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

Its provenance adds to an already dramatic presence as it was formerly owned by the late actor Peter Sellers, another icon of that era. —Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 8 Sep. 2025

By recording the provenance of each data point on a transparent ledger, platforms can verify its origin, timestamp, and submission process. —Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025

While The Maidstone New Orleans and its sister property, the LDV at the Maidstone East Hampton, share provenance, East Hampton might be described as a playground for the preppy, and New Orleans is more of an equal opportunity party town. —Beth D'addono, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2025

Each Prada Fine Jewelry Couleur Vivante piece has been recorded on the Aura Consortium Blockchain platform, through which customers can verify the authenticity of their jewelry and access key provenance information on the gemstones used in each design. —Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 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