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.
That might seem a bit flippant, but LIHTC projects are glitzy, new, and often incorporate all sorts of bells and whistles. Roger Valdez, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 Chinese manufacturers are embedding more digital bells and whistles that impact all segments of the market, and not just in China. Tamara Warren, ArsTechnica, 3 Sep. 2025 Target’s Labor Day sale includes major markdowns on crossbody bags, backpacks, and luggage, complete with all the bells and whistles. Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 28 Aug. 2025 House of Sport is the company’s more experiential concept, one that features climbing walls, golf simulators and other bells and whistles. Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 28 Aug. 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 9 Sep. 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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