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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While the biggest Wall Street funds pay tens of thousands of dollars for single accounts to access this critical information, among other bells and whistles, CNBC Pro curates what is truly necessary for a fraction of the price. CNBC, 26 Feb. 2026 While both companies have microwaves that will satisfy your needs, Samsung’s products have all the newest bells and whistles and have a price tag to match. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2026 There are a lot fewer bells and whistles around this deeper work. Chris Willman, Variety, 20 Feb. 2026 There are fewer bells and whistles around this deeper work now, but life’s discoveries and mysteries are even more compelling to me. Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 20 Feb. 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

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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 5 Mar. 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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