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

This link can be transferred from owner to owner over the lifetime of the item, providing a promising future for ownership and provenance tracking that is impossible to manipulate or hack. —Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2024

James explains that these factors compel brands to explore decentralized platforms, where ownership and provenance can be verified transparently. —Verostina Antwi, Essence, 27 Mar. 2024

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