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

It was developed to reward good actors who are willing to show the provenance and attribution of their work, which creators love. —Megan Poinski, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025

Adding to the tale of this palm-sized treasure is the provenance of the three society women of the era who originally purchased it: Madeleine Talmage Astor, Marian Longstreth Thayer, and Eleanor Elkins Widener. —Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 17 Dec. 2024

Lawmakers in both parties have urged the Biden administration to provide more information about the provenance of the mysterious drones and settle public concerns about their origins and intentions. —Sylvan Lane, The Hill, 16 Dec. 2024

The government is also considering technological investments, such as using lab technology, to detect and curb the flow of fentanyl at the border and identify the provenance of precursor chemicals needed to make it. —Matina Stevis-Gridneff, New York Times, 12 Dec. 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