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
Where to eat: There are no bells and whistles at Steffani, an old-timey, relaxed daytime diner in the heart of Pärnu, but there is an eclectic menu and locals setting the world to rights.
—
Anya Meyerowitz, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Apr. 2024
On the other hand, basal thermometers with a few more bells and whistles will likely cost more upfront.
—Latifah Miles, Parents, 8 Apr. 2024
Considering all the bells and whistles this jacket comes with, we were kind of baffled by this oversight.
—Olivia Avitt, Peoplemag, 1 Apr. 2024
Features Charcoal grills are not known for their bells and whistles like their propane cousins, but some features make using them a much better experience.
—Carrie Honaker, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2024
There’s definitely a market out there for people who just want cheap airfare without the bells and whistles.
—Christopher Elliott, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024
Saturday’s production was crisp but not overthought, largely eschewing the high-tech bells and whistles that adorn most modern pop extravaganzas.
—Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press, 24 Mar. 2024
Even with all the bells and whistles modern technology has made widely available, there’s nothing quite like Tree House in the Kansas City area today.
—Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 25 Mar. 2024
Daycare of course is available for the full day, for less, but without all the bells and whistles and activities your kids and their friends are buzzing about.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 25 Mar. 2024
Anya Meyerowitz, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Apr. 2024
On the other hand, basal thermometers with a few more bells and whistles will likely cost more upfront.
—Latifah Miles, Parents, 8 Apr. 2024
Considering all the bells and whistles this jacket comes with, we were kind of baffled by this oversight.
—Olivia Avitt, Peoplemag, 1 Apr. 2024
Features Charcoal grills are not known for their bells and whistles like their propane cousins, but some features make using them a much better experience.
—Carrie Honaker, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2024
There’s definitely a market out there for people who just want cheap airfare without the bells and whistles.
—Christopher Elliott, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024
Saturday’s production was crisp but not overthought, largely eschewing the high-tech bells and whistles that adorn most modern pop extravaganzas.
—Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press, 24 Mar. 2024
Even with all the bells and whistles modern technology has made widely available, there’s nothing quite like Tree House in the Kansas City area today.
—Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 25 Mar. 2024
Daycare of course is available for the full day, for less, but without all the bells and whistles and activities your kids and their friends are buzzing about.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 25 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bells and whistles.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 25 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share