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.

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provenance British  

/ ˈprɒvɪnəns, prəʊˈviːnɪəns /

noun

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

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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

The first New York Times story stemming from Littlejohn’s disclosure was published in September 2020, though the documents’ provenance wasn’t clear then.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The Kappe residence will resonate with discerning buyers who value architectural provenance, impeccable design and cultural importance — a rare opportunity to own an enduring piece of architectural history,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

While nothing prevents a third country from demanding more information about national provenance, under EU rules, goods manufactured in the bloc have only to be labelled as "EU origin".

From Barron's

Customers receive a card explaining the provenance of their “health-enabling” undies, including the locations where the fiber is grown, milled into fabric, dyed and sewn.

From The Wall Street Journal

Rivalrous court factions falsely pinned the necklace’s tangle of provenance and patronage on Marie Antoinette.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• origin