<?xml version="1.0" encoding="US-ASCII"?>
<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!-- -->
<link:linkbase xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/Acquisitions" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#Acquisitions" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsAdvantageRnDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#AcquisitionsAdvantageRnDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#AcquisitionsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ComprehensiveIncome" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ComprehensiveIncomeDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ComprehensiveIncomeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveLossIncome" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveLossIncome" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/Contingencies" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#Contingencies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ContingenciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ContingenciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/Debt" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#Debt" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DebtAblLoanAgreementDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#DebtAblLoanAgreementDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DebtAmendmentAndRestatedSeniorCreditFacilityDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#DebtAmendmentAndRestatedSeniorCreditFacilityDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DebtDebtMaturitiesDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#DebtDebtMaturitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DebtLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#DebtLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DebtTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#DebtTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/Derivative" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#Derivative" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DerivativeAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#DerivativeAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EarningsPerShareAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#EarningsPerShareAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EarningsPerShareComponentsOfNumeratorAndDenominatorForComputationOfBasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#EarningsPerShareComponentsOfNumeratorAndDenominatorForComputationOfBasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsEstimatedFairValuesAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsEstimatedFairValuesAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFinancialInstrumentThatWereNotMeasuredAtFairValueDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsFinancialInstrumentThatWereNotMeasuredAtFairValueDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsScheduleOfReconciliationOfOpeningAndClosingBalancesForFairValueMeasurementsCategorizedWithinLevel3Details" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsScheduleOfReconciliationOfOpeningAndClosingBalancesForFairValueMeasurementsCategorizedWithinLevel3Details" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssets" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsAcquiredIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsAcquiredIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsAnnualAmortizationExpenseDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsAnnualAmortizationExpenseDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsGoodwillDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsGoodwillDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#IncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/Leases" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#Leases" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/LeasesBalanceSheetInformationDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#LeasesBalanceSheetInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/LeasesFutureMinimumLeasePaymentsUnderTopic840Details" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#LeasesFutureMinimumLeasePaymentsUnderTopic840Details" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/LeasesOtherInformationDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#LeasesOtherInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/LeasesTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#LeasesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/LeasesUndiscountedCashFlowsDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#LeasesUndiscountedCashFlowsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/OrganizationAndBasisOfPresentation" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#OrganizationAndBasisOfPresentation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RecentAccountingPronouncements" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#RecentAccountingPronouncements" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RevenueRecognition" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#RevenueRecognition" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RevenueRecognitionAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#RevenueRecognitionAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RevenueRecognitionDisaggregationOfRevenueDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#RevenueRecognitionDisaggregationOfRevenueDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RevenueRecognitionTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#RevenueRecognitionTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SegmentData" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#SegmentData" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SegmentDataInformationOnOperatingSegmentsAndReconciliationToLossFromOperationsDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#SegmentDataInformationOnOperatingSegmentsAndReconciliationToLossFromOperationsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SegmentDataNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#SegmentDataNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SegmentDataTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#SegmentDataTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquity" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#StockholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquityNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#StockholdersEquityNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquitySummaryOfRestrictedStockAndPerformanceSharesDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#StockholdersEquitySummaryOfRestrictedStockAndPerformanceSharesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquityTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#StockholdersEquityTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SubsequentEvents" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#SubsequentEvents" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SubsequentEventsCreditFacilityDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#SubsequentEventsCreditFacilityDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRecentlyAdoptedAccountingPronouncementsDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRecentlyAdoptedAccountingPronouncementsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRestructuringCostsDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRestructuringCostsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/Acquisitions" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsAdvantageRnDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_E4EFCEB14ECE3DF322AB4A406E6B8791" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_43322000B042CEF15EAE4A406E636D88" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_E4EFCEB14ECE3DF322AB4A406E6B8791" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_43322000B042CEF15EAE4A406E636D88" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_875B91752010810F0BDA4A406E63A474" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_43322000B042CEF15EAE4A406E636D88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_875B91752010810F0BDA4A406E63A474" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_8CB31310AD9BFE324DD64A406E634487_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_875B91752010810F0BDA4A406E63A474" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_8CB31310AD9BFE324DD64A406E634487_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_8CB31310AD9BFE324DD64A406E634487" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_875B91752010810F0BDA4A406E63A474" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_8CB31310AD9BFE324DD64A406E634487" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_AdvantageRNLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_AdvantageRNLLCMember_1EAE2F25CCF2B361F42D4A406E6432B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_8CB31310AD9BFE324DD64A406E634487" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_AdvantageRNLLCMember_1EAE2F25CCF2B361F42D4A406E6432B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAxis" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAxis_A64EC3EA2A43B772972C4A406E649BC0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_43322000B042CEF15EAE4A406E636D88" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAxis_A64EC3EA2A43B772972C4A406E649BC0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredDomain" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredDomain_5087F80FCFFEA6509C6A4A406E6488C6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAxis_A64EC3EA2A43B772972C4A406E649BC0" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredDomain_5087F80FCFFEA6509C6A4A406E6488C6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredDomain" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredDomain_5087F80FCFFEA6509C6A4A406E6488C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAxis_A64EC3EA2A43B772972C4A406E649BC0" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredDomain_5087F80FCFFEA6509C6A4A406E6488C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_PurchasePriceMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PurchasePriceMember_963C00D5802D92B7CA604A406E697709" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredDomain_5087F80FCFFEA6509C6A4A406E6488C6" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PurchasePriceMember_963C00D5802D92B7CA604A406E697709" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis_59E96F7211C8FD9C10C44A406E6AB4F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_43322000B042CEF15EAE4A406E636D88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis_59E96F7211C8FD9C10C44A406E6AB4F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_B76245012D309842B9244A406E6A98D1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis_59E96F7211C8FD9C10C44A406E6AB4F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_B76245012D309842B9244A406E6A98D1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_B76245012D309842B9244A406E6A98D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis_59E96F7211C8FD9C10C44A406E6AB4F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_B76245012D309842B9244A406E6A98D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_DeferredConsiderationTransferredMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DeferredConsiderationTransferredMember_1D094E768C5BEAF985194A406E6AEED8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_B76245012D309842B9244A406E6A98D1" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DeferredConsiderationTransferredMember_1D094E768C5BEAF985194A406E6AEED8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_4D6C76B9A4001B07A3284A406E6BAB10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_E4EFCEB14ECE3DF322AB4A406E6B8791" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_4D6C76B9A4001B07A3284A406E6BAB10" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_3EC1BB549EFFCC7F31074A406E6B1B14" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_E4EFCEB14ECE3DF322AB4A406E6B8791" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_3EC1BB549EFFCC7F31074A406E6B1B14" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredNetWorkingCapitalAdjustment" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredNetWorkingCapitalAdjustment_6875C49D93530BB615D04A406E6B2090" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_E4EFCEB14ECE3DF322AB4A406E6B8791" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredNetWorkingCapitalAdjustment_6875C49D93530BB615D04A406E6B2090" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredNetWorkingCapitalAdjustmentReimbursement" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredNetWorkingCapitalAdjustmentReimbursement_D0DBB557C29773F1617D4A406E6B1FC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_E4EFCEB14ECE3DF322AB4A406E6B8791" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredNetWorkingCapitalAdjustmentReimbursement_D0DBB557C29773F1617D4A406E6B1FC5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability_3CF7DE8048