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

The fair, also known as the Great Minnesota Get-Together, has many bells and whistles such as exhibits, competitions, concerts, rides, and more. — Bianca Harris, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

During the rainy morning, officers showed off the three-story headquarters’ bells and whistles as neighborhood ducks waddled through the parking garage and splashed in puddles. — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026

The bells and whistles are part of that equation, to be sure. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 8 Sep. 2026

My full kit from Insane came with all the bells and whistles expected of carnival costumes these days, including a luxe leather travel bag filled with such goodies as a speaker and an electronic fan. — Baz Dreisinger, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 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