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

Granted, this watch carries heavyweight provenance with an A-list Hollywood name behind it and out-of-the-box innovation from one of the most important living watchmakers to date. —Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 7 Dec. 2025

American provenance counts as only one. —Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 29 Nov. 2025

Congress should that require AI platforms—such as those offered by OpenAI, Google, Microsoft and Apple—incorporate provenance tracking and provide users with a seamless way to determine whether a particular piece of content, such a video clip, song, or even text message, was produced by AI. —Jerel Ezell, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2025

Building a modern textile ecosystem For Peregrine, the next chapter will hinge on carving out an even clearer position in the menswear landscape, where appreciation for provenance and natural fibers is steadily rising. —Kirsty McGregor, Vogue, 27 Nov. 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