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

Blending real tour footage, a faux biopic, a tongue-in-cheek jukebox musical and a museum filled with half-fake relics, the film is part tribute, part Gen X time capsule, part absurdist prank. —Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025

Part coming-of-age tale, part cultural time capsule, the narrative spans four decades, exploring the evolution of the American gay experience through Eddie’s search for self-understanding and connection. —Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 23 June 2025

All input on what to include in the time capsule is welcome. —Andrea Manes, Oc Register, 19 June 2025

Given the speed at which the Trump family has made deals during his ascent to the presidency, the filing is already a time capsule of sorts, capturing a period when the family was just starting to get into crypto but was largely still in the world of real estate deals and golf clubs. —Reuters, CNN Money, 14 June 2025

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