family circle
Americannoun
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the closely related members of a family as a group.
-
a section in a theater containing less expensive seats, as the topmost gallery.
noun
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members of a family regarded as a closed group
-
the cheap seating area in a theatre behind or above the dress circle
Etymology
Origin of family circle
First recorded in 1800–10
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.
"My deepest condolences are with the entire family circle as well as many friends, the school family and wider community who are firmly in my thoughts and prayers."
From BBC ● Feb. 3, 2026
The Irish FA said it sends "sincere condolences to Willie's family circle at this sad time".
From BBC ● Oct. 5, 2025
Frankel’s funny, heart-wrenching and thought-provoking account of how one woman’s choices can enrich the lives of others will remind you that every family circle is potentially infinite.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 23, 2024
And, within the logic of Matisse’s art at that moment, he absolutely needed to base his nude on Marguerite, rather than on some model brought in from outside the family circle.
From New York Times ● Aug. 26, 2022
“But, my dear, pray do not make any more matches; they are silly things, and break up one’s family circle grievously.”
From "Emma" by Jane Austen
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.
