bells and whistles
Americanplural noun
plural noun
-
additional features or accessories which are nonessential but very attractive
my car has all the latest bells and whistles
-
additions, such as options or warranties, made to a financial product to increase its market appeal
Etymology
Origin of bells and whistles
First recorded in 1970–75
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
At an island resort such as Anantara Koh Yao Yai, a 90-minute Thai massage costs around $175, and comes with all the bells and whistles of luxury experience.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 21, 2026
In 2020, a new United Kingdom tour led designers to revisit and adapt Björnson’s original spherical design with added bells and whistles.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 21, 2026
Building costs are high enough as it is, without adding in extra bells and whistles.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 6, 2026
He described not winning the title in the ring as "bitter-sweet", adding: Saturday night, I can have the full bells and whistles.
From BBC ● May 7, 2026
If you find it a breeze to write a simple sentence, but start hyperventilating when a few bells and whistles are added, you’re not alone.
From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
