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

Along with its inherent rarity, this specific example has earned itself a rather storied provenance. —Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 5 Feb. 2025

Blockchain has long been touted as a way of ensuring the provenance of goods in a supply chain. —Brady Dale, Axios, 4 Feb. 2025

The 1962 Ferrari 330 LM / 250 GTO on offer has a full hand of provenance, matching everything, a filing cabinet full of documentation, parts and service invoices, and a comprehensive history report by Marcel Massini. —Mike Hanlon, New Atlas, 3 Feb. 2025

Each blade reflects the provenance of its materials and the techniques used, inviting collectors to engage with history. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 2 Feb. 2025

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