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.
As a result, Washington has recently come around to the idea that the provenance of semiconductors matters more than the provenance of Pringles. — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026 De Beers Group’s Tracr platform records diamonds’ journeys through the supply chain, providing a framework for provenance that can inform the jewelry brand’s conversations with clients where such information is available. — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026 This example comes with provenance to match its racing pedigree, including a letter from Elford confirming his ownership. — Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2026 Thurston said Wētā is building an open-source tool through the Academy Software Foundation to track AI use and provenance, designed to link with initiatives such as C2PA. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026 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 21 Oct. 2026.

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