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 capsules — from two different decades — were unearthed in Rhode Island this month while Shawmut Design and Construction crews worked to demolish an old stadium in Pawtucket. —Brian Anthony Hernandez, People.com, 31 May 2025

Workers dug up the cement and chipped away, but couldn’t find the time capsule. —Jeff Gritchen, Oc Register, 30 May 2025

The legendary Staten Island crew is set to embark on their final tour this summer, and the Wu-Tang Clan will be bringing a time capsule on the road. —Michael Saponara, Billboard, 28 May 2025

Her character is a futuristic dandy caught in a time capsule, called for something uncanny and unexpected. —Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 6 May 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