provenance

noun

prov·​e·​nance ˈpräv-nən(t)s How to pronounce provenance (audio)
ˈprä-və-ˌnän(t)s
1
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.
Newman says probate records and newspaper advertisements suggest pocket-watch production in British America probably dates to the 1760s, perhaps earlier, but almost none of those watches survive with definitive provenance. Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 3 July 2026 However, with every wear, a garment builds its own provenance, too. Emmanuel Olunkwa, Architectural Digest, 1 July 2026 Alex Bell, chairman emeritus of Sotheby’s UK and Old Masters worldwide, said the work succeeded because it combined scale, rarity, impeccable provenance, and immediate visual impact. Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 1 July 2026 Starting from late 2028 to early 2029, textile products will require a DPP, a consumer-facing scannable label that provides data on materials, manufacturing provenance, recyclability, and information on repairability. Brian Delp, Forbes.com, 29 June 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

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Cite this Entry

“Provenance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/provenance. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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