A6E12CC4974A406E6CCF03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_E4EFCEB14ECE3DF322AB4A406E6B8791" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability_3CF7DE8048A6E12CC4974A406E6CCF03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationDeferredPeriod" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationDeferredPeriod_1C6E447667BEAC62D6714A406E6C6CB3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_E4EFCEB14ECE3DF322AB4A406E6B8791" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationDeferredPeriod_1C6E447667BEAC62D6714A406E6C6CB3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1_9F178C41CFFFF0630C254A406E6CBEA1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_E4EFCEB14ECE3DF322AB4A406E6B8791" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1_9F178C41CFFFF0630C254A406E6CBEA1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationReleasedToSeller" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationReleasedToSeller_83DB47465091377C1E064A406E6CAC73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_E4EFCEB14ECE3DF322AB4A406E6B8791" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationReleasedToSeller_83DB47465091377C1E064A406E6CAC73" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNumberOfEscrowAccounts" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNumberOfEscrowAccounts_3D15313BD397F709B9444A406E6C46B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_E4EFCEB14ECE3DF322AB4A406E6B8791" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNumberOfEscrowAccounts_3D15313BD397F709B9444A406E6C46B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelatedToTaxLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelatedToTaxLiabilities_0EF2EC813259F34993184A406E6CFA46" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_E4EFCEB14ECE3DF322AB4A406E6B8791" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelatedToTaxLiabilities_0EF2EC813259F34993184A406E6CFA46" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelatedToPostCloseLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelatedToPostCloseLiabilities_E894F41705BC0EC0DF824A406E6DB430" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_E4EFCEB14ECE3DF322AB4A406E6B8791" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelatedToPostCloseLiabilities_E894F41705BC0EC0DF824A406E6DB430" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositReleaseRelatedToTaxLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositReleaseRelatedToTaxLiabilities_C1C90C8EAE837AF908EE4A406E6D67E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_E4EFCEB14ECE3DF322AB4A406E6B8791" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositReleaseRelatedToTaxLiabilities_C1C90C8EAE837AF908EE4A406E6D67E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelease" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelease_01CBACB50E1D145301114A406E6D450D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_E4EFCEB14ECE3DF322AB4A406E6B8791" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelease_01CBACB50E1D145301114A406E6D450D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositReleaseRelatedToPostCloseLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositReleaseRelatedToPostCloseLiabilities_FCE7A0AA805242ED697E4A406E6DED8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_E4EFCEB14ECE3DF322AB4A406E6B8791" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositReleaseRelatedToPostCloseLiabilities_FCE7A0AA805242ED697E4A406E6DED8C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9C791A37995F58F48CBFCF7680AF4283" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_5DF6D5C234C158C9849BCE423B971290" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9C791A37995F58F48CBFCF7680AF4283" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_5DF6D5C234C158C9849BCE423B971290" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis_D464B8CFBE325BF689DD8119F69B3E41" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_5DF6D5C234C158C9849BCE423B971290" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis_D464B8CFBE325BF689DD8119F69B3E41" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_D42CA46FE07CDD61E5BF2A1B5373601C_690C32A3A67C5DAD846AE24B327903C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis_D464B8CFBE325BF689DD8119F69B3E41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_D42CA46FE07CDD61E5BF2A1B5373601C_690C32A3A67C5DAD846AE24B327903C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_407A563079FA55EC8DD17B9BA3F5F275" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis_D464B8CFBE325BF689DD8119F69B3E41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_407A563079FA55EC8DD17B9BA3F5F275" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_AssumedAdditionalContingentPurchasePriceLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_AssumedAdditionalContingentPurchasePriceLiabilitiesMember_369505FFC1E15231BB604B18199E9883" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_407A563079FA55EC8DD17B9BA3F5F275" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_AssumedAdditionalContingentPurchasePriceLiabilitiesMember_369505FFC1E15231BB604B18199E9883" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_6116183EAD695E828ECD3D0834BE7EFC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_5DF6D5C234C158C9849BCE423B971290" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_6116183EAD695E828ECD3D0834BE7EFC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_DE2F64F4036946B8B4292A1B53739BB9_690C32A3A67C5DAD846AE24B327903C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_6116183EAD695E828ECD3D0834BE7EFC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_DE2F64F4036946B8B4292A1B53739BB9_690C32A3A67C5DAD846AE24B327903C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_34F2F2189750587DA58CD172400DA1C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_6116183EAD695E828ECD3D0834BE7EFC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_34F2F2189750587DA58CD172400DA1C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_MediscanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_MediscanMember_4BBF819FA4AF5765B37B8D7F9AF52253" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_34F2F2189750587DA58CD172400DA1C0" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_MediscanMember_4BBF819FA4AF5765B37B8D7F9AF52253" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsRangeOfOutcomesValueHigh" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsRangeOfOutcomesValueHigh_E6E7AEB05B5B5CEEA24460340783EAEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9C791