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

They’re going to take place in the family circle, which is evident when the paterfamilias starts listing the order of his favorite sons while they’re chowing down at the breakfast table.

From New York Times • Dec. 21, 2023

“Even though we knew that the family circumstances were challenging, we didn’t want to take him out of the family circle because they have a very close-knit family,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 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

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