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

The story, history, artisans, families, craftsmanship and provenance of the materials matter to consumers now more than ever. —Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 13 Jan. 2026

The provenance of the vehicle goes on to include ownership by, among others, racer Joan Richmond as well as Michael Crowley-Milling and, eventually, his nephew Humphrey. —Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 12 Jan. 2026

For more than a century, the two oldest restaurants in the City of Angels—Philippe the Original and Cole’s Pacific Electric Buffet—feuded over the true provenance of the French-dip sandwich, which (this much is undisputed) was first served in 1908. —Jeff Weiss, Air Mail, 10 Jan. 2026

Similar to her previous look, each piece was carefully hand-picked for its provenance and meaning, allowing her clothes carry context and personal significance into a historic public moment. —Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 5 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