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

In bringing back Angelakis, Roberts, 67 years old, is picking an executive steeped in cable and broadband who is part of a small circle of trusted advisers, said people close to both men.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 30, 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

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

Izzy stood up and paced a small circle around them.

From "Shadowshaper" by Daniel José Older