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

“She would write in the day and then read aloud in the family circle at night, which they all did.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 2025

"There is nothing this court can say or do which can reduce the undoubted pain and suffering of her parents, brother and sister and wider family circle," he said.

From BBC • Jun. 23, 2023

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

She’s made spending time with her family circle a priority, and lived with her mom in Chicago during the pandemic and until her final days.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 29, 2022

As we sit down tonight I notice some faces now gone from among us and some which have added to the family circle.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White