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 restaurant feels like a time capsule of familiarity, of a home away from home that’s evident with every bite. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026

From a Kansas City soul food import to a 50-year-old barbecue time capsule, Bud Kennedy’s August Eats Beat columns tracked new openings and enduring favorites around Fort Worth. — Star-Telegram Staff, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2026

Mac’s Club Deuce is a living time capsule, home to some of the best stories in Miami-Dade County. — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026

The time capsule, the size of a 4×8 brick, is from 1976 and a new time capsule will be hidden to be opened in 50 years. — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 28 Aug. 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