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

Statler suggests a tag on designer clothing may not just prove authenticity, but track provenance and even record how often it has been worn or washed. —Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 22 Feb. 2025

Culture Ministry officials are also debating whether some statues with murky provenance could be fakes. —Mike Ives, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025

Identical in composition, indistinguishable to the human eye, but, according to the natural diamond industry, lacking in that all-important divine provenance. —Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 7 Feb. 2025

Some serious provenance pieces are up for grabs at Joopiter, Pharrell Willliams‘ digital auction site. —Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 4 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