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

Thurston said Wētā is building an open-source tool through the Academy Software Foundation to track AI use and provenance, designed to link with initiatives such as C2PA. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026

While its provenance was obvious, the scale of its success was not. — Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026

In other surprises, collectors of all ages are increasingly relying on artificial intelligence for advice, recommendations, and provenance checks, jumping from four percent in 2024 to 22 percent this year. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Gun manufacturers used the term before the 1980s, when the rifle’s military provenance was a major selling point. — Robert Spitzer, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 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