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

At age 39, Jordan joins a small circle of Black actors who have won the prestigious best actor Oscar, after Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker and Will Smith.

From Barron's • Mar. 16, 2026

He is fond of reminding reporters that he prefers to keep his intentions to himself and a small circle of insiders to avoid potential adversaries knowing his next moves.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026

So he joins a slim minority in accusing Rinna, Underwood’s favored Traitor candidate – and the right suspect, finally – risking his trusted place among the small circle of the guilty.

From Salon • Jan. 28, 2026

William Abrams of the Utility Wildfire Survivor Coalition detailed in a filing how the present laws had been shaped by the utilities and “a small circle of well-resourced legal and financial actors.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 16, 2026

We walked in a small circle, sniffing at the air like dogs.

From "The Marrow Thieves" by Cherie Dimaline