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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of family circle

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

The Mitchell family has expressed thanks to their wider family circle and the local community, particularly around the Harryville area, for the support they have received since the tragedy.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2024

Frankel’s funny, heart-wrenching and thought-provoking account of how one woman’s choices can enrich the lives of others will remind you that every family circle is potentially infinite.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 23, 2024

She also felt as a caring grandmother that she needed to comfort Diana's sons in the privacy of the family circle.

From BBC • Sep. 8, 2022

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

Back in the family circle, I remarked to myself how like a cyclopean eye was the belly of the red-hot stove.

From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou