug. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on bells and whistles

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