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

In January, librarians also opened a time capsule that was placed a year before the Central Library opened its doors. —Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026

The comments section has become its own time capsule. —Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2026

If confirmed, these Little Red Dots will be cosmic time capsules, revealing secrets of the universe's fiery youth. —Paul Sutter, Space.com, 23 Mar. 2026

As new businesses have come and gone in the surrounding city, the tiny restaurant has remained a time capsule on 16th Street and Camelback Road for over 60 years. —Eddie Fontanez, AZCentral.com, 20 Mar. 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