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
This Polish boat, which comes in open versions, is like a waterborne Swiss Army Knife with all the bells and whistles in a compact package.
—
Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 21 Jan. 2025
View 4 Images While some ebikes just stick to being bikes with motors, others really lean into the electronic bells and whistles.
—Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 20 Jan. 2025
The Verdict on Betty White's Banana Bread There are no bells and whistles with this banana bread recipe.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2025
Although fun, this wasn’t just doing a quick paint job and adding a couple bells and whistles.
—Dominick Williams, Kansas City Star, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for bells and whistles 
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Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 21 Jan. 2025
View 4 Images While some ebikes just stick to being bikes with motors, others really lean into the electronic bells and whistles.
—Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 20 Jan. 2025
The Verdict on Betty White's Banana Bread There are no bells and whistles with this banana bread recipe.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2025
Although fun, this wasn’t just doing a quick paint job and adding a couple bells and whistles.
—Dominick Williams, Kansas City Star, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for bells and whistles
Dictionary Entries Near 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 6 Feb. 2025.
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