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Synonyms

provenance

American  
[prov-uh-nuhns, -nahns] / ˈprɒv ə nəns, -ˌnɑns /

noun

  1. place or source of origin.

    The provenance of the ancient manuscript has never been determined.
provenance British  
/ ˈprɒvɪnəns, prəʊˈviːnɪəns /

noun

  1. a place of origin, esp that of a work of art or archaeological specimen

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of provenance

1860–65; < French, derivative of provenant, present participle of provenir < Latin prōvenīre to come forth; pro- 1, convene, -ant

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He said he was also able to use information on the label to confirm its provenance.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

The film’s theatrical provenance reveals itself in long monologues in the Marilyn confessional room and Pedretti delivers one that reveals the depth beyond Cherry’s ditzy exterior.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Queer desire, femininity, and lipstick form an intrepid triptych in the form of pop star Chappell Roan, whose persona betrays both her rural Missouri provenance and the glittery legacy of drag performance.

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2026

"If the authenticity and lawful provenance of the collection are documented, the Ministry of Culture will immediately finalise measures for its acquisition," it said.

From Barron's • Feb. 17, 2026

I shuffle through the papers until I come to this letter: I know the provenance of the blusher mushroom that you ask after, but what you do with it must not be tied to me.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.