Aperture as it relates to Photography is the hole or opening located in the cameras lens. The Aperture value is what determines the amount or rate of light that can enter into the camera at any given time the shutter is opened. This is not to be confused with Shutter speed, which determines the duration of light flowing into the camera.
Aperture, or F-stop as it is also called, is indicated by an f/ number. The smaller the number, the larger(or faster) the aperture(more light). The larger the number, the smaller(or slower) the aperture(less light).
Why does this matter? For one thing, lowering the F-stop can aid you tremendously in capturing shots in low light. Also, Aperture determines your depth of field.
Here is an example.
This image was shot with an F-stop (aperture) of 2, Shutter 1/50 and a 50mm focal length
Depth of Field
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