family circle

American  

noun

1. the closely related members of a family as a group.

2. a section in a theater containing less expensive seats, as the topmost gallery.

---

family circle British  

noun

1. members of a family regarded as a closed group

2. 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

"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

Betty Dobbin was known to her great granddaughter as “Great Dobbin”, a term of affection which her family said showed her importance within the entire family circle.

From BBC • Oct. 16, 2024

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

Some kind of psychological deterioration hit our family circle and began to eat away our pride.

From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey