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.
Warhol’s Patek isn’t the only watch with notable provenance in the upcoming sale. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 22 May 2026 Aside from its size, which Christie’s claims is the largest drip painting still in private hands, Number 7A stands out for its exceptional provenance, having come from the collection of the late Newhouse and his wife Victoria, who both regularly appeared on ARTnews Top 200 collector list. Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 18 May 2026 For example, a tokenized Treasury bill still requires a price, a yield curve and a valuation methodology, all of which must be sourced off-chain and then delivered with cryptographic assurances about provenance and licensing. Mike Cahill, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026 Besides being from Rothko’s postwar Color Field paintings—a body of work that does especially well at auction—Brown and Blacks is notable for its provenance. News Desk, Artforum, 18 May 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 25 May. 2026.

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