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

Schey recommended embellishing any Giuliani watch with a cheeky engraving referencing its provenance. —Dan Greene, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024

Choose the cut and the provenance of your pig (a lean loin from Hyōgo Prefecture, say, or a marbled cut from Kyushu) and let the pig whisperers do the rest. —Matt Goulding, Travel + Leisure, 24 Nov. 2024

In the race to cover as many languages as possible, any available data of whatever provenance is being slipped into the mix and regurgitated for commercial gain. —Ross Perlin, The Dial, 14 Nov. 2024

There is the rare piece that Lawson doesn’t know the provenance of. —Wendy Goodman, Curbed, 4 Nov. 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