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.
She said she didn't want bells and whistles - or even a wedding dress.
From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026
We have to stop adding digital bells and whistles and instead design fixtures that people—especially older people—can use safely.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 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
A chorus of exclamation points says two things about your writing: First, you’re not confident that what you’re saying is important, so you need bells and whistles to get attention.
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.
