WordGarden.iocapsule
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /kˈæpsjuːl/
US
- /ˈkæpsəl/
Meanings
Noun
a small dissolvable case containing medicine
a small case, shell, or container that encloses something
a spacecraft compartment that carries people or equipment
More meaningsFewer meanings
a natural membrane or structure enclosing a body part, organism, or seeds
Adjective
brief and condensed, especially as a summary or review
small, compact, and self-contained
Beyond the definition
A capsule can be many things. Think of a small spacecraft module protecting astronauts—that's one kind. But it's also the smooth, gelatin-covered pill you swallow, with medicine sealed inside. Figuratively, a capsule is a compact "best-of" version: a time capsule preserves objects and memories, and a capsule summary gives you the key information quickly. The common thread is containment—something valuable held safely in a small, defined space. You might even say a particular song is a musical capsule of an era, perfectly capturing its mood.
The word "capsule" originally referred to a small container—think of the kind used for holding medicine or seeds. This core meaning still holds true: a capsule is something that encloses and protects another thing, often in a compact form. A space capsule, for example, is a self-contained vehicle designed to carry astronauts safely through space.
However, "capsule" has expanded beyond physical containers. It's now frequently used metaphorically to describe anything that encapsulates or summarizes something else. A "news capsule" provides the essential facts of an event in a concise format. Historians might unearth a "time capsule," filled with objects representing life in a particular era.
In science and medicine, a capsule can also mean a protective covering around something living or delicate—for example, the outer layer around an organ, a joint, or even a bacterium.
The idea of essential containment is key. A "capsule wardrobe" refers to a limited collection of versatile clothing items that can be combined for many outfits—the essentials, neatly contained. A particularly evocative piece of art or music might be described as a "capsule" of an emotion or experience, perfectly capturing its essence.
So whether it's protecting astronauts, delivering medicine, preserving history, or summarizing information, a capsule is all about holding something important within a small, defined space—both literally and figuratively.
Examples
- 1
Medicine
The doctor told me to take one capsule twice a day.
- 2
Medicine preparation
She opened the capsule and mixed the powder into a glass of water.
- 3
Space travel
The astronauts spent three days inside the space capsule.
- 4
Memory project
Our class buried a time capsule behind the school.
- Phrasetime capsule
a container filled with things from the present to be opened in the future
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Brief summary
The guide gives a capsule summary of the city's history.
- Phrasecapsule summary
a very short summary
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- capsulenounverb
Forms
- capsulespluralnounverb
- capsuledpast tenseverbnoun
- capsuling-ing formverbnoun