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 place is a time capsule with sketchy internet service, drunken frat boys, and — most crucially — Faye’s college boyfriend Henry, who is now married with two kids and still lives in the area. — Whitney Friedlander, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026

Respective leaders from Micron, INL, the Idaho Potato Commission and the three native tribes each said they were honored to take part in the time capsule project. — Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 7 July 2026

NurPhoto via Getty Images As part of the America 250 celebrations, a time capsule has been buried in Philadelphia and is set to be reopened in a further 250 years. — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026

This one-bedroom condo in an Italianate brownstone on Remsen Street is a rare time capsule. — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 6 July 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