Plain English Meaning
Rules that say a pilot must have flown a certain amount in the recent past before they're allowed to fly again with passengers or in certain conditions. If you haven't flown enough lately, you're not legally current.
Full Definition
The minimum flying activity a pilot must have logged within a defined recent period in order to legally act as pilot in command, carry passengers, or fly under specific conditions. In U.S. civil aviation, these requirements are set out in 14 CFR 61.57 and include items such as three takeoffs and landings within the preceding 90 days for carrying passengers, with additional requirements for night operations and instrument flight.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA training and rule discussions about pilot currency, carrying passengers, night flying, and returning to flying after time away.