bells and whistles

American  

Sometimes whistles and bells

plural noun

Informal.

1. features added to a product; special parts or functions; extras.

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bells and whistles British  

plural noun

1. additional features or accessories which are nonessential but very attractive

   my car has all the latest bells and whistles

2. additions, such as options or warranties, made to a financial product to increase its market appeal

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Etymology

Origin of bells and whistles

First recorded in 1970–75

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

bells and whistles

There’s a practice court, a training room, an officials room and a video room packed with all the bells and whistles required for broadcasting in 2026.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 27, 2026

She said she didn't want bells and whistles - or even a wedding dress.

From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026

Building costs are high enough as it is, without adding in extra bells and whistles.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 6, 2026

The Pentagon’s “cost plus” contracting encourages tweaks and new bells and whistles for different military services and launchers.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 12, 2026

It had all the bells and whistles like AR support and 5G capabilities.

From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young

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