In this paper, the sampled-data state estimation problem is investigated for neural networks with time-varying delays. Instead of the continuous measurement, the sampled measurement is used to estimate the neuron states, and a sampled data estimator is constructed. Based on the extended Wirtinger inequality, a discontinuous Lyapunov functional is introduced, which makes full use of the sawtooth structure characteristic of sampling input delay. New delay-dependent criteria are developed to estimate the neuron states through available output measurements such that the estimation error system is asymptotically stable. The criteria are formulated in terms of a set of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), which can be checked efficiently by use of some standard numerical packages. Finally, a numerical example and its simulations are given to demonstrate the usefulness and effectiveness of the presented results.