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

Businesses that state clear standards around provenance, validation and transparency will be in a far stronger position to innovate knowing that the foundations of their AI strategy remain trustworthy. — Crispin Beale, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Only one set of Canadian rocks might date back to this time in Earth’s history—but their provenance is hotly debated, and otherwise, geological evidence is sparse. — Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 7 Aug. 2026

The provenance of Newhouse or Allen can genuinely add something to a work. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 5 Aug. 2026

On its way to the Billboard Hot 100, the song started a comment-box and social-media war over its own provenance, the ethics of AI, and whether anyone cares. — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 4 Aug. 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