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

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

From BBC • Oct. 5, 2025

“She would write in the day and then read aloud in the family circle at night, which they all did.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 2025

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