provenance

noun

prov·e·nance ˈpräv-nən(t)s

ˈprä-və-ˌnän(t)s

: origin, source

: 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.

Even before that contemporary program, the U.S. military was keenly interested in the provenance of UFOs and UAPs, as the NOVA film documents. —

Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 22 Jan. 2025 Factors to consider when purchasing Key factors are authenticity, condition, design, and date of manufacture, quality of the jewels, and provenance of the brand. —

Felicity Carter, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025 Most former Grand Prix bikes that reach auction have a racing provenance, but this one is an absolute unicorn – a grand prix racing bike untouched from new, with spares. —

Mike Hanlon, New Atlas, 12 Jan. 2025 The unique Prancing Horse has a rich racing history and a provenance that includes participation in such high-profile events as the California Mille, Colorado Grand, and Italy’s Mille Miglia retrospective. —

Howard Walker, Robb Report, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for provenance