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

At the heart and soul of James Mangold’s time capsule stands Timothée Chalamet, whose embodiment of Dylan’s superhuman genius – and his human frailties – brings electric life to an iconic enigma. —Pete Hammond, Deadline, 7 Feb. 2025

That touchdown pass last week against the Houston Texans to Travis Kelce where Mahomes was under siege and falling was another for the time capsule. —Vic Tafur, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025

These frozen time capsules preserve air bubbles from thousands of years ago, painting a picture of climate and environmental conditions at the time to reveal how much our planet has changed. —Ashley Strickland, CNN, 12 Jan. 2025

What’s fascinating about food is its ability to act as both a mirror and a time capsule. —Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 2 Jan. 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