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

Selling to Hapag-Lloyd set off bells and whistles for the committee, given that the state investment wings of the Qatari and Saudi Arabian governments collectively own more than 20 percent of the German shipping company. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 15 Dec. 2025

There aren’t too many bells and whistles. —Barry Jackson updated December 7, Miami Herald, 8 Dec. 2025

The new Buzz has a small hood-like front end to allow a crumple zone and all kinds of 21st century bells and whistles. —New Atlas, 7 Dec. 2025

Just press a single button—there are no extra bells and whistles like options to adjust the water temperature or flavor profiles—and the Ratio Six blooms the coffee grounds, then uses a slower flow for an even better extraction. —Mark Marino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Dec. 2025

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