small circle

American  

noun

1. a circle on a sphere, the plane of which does not pass through the center of the sphere.

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small circle British  

noun

1. a circular section of a sphere that does not contain the centre of the sphere Compare great circle

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Etymology

Origin of small circle

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

small circle

Williams is the rate-setting committee’s vice chair, traditionally part of the small circle of officials that helps the Fed chairman steer policy.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 13, 2026

Apart from her, only a small circle knows where he will be even two hours ahead.

From Barron's ● Jun. 10, 2026

The Justice Department says that Van Dyke “participated in the planning and execution of the U.S. military operation,” leaving him in the small circle of humans who could blow the secret.

From Slate ● Apr. 24, 2026

He expected the episode would be “a huge shock for people” who are fans of the show, with only a small circle of “NCIS”-related folks in the loop before Tuesday night.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 25, 2026

He replied by dashing around in a small circle, then in three big circles.

From "Julie of the Wolves" by Jean Craighead George