provenance

noun

prov·​e·​nance ˈpräv-nən(t)s How to pronounce provenance (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Hall said Anza is working to add new features to its software platform that will show more details about panels’ provenance, information that could drastically affect a project’s tax liability. — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 5 Aug. 2025 The product of an intimate and private connection between artist and sitter, its family provenance is watertight. — Literary Hub, 4 Aug. 2025 The clip's provenance could not be independently confirmed. — Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025 Increasingly, consumers are shunning goods whose provenance clashes with their values. — Dax Dasilva, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for provenance

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of provenance was in 1785

Browse Nearby Words

provedore
provenance
Provençal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Provenance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provenance. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of provenance for Spanish Speakers

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