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

The source said they were not part of that small circle.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 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

The analysis by the Central Intelligence Agency was briefed to President Trump and shared with a small circle of senior administration officials, according to two of the people.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 5, 2026

Instead, my small circle of blood had 39—39!—pieces of plastic in it.

From Slate • May 28, 2025

That small circle of earth became a second home to both of us.

From "Seedfolks" by Paul Fleischman