Definition
Navigational guidance provided to an aircraft by an air traffic controller using radar, in the form of specific headings to fly, based on the controller's observation of the aircraft's position on the radar display.
Plain English
The controller is watching you on radar and tells you what heading to turn to, so they can guide you where you need to go. You fly the headings they give you instead of navigating yourself.
Context Anchor
You will hear or read about radar vectoring during instrument flying, departures, arrivals, and approaches when controllers give headings such as “fly heading 270.”
Derivation
A 'vector' in navigation means a direction to fly, expressed as a heading. 'Radar vectoring' simply means the controller assigns those headings while watching you on radar.
Why Pilots Care
It enables safe sequencing for landing, traffic separation, and weather avoidance when onboard navigation alone is insufficient.
Intuition Check
Radar vectoring does not mean the controller is flying the aircraft for you. The controller gives headings; the pilot still flies the airplane and remains responsible for safe operation.
Example Sentence 1
Approach radar-vectored us around a line of thunderstorms before clearing us direct to the airport.
Example Sentence 2
Due to traffic ahead, the pilot received radar vectoring to the right for spacing.