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

Providing authentication of product provenance, Oritain uses forensic testing to identify environmental markers specific to where plants or animals were grown or raised. —Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 10 July 2024

The set menus at Blank, near Queen’s University, are a rich journey of Northern Irish provenance, Tyrone oxtail and all. —Timothy O'Grady, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 July 2024

Legally, the musicians watching as AI models are trained on their work have the same concerns as the New York Times, Getty, and other publishers and creators who are filing lawsuits against AI companies: data provenance. —Adam Clair, Vox, 1 July 2024

Officials contacted Christie’s, which investigated the work’s provenance and learned of its true history. —Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 June 2024

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