provenance

noun

prov·​e·​nance ˈpräv-nən(t)s 

ˈprä-və-ˌnän(t)s

1

: origin, source

2

: the history of ownership of a valued object or work of art or literature

Examples of provenance in a Sentence

Has anyone traced the provenances of these paintings?

The artifact is of unknown provenance.

Recent Examples on the Web

Nearly every winning bottle features an age statement comparable to prestigious Scotch or bourbon, showing that rum now attracts collectors worldwide seeking complexity, provenance, and craft. —Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026

The apartment’s most compelling pieces, however, have a different provenance—they were made by Gibbon. —Kristen Flanagan, Architectural Digest, 12 June 2026

As consumers increasingly seek out products with provenance—items promising story, craft and a human touch—one documentary examines the disconnect between rising demand and the realities facing the artisans behind them. —Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 9 June 2026

Considering the associated thefts from libraries in this story, provenance—the history of the ownership of the item in question—may also get swallowed by all the hot money. —Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 8 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from provenir to come forth, originate, from Latin provenire, from pro- forth + venire to come — more at pro-, come

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined at sense 1