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

In addition to difficulties in assigning value to certain assets, issues around ownership and provenance complicate the picture too. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 19 Nov. 2025

Under Bjorkman’s leadership, the company will continue expanding its footprint internationally, diversifying its supply chain for resilience and strengthening partnerships with compliance and provenance organizations. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 14 Nov. 2025

The specimen was kept among other fossils originating from the Araripe region, unfortunately, without precise provenance and date of collection, according to the researchers. —Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025

Shinsuke Sakimoto, cofounder and CEO of Valuence, presented the Birkin to the press in Tokyo on Wednesday, explaining that the bag’s provenance, not price, should be the focus. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 12 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