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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.


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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of family circle

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Irish FA said it sends "sincere condolences to Willie's family circle at this sad time".

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times

Betty Dobbin was known to her great granddaughter as “Great Dobbin”, a term of affection which her family said showed her importance within the entire family circle.

From BBC

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

The safeguarding board said it welcomed the outcome of the criminal proceedings and the justice it has provided for Roman and Morgana and their mothers, and it offered its condolences to the wider family circle.

From BBC