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

The Irish FA said it sends "sincere condolences to Willie's family circle at this sad time".

From BBC • Oct. 5, 2025

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

They’re going to take place in the family circle, which is evident when the paterfamilias starts listing the order of his favorite sons while they’re chowing down at the breakfast table.

From New York Times • Dec. 21, 2023

“Even though we knew that the family circumstances were challenging, we didn’t want to take him out of the family circle because they have a very close-knit family,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2022

I was warned emphatically to forget what he had said and, indeed, this is the first time it has been mentioned outside the family circle.

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison