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

In these pieces, which are coated in a palette of bright reds, dusky purples, black, and burl, their provenance becomes even murkier. — Jill Singer, Curbed, 14 Sep. 2026

While the provenance of certain dishes may be obvious, others are simply Feng’s wild card creations. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

The 101 Secrets is all about the provenance of one of watchmaking’s most famous movements combined with the wonders of modern gemsetting. — Carol Besler, Robb Report, 10 Sep. 2026

Neither have the historical provenance of the Condé diamond, however. — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 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