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.
The plan includes a full playground with lots of Disney bells and whistles as well as a new community center and amphitheater for use by the entire Altadena population. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 17 Nov. 2025 My facial, personalized for my individual skin as well as for pregnancy, incorporated all the bells and whistles (gua sha, quartz roller, warm and cold stones) and left my complexion looking noticeably improved. Claudia Fisher, Travel + Leisure, 13 Nov. 2025 There aren’t a ton of bells and whistles to the passing product. Charlotte Observer, 12 Nov. 2025 Compare that to Padres games today, with near-constant bells and whistles at Petco Park, where 81 games are played each year. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Nov. 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 25 Nov. 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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