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

But Perardi could never nail down its provenance. —Matthew Bremner, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2026

That associates beauty as a category with artistry, extremely high quality and provenance. —Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 10 Feb. 2026

Pieces from different periods and provenances mix beautifully in homes designed by Nina Farmer. —Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 10 Feb. 2026

Information now arrives continuously, often without clear provenance. —Charles Edward Gehrke, Fortune, 9 Feb. 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