seeding
n. uncountable B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈsidɪŋ// UK //sˈiːdɪŋ// seed·ing
n. the way teams or players are ranked in a competition. It helps decide who plays against whom so that the best players do not meet too early.
n. the process of ranking competitors in a tournament to ensure that top-ranked participants do not face each other in the initial rounds. Often used in the context of bracket-style eliminations.
The tournament seeding puts the top two players in different groups.
After a strong regular season, the team secured the top seeding for the regional playoffs.
The committee revised the seeding criteria to account for recent injuries, ensuring that the bracket remained balanced and competitive throughout the opening weekend.