inner circle

American  

noun

1. a small, intimate, and often influential group of people.

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Etymology

Origin of inner circle

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

In the episode, David is caught between a delicious new Palestinian chicken restaurant, a Palestinian girlfriend and an outraged inner circle of Jewish friends.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

In recent weeks, U.S. officials have been holding discussions with Cuban officials, including figures in Raúl Castro’s inner circle.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Rodriguez, a former member of Maduro's inner circle who is now championing liberal reforms, hailed the law as "a vehicle for building future prosperity."

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Elkholy told the BBC he had not been part of Epstein's inner circle.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

He and the other members of Stalin’s inner circle would be summoned to Stalin’s home.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin