Definition
Sleep; the natural rest state where the body and mind are inactive and recover.
Example
रात को अच्छी नींद लेना बहुत ज़रूरी है।
Show translation
Getting a good sleep at night is very important.
Etymology
From Sanskrit निद्रा (nidrā), meaning "sleep" or "slumber," via Prakrit and Apabhraṃśa forms. The Sanskrit root is related to the verb √svap (to sleep), but nidrā became the dominant colloquial form, eventually contracting to नींद in modern Hindi-Urdu.
Cultural note
नींद features prominently in Hindi poetry and film songs — "नींद न आए" ("sleep won't come") is a classic trope of the lovesick protagonist. Colloquially, नींद आना means "to feel sleepy" (literally "sleep comes"), and नींद उड़ना ("sleep flies away") means to be unable to sleep due to worry. Don't confuse with सोना (to sleep, the verb) — नींद is the noun for the state itself.