Plain English Meaning
A nautical mile is the standard distance unit pilots use. It is a bit longer than a regular (statute) mile — roughly 1.15 of them. Distances on charts, approach plates, and navigation displays are almost always shown in NM.
Full Definition
A unit of distance used in aviation and marine navigation, equal to 1,852 meters or approximately 6,076 feet (about 1.15 statute miles). One nautical mile corresponds to one minute of latitude along any meridian, which is why it is the standard unit on aeronautical charts and in flight planning.
Context Anchor
Seen on approach charts, navigation displays, flight plans, and instructions that describe distances to airports, runways, or points along a route.