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

The trend also tracks with broader consumer movements toward authenticity and provenance. —Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2026

The auction house has detailed provenance for the manuscript showing a long line of previous owners, Donadoni said. —Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 28 May 2026

The neo-Brandesian movement has a name of similarly mysterious provenance. —Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 26 May 2026

Pharmaceutical customers need to know the provenance of any data used to make a decision, Flock said. —Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 26 May 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