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

Each dish has its kooky provenance story, typical of the West Country. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

The property has a provenance that goes far beyond Scarface. —Tom Tapp, Deadline, 23 Apr. 2026

To walk through the galleries of her works is to witness the battle for the provenance of a nation’s story, a people’s progress. —Tyehimba Jess, ARTnews.com, 17 Apr. 2026

Out front, the home’s first impression comes from mature olives that make a statement by real provenance — from twisted trunks to branches of green leaves and fruit — not from landscaping-in-a-box. —David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 11 Apr. 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