A37995F58F48CBFCF7680AF4283" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsRangeOfOutcomesValueHigh_E6E7AEB05B5B5CEEA24460340783EAEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForPreviousAcquisition" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForPreviousAcquisition_03266646481A500193DEA7C1C7739281" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9C791A37995F58F48CBFCF7680AF4283" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForPreviousAcquisition_03266646481A500193DEA7C1C7739281" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability_4666227FFF6A5D4090C927AD5249A679" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9C791A37995F58F48CBFCF7680AF4283" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability_4666227FFF6A5D4090C927AD5249A679" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ComprehensiveIncomeDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveLossIncome" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_93FDFC591A542CC7259239268A36451B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_76D415A644B3A403E39139268A34565F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_93FDFC591A542CC7259239268A36451B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_76D415A644B3A403E39139268A34565F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_32E0DF0C087755F050E739268A34DF2E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_76D415A644B3A403E39139268A34565F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_32E0DF0C087755F050E739268A34DF2E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_05731CBD85174CFA976639268A35AC7B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_32E0DF0C087755F050E739268A34DF2E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_05731CBD85174CFA976639268A35AC7B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_05731CBD85174CFA976639268A35AC7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_32E0DF0C087755F050E739268A34DF2E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_05731CBD85174CFA976639268A35AC7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_ACE11C7D50950636B28439268A35C44E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_05731CBD85174CFA976639268A35AC7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_ACE11C7D50950636B28439268A35C44E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_2B4353F2E28E92A8617039268A359E53" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_05731CBD85174CFA976639268A35AC7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_2B4353F2E28E92A8617039268A359E53" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_D416EA5D43687409057939268A357837" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_05731CBD85174CFA976639268A35AC7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_D416EA5D43687409057939268A357837" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_E3C68BA5DA076FCB535639268A367948" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_05731CBD85174CFA976639268A35AC7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_E3C68BA5DA076FCB535639268A367948" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_AC77278776D237D12EC639268A36D267" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_05731CBD85174CFA976639268A35AC7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_AC77278776D237D12EC639268A36D267" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_70BA2D0D380EE8BF217639268A36E884" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_93FDFC591A542CC7259239268A36451B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_70BA2D0D380EE8BF217639268A36E884" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_37B57B52ED5AF17CC08739268A363132" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_70BA2D0D380EE8BF217639268A36E884" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_37B57B52ED5AF17CC08739268A363132" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_2F81B36D4BC064E4C63039268A377BD2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_70BA2D0D380EE8BF217639268A36E884" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_2F81B36D4BC064E4C63039268A377BD2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_92C2A2EE0DA44F8B5A5C39268A378A96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_70BA2D0D380EE8BF217639268A36E884" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_92C2A2EE0DA44F8B5A5C39268A378A96" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation_39E646C966D74E6AD8C739268A37E76E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_70BA2D0D380EE8BF217639268A36E884" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation_39E646C966D74E6AD8C739268A37E76E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation_41E6E82073D6013C3E6B39268A37FDA7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_70BA2D0D380EE8BF217639268A36E884" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation_41E6E82073D6013C3E6B39268A37FDA7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_E171D3D08E3F2E93A6A939268A37DDE5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_70BA2D0D380EE8BF217639268A36E884" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_E171D3D08E3F2E93A6A939268A37DDE5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_319737CD7AEB05BCFE3839268A37821C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_70BA2D0D380EE8BF217639268A36E884" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_319737CD7AEB05BCFE3839268A37821C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_CEF49CE9941336EE6B2639268A386486" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_70BA2D0D380EE8BF217639268A36E884" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_CEF49CE9941336EE6B2639268A386486" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax_4685F71116027E86C7C739268A38519A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_70BA2D0D380EE8BF217639268A36E884" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax_4685F71116027E86C7C739268A38519A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossAfterReclassificationAndTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossAfterReclassificationAndTax_57E3E3A68316154ECB5B39268A38C92F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_70BA2D0D380EE8BF217639268A36E884" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossAfterReclassificationAndTax_57E3E3A68316154ECB5B39268A38C92F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders_F006652CEDEC1FFC763839268A38F1BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_70BA2D0D380EE8BF217639268A36E884" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders_F006652CEDEC1FFC763839268A38F1BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_8C151B97CCA6934F81D03928C382F162" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_70BA2D0D380EE8BF217639268A36E884" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_8C151B97CCA6934F81D03928C382F162" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/Contingencies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ContingenciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/Debt" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DebtAblLoanAgreementDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_E0B2BDFDF836E19229663CB5BC72C03F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_9B8BB0A140F31BC5F9913CB5BC6D4422" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_E0B2BDFDF836E19229663CB5BC72C03F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_9B8BB0A140F31BC5F9913CB5BC6D4422" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_28EE93EC2E8633135B673CB5BC6E94EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_9B8BB0A140F31BC5F9913CB5BC6D4422" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_28EE93EC2E8633135B673CB5BC6E94EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_ECFEBA5115C8939E3A393CB5BC6E06BF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_28EE93EC2E8633135B673CB5BC6E94EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_ECFEBA5115C8939E3A393CB5BC6E06BF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_ECFEBA5115C8939E3A393CB5BC6E06BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_28EE93EC2E8633135B673CB5BC6E94EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_ECFEBA5115C8939E3A393CB5BC6E06BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_7E01C1242121CBFBFBB03CB5BC6E610B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_ECFEBA5115C8939E3A393CB5BC6E06BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_7E01C1242121CBFBFBB03CB5BC6E610B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_4E4BF92F1D353B9DC0173CB5BC6FFBB7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_ECFEBA5115C8939E3A393CB5BC6E06BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_4E4BF92F1D353B9DC0173CB5BC6FFBB7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_SwingLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SwingLoanMember_D1493A39E60C234114823CB5BC6F473B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_ECFEBA5115C8939E3A393CB5BC6E06BF" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SwingLoanMember_D1493A39E60C234114823CB5BC6F473B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StandbyLettersOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StandbyLettersOfCreditMember_17AE7A02571C695552F53CB5BC70C2D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_ECFEBA5115C8939E3A393CB5BC6E06BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StandbyLettersOfCreditMember_17AE7A02571C695552F53CB5BC70C2D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_2A367369F7767FCCFBCE3CB5BC70292C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_9B8BB0A140F31BC5F9913CB5BC6D4422" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_2A367369F7767FCCFBCE3CB5BC70292C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_340C302F5B7295C5386B3CB5BC700778_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_2A367369F7767FCCFBCE3CB5BC70292C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_340C302F5B7295C5386B3CB5BC700778_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_340C302F5B7295C5386B3CB5BC700778" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_2A367369F7767FCCFBCE3CB5BC70292C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_340C302F5B7295C5386B3CB5BC700778" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_AssetBasedCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_AssetBasedCreditFacilityMember_66A7C8F8530171C1EB6F3CB5BC709B30" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_340C302F5B7295C5386B3CB5BC700778" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_AssetBasedCreditFacilityMember_66A7C8F8530171C1EB6F3CB5BC709B30" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_ThirdAmendmentAmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ThirdAmendmentAmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember_43E9B8E91802EB72371F3CB5BC709233" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_340C302F5B7295C5386B3CB5BC700778" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ThirdAmendmentAmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember_43E9B8E91802EB72371F3CB5BC709233" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_B5E377967D9BA4B4B2A23CB5BC70D4F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_9B8BB0A140F31BC5F9913CB5BC6D4422" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_B5E377967D9BA4B4B2A23CB5BC70D4F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_88DEA5ED147D067AD0493CB5BC71D680_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_B5E377967D9BA4B4B2A23CB5BC70D4F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_88DEA5ED147D067AD0493CB5BC71D680_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_88DEA5ED147D067AD0493CB5BC71D680" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_B5E377967D9BA4B4B2A23CB5BC70D4F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_88DEA5ED147D067AD0493CB5BC71D680" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_A3A915065F863B42A8953CB5BC71BF10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_88DEA5ED147D067AD0493CB5BC71D680" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_A3A915065F863B42A8953CB5BC71BF10" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_A4AFC361A4771527E44C3CB5BC715845" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_9B8BB0A140F31BC5F9913CB5BC6D4422" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_A4AFC361A4771527E44C3CB5BC715845" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_F9D4F9369625743E0AE43CB5BC71AAA4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_A4AFC361A4771527E44C3CB5BC715845" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_F9D4F9369625743E0AE43CB5BC71AAA4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_F9D4F9369625743E0AE43CB5BC71AAA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_A4AFC361A4771527E44C3CB5BC715845" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_F9D4F9369625743E0AE43CB5BC71AAA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_C945480BF77D19A368BE3CB5BC7287A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_F9D4F9369625743E0AE43CB5BC71AAA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_C945480BF77D19A368BE