first-round
UK: ˈfɜːst raʊnd | US: ˈfɜːrst raʊnd
adj. occurring or applied in the initial stage of a process or competition
n. the initial stage or selection phase of a competition
The word "first-round" is a compound formed by combining "first" (Old English fyrst, meaning "foremost in time or order") and "round" (Old French rond, from Latin rotundus, meaning "circular" or "a recurring stage"). In competitive contexts, "round" evolved to denote a distinct phase of a tournament or selection process. The compound logically emphasizes the initial phase ("first") of such a staged event ("round").
The startup secured first-round funding from venture capitalists.
She advanced to the finals after winning the first-round match.
The committee narrowed down the candidates in the first-round review.
First-round draft picks often face high expectations.
The team’s first-round performance set a strong tone for the tournament.