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
Walk through it, look at the bells and whistles, and then come back with those second set of eyes that are a little more detailed.
—
Bryce Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2025
Despite the lack of bells and whistles, pickup enthusiasts were still impressed by Francis’s final Popemobile.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 28 Apr. 2025
Or maybe Nintendo will issue one of those controversial upgrade packs for the game, allowing owners to bring Super Mario Odyssey over to the Switch 2 with new bells and whistles.
—Mitch Wallace, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Since these are meant to be worn time and time again, the manufacturer added a few bells and whistles, like functional side pockets and an adjustable drawstring waist.
—Bria McNeal, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bells and whistles
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Bryce Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2025
Despite the lack of bells and whistles, pickup enthusiasts were still impressed by Francis’s final Popemobile.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 28 Apr. 2025
Or maybe Nintendo will issue one of those controversial upgrade packs for the game, allowing owners to bring Super Mario Odyssey over to the Switch 2 with new bells and whistles.
—Mitch Wallace, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Since these are meant to be worn time and time again, the manufacturer added a few bells and whistles, like functional side pockets and an adjustable drawstring waist.
—Bria McNeal, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bells and whistles
Cite this Entry
“Bells and whistles.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bells%20and%20whistles. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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