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

With its layered provenance, cinematic past, and powerful but quiet presence in the Valley, the estate is not just an ordinary rural property but a chapter of California history, one that, for the right buyer, is ready to be lived in again. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 21 Jan. 2026

The Star of India’s intensely curlicued provenance and bumptious post-sale 20th-century history is a Baedeker for all who might aspire to purchase the Pure Land, should it ever be formally or publicly offered for sale. —Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

ReSee’s roster of notable resellers include actress Catherine Deneuve and jewelry designer Gaia Repossi, and the founders acknowledge that the provenance of clothes and accessories can be a strong selling point for site visitors. —Miles Socha, Footwear News, 16 Jan. 2026

So there’s 236 four-colour pages detailing the exacting nature of every aspect of the creation of this bike (and its nine siblings) plus the provenance of Hailwood’s unbeaten Grand Prix adventures on the original, not to mention its pivotal place in Honda folklore. —Mike Hanlon january 16, New Atlas, 16 Jan. 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