Plain English Meaning
A towered airport is one where controllers in a tower direct the traffic by radio. You talk to them, and they tell you when and how to move on the ground and in the air near the airport.
Full Definition
Describes an airport that has an operating air traffic control tower, where pilots must establish two-way radio communication with controllers and receive clearances or instructions to taxi, take off, and land within the tower's airspace.
Context Anchor
Seen in airport descriptions, preflight planning, and FAA handbook discussions of airport types.