Plain English Meaning

VORs are radio beacons on the ground that send out signals in every direction. An aircraft receiver can read these signals and tell the pilot exactly which direction the aircraft is from the station, so the pilot can fly toward it, away from it, or along a chosen line through it.

Full Definition

VORs are ground-based radio navigation stations that broadcast signals on very high frequency (VHF) bands, allowing a properly equipped aircraft to determine its bearing to or from the station along any one of 360 selectable courses, called radials. Each radial corresponds to a magnetic direction outward from the station, so the pilot can identify their position relative to the and a chosen toward or away from it.