time capsule

noun

1

: a container holding historical records or objects representative of current culture that is deposited (as in a cornerstone) for preservation until discovery by some future age

2

: something resembling a time capsule

Sunken vessels are archaeological time capsules.

—Philip Trupp

Examples of time capsule in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The time capsule will not be opened until 2076, which is when America will turn 300 years old. — CBS News, 7 Nov. 2026

This holiday season, why not nab your own 2026 time capsule with our special edition of Southern Living Annual Recipes that is exclusive to Southern Living Insiders. — Katie Akin, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2026

This place feels like a time capsule in the best way possible. — Kristin Granero, Travel + Leisure, 27 Oct. 2026

Overland Park Shoe Repair — a time capsule in the middle of a modern, burgeoning downtown — will close its doors at the end of the year. — Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

time capsule

noun

: a container holding historical records or objects representative of current culture that is placed (as in a cornerstone) for preservation until discovery by some future age