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

Vincent traced its provenance to Appleby, a former parliamentary borough in England. —Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025

Further research will be conducted on the ring to learn more about its provenance. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 12 May 2025

However, its provenance has given rise to speculation that a buyer might pay a premium to own a home with such a unique prior resident. —Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2025

But this song has a longer, weirder provenance than people following the trend on TikTok may realize. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 2 May 2025

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