time capsule

noun

1. a receptacle containing documents or objects typical of the current period, placed in the earth or in a cornerstone for discovery in the future.

time capsule

noun

1. a container holding articles, documents, etc, representative of the current age, buried in the earth or in the foundations of a new building for discovery in the future

Word History and Origins

Origin of time capsule¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

In sixth grade, a teacher assigned Carter to write a letter to himself about his aspirations as a sort of time capsule to be opened as a high school senior.

From Los Angeles Times

"In 1962, after her death, her items were stored and preserved, almost like they were in a time capsule, for nearly four decades," he added.

From BBC

That film is such a time capsule for New York.

From Salon

I feel like it’s a time capsule of the culture, the stuff that we captured.

From Los Angeles Times

Two bronze fishermen sit atop a time capsule from 2002 and the names of Terminal Islanders are etched into a surrounding wall.

From Los Angeles Times