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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The time capsule, the size of a 4×8 brick, is from 1976 and a new time capsule will be hidden to be opened in 50 years. Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 28 Aug. 2026 The time capsule is meant to remain sealed off until after the park celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2045, in time for Parton’s 100th birthday. Isabelle Farina, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026 Parton wrote and recorded a top-secret song that's buried in a time capsule at her Dollywood resort. Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 The city of Aurora held a journey back in time on Saturday with the unsealing of a time capsule that was more than 100 years old. David Sharos, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for time capsule

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of time capsule was in 1938

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Cite this Entry

“Time capsule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/time%20capsule. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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
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