'province' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'provincia', where 'pro-' meant 'for' or 'on behalf of' and 'vincere' meant 'to conquer'.

'province' changed from the Old French word 'province' (borrowed from Latin) and eventually became the modern English word 'province' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'a task, duty, or office assigned' (jurisdiction or responsibility), and over time it evolved to mean 'a territory or administrative district' and also 'an area of activity or knowledge'.