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

There is no mention of the kitchen in the listing copy, so be prepared for a time capsule, but the bathroom is nice enough. — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 12 Oct. 2026

The film is as over-the-top and schlocky as a lucha libre match and serves as a time capsule for 1970s style. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026

Space scientists view them as time capsules for understanding the early Solar System and how the building blocks of life reached Earth. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2026

The show, which will take place this Saturday, is in part inspired by its setting, New York’s hallowed time capsule of a power-lunch restaurant, The Grill. — Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 11 Sep. 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