time machine

American  

noun

1. a theoretical apparatus that would convey one to the past or future.

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time machine British  

noun

1. (in science fiction) a machine in which people or objects can be transported into the past or the future

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Etymology

Origin of time machine

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

"Ice cores are like time machines that let scientists take a look at what our planet was like in the past," explained Shackleton, who has worked on several Antarctic drilling expeditions.

From Science Daily

Verifying the existence of an event as an ongoing object would require something like a time machine to go and observe it now.

From Science Daily

It would be interesting to hop in a time machine and find out.

From Los Angeles Times

Every hit Wu performed was like a time machine, taking the crowd on a ride through decades of influence, innovation and street-born poetry.

From Los Angeles Times

A “Back to the Future” location has the DeLorean time machine and actors inhabiting the roles of Marty McFly and Doc Brown as well as an appearance from canine companion Einstein.

From Los Angeles Times