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

This gives it a rare provenance and historical significance. —Kevin Rozario, Forbes.com, 2 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

Some service stories are remarkable based on the watch itself—its rarity, its provenance, and/or its unusual technical details. —Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2025

Each comes with a story, a provenance, and a unique fingerprint. —Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 23 Aug. 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