3CB5BC7287A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_26E74EDBA0D88DDAB87D3CB5BC72B669" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_E0B2BDFDF836E19229663CB5BC72C03F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_26E74EDBA0D88DDAB87D3CB5BC72B669" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_DD5152B663BE86B5E2AF3CB5BC739BA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_E0B2BDFDF836E19229663CB5BC72C03F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_DD5152B663BE86B5E2AF3CB5BC739BA3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_77A631A2E9292C8BBD963CD30DF05709" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_E0B2BDFDF836E19229663CB5BC72C03F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_77A631A2E9292C8BBD963CD30DF05709" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilityBackstop" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilityBackstop_F51B9ECEB0FAB14CBD043CB5BCA6EB4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_E0B2BDFDF836E19229663CB5BC72C03F" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilityBackstop_F51B9ECEB0FAB14CBD043CB5BCA6EB4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_D987FA017DB1CEAFA4BB3CB5BC7360A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_E0B2BDFDF836E19229663CB5BC72C03F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_D987FA017DB1CEAFA4BB3CB5BC7360A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_2C86AA59ED36C6580E273CB5BC73EDF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_E0B2BDFDF836E19229663CB5BC72C03F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_2C86AA59ED36C6580E273CB5BC73EDF8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm_56D94F2DA3C5824327B93CB5BC731D88" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_E0B2BDFDF836E19229663CB5BC72C03F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm_56D94F2DA3C5824327B93CB5BC731D88" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_DebtInstrumentBorrowingBasePercentageOfSecuredEligibleAccountsReceivable" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtInstrumentBorrowingBasePercentageOfSecuredEligibleAccountsReceivable_E0DB5A2AC82E95A0EDE93CB5BC73CAE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_E0B2BDFDF836E19229663CB5BC72C03F" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtInstrumentBorrowingBasePercentageOfSecuredEligibleAccountsReceivable_E0DB5A2AC82E95A0EDE93CB5BC73CAE8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_DebtInstrumentBorrowingBaseSupplementalAvailabilityAmount" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtInstrumentBorrowingBaseSupplementalAvailabilityAmount_402E2E96CBE45D5729233CB5BC743DDA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_E0B2BDFDF836E19229663CB5BC72C03F" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtInstrumentBorrowingBaseSupplementalAvailabilityAmount_402E2E96CBE45D5729233CB5BC743DDA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity_C36E52DBCCAFBEC9535A3CB5BC746123" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_E0B2BDFDF836E19229663CB5BC72C03F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity_C36E52DBCCAFBEC9535A3CB5BC746123" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilityAccordionFeatureHigherBorrowingCapacityOption" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilityAccordionFeatureHigherBorrowingCapacityOption_0DFEEC001F1E07F72EC13CB5BC747413" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_E0B2BDFDF836E19229663CB5BC72C03F" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilityAccordionFeatureHigherBorrowingCapacityOption_0DFEEC001F1E07F72EC13CB5BC747413" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DebtAmendmentAndRestatedSeniorCreditFacilityDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_660247663A3C56A18C533C62DCD92592" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_6A094AFCC4419E83B2DA3C62DCCF1D53" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_660247663A3C56A18C533C62DCD92592" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_6A094AFCC4419E83B2DA3C62DCCF1D53" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_StatementScenarioAxis_91853EFB46601BACB2EF3C62DCD05754" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_6A094AFCC4419E83B2DA3C62DCCF1D53" xlink:to="loc_srt_StatementScenarioAxis_91853EFB46601BACB2EF3C62DCD05754" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0F81E96DD705698E48623C62DCD0A07D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_StatementScenarioAxis_91853EFB46601BACB2EF3C62DCD05754" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0F81E96DD705698E48623C62DCD0A07D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0F81E96DD705698E48623C62DCD0A07D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_StatementScenarioAxis_91853EFB46601BACB2EF3C62DCD05754" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0F81E96DD705698E48623C62DCD0A07D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioForecastMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScenarioForecastMember_DD3CDA099E8130E5440A3C62DCD174D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0F81E96DD705698E48623C62DCD0A07D" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScenarioForecastMember_DD3CDA099E8130E5440A3C62DCD174D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsAxis" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsAxis_3C413634B5369F1184433C62DCD2AF13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_6A094AFCC4419E83B2DA3C62DCCF1D53" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsAxis_3C413634B5369F1184433C62DCD2AF13" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain_79894872F7868574A3413C62DCD245F1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsAxis_3C413634B5369F1184433C62DCD2AF13" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain_79894872F7868574A3413C62DCD245F1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain_79894872F7868574A3413C62DCD245F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsAxis_3C413634B5369F1184433C62DCD2AF13" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain_79894872F7868574A3413C62DCD245F1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_CovenantTerm5Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_CovenantTerm5Member_DA371D6C5E39F1B609E43C62DCD22EA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain_79894872F7868574A3413C62DCD245F1" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_CovenantTerm5Member_DA371D6C5E39F1B609E43C62DCD22EA9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_CovenantTerm6Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_CovenantTerm6Member_1BC1B13CFB8ACD3876CE3C62DCD358C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain_79894872F7868574A3413C62DCD245F1" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_CovenantTerm6Member_1BC1B13CFB8ACD3876CE3C62DCD358C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_CovenantTerm7Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_CovenantTerm7Member_78E97033D862394798453C62DCD392E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain_79894872F7868574A3413C62DCD245F1" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_CovenantTerm7Member_78E97033D862394798453C62DCD392E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_8C1F82AFAD5DEC05BD163C62DCD3ABA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_6A094AFCC4419E83B2DA3C62DCCF1D53" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_8C1F82AFAD5DEC05BD163C62DCD3ABA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_492FC8BD53446D6727CF3C62DCD3CBA2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_8C1F82AFAD5DEC05BD163C62DCD3ABA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_492FC8BD53446D6727CF3C62DCD3CBA2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_492FC8BD53446D6727CF3C62DCD3CBA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_8C1F82AFAD5DEC05BD163C62DCD3ABA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_492FC8BD53446D6727CF3C62DCD3CBA2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_6E8E286015DB6A4358FE3C62DCD45CE9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_492FC8BD53446D6727CF3C62DCD3CBA2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_6E8E286015DB6A4358FE3C62DCD45CE9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_F270548CF2B21F52F0663C62DCD49C2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_492FC8BD53446D6727CF3C62DCD3CBA2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_F270548CF2B21F52F0663C62DCD49C2F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_B28A27EB244F3E2EBE2E3C62DCD4CA21" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_6A094AFCC4419E83B2DA3C62DCCF1D53" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_B28A27EB244F3E2EBE2E3C62DCD4CA21" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_1719814B474E538BBD453C62DCD4231D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_B28A27EB244F3E2EBE2E3C62DCD4CA21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_1719814B474E538BBD453C62DCD4231D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_1719814B474E538BBD453C62DCD4231D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_B28A27EB244F3E2EBE2E3C62DCD4CA21" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_1719814B474E538BBD453C62DCD4231D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_TermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_ACB3C5AA25E50269BF9C3C62DCD4FDDE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_1719814B474E538BBD453C62DCD4231D" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_ACB3C5AA25E50269BF9C3C62DCD4FDDE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_76304B0E256F7F383F133C62DCD50053" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_6A094AFCC4419E83B2DA3C62DCCF1D53" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_76304B0E256F7F383F133C62DCD50053" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_4AA97E6DBC97BEAB93923C62DCD5FB92_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_76304B0E256F7F383F133C62DCD50053" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_4AA97E6DBC97BEAB93923C62DCD5FB92_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_4AA97E6DBC97BEAB93923C62DCD5FB92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_76304B0E256F7F383F133C62DCD50053" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_4AA97E6DBC97BEAB93923C62DCD5FB92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_SecondAmendmentAmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SecondAmendmentAmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember_555C7400FA0A2322A9FC3C62DCD5F4CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_4AA97E6DBC97BEAB93923C62DCD5FB92" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SecondAmendmentAmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember_555C7400FA0A2322A9FC3C62DCD5F4CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_ThirdAmendmentAmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ThirdAmendmentAmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember_CFC07180344AB01F2A363C62DCD5AFFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_4AA97E6DBC97BEAB93923C62DCD5FB92" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ThirdAmendmentAmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember_CFC07180344AB01F2A363C62DCD5AFFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_FirstAmendmentAmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FirstAmendmentAmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember_28F63B96F672D310C6C83C62DCD62D16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_4AA97E6DBC97BEAB93923C62DCD5FB92" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_FirstAmendmentAmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember_28F63B96F672D310C6C83C62DCD62D16" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_AmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_AmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember_94F7B800AA3B351388CB3C62DCD6D636" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_4AA97E6DBC97BEAB93923C62DCD5FB92" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_AmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember_94F7B800AA3B351388CB3C62DCD6D636" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_CA30AE9FE9011FDD20E53C62DCD652F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_6A094AFCC4419E83B2DA3C62DCCF1D53" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_CA30AE9FE9011FDD20E53C62DCD652F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_FD545551D8C5A2D1E9C93C62DCD6DF99_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_CA30AE9FE9011FDD20E53C62DCD652F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_FD545551D8C5A2D1E9C93C62DCD6DF99_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_FD545551D8C5A2D1E9C93C62DCD6DF99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_CA30AE9FE9011FDD20E53C62DCD652F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_FD545551D8C5A2D1E9C93C62DCD6DF99" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_7C11FE31A6B97D3CCA1C3C62DCD66B71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_FD545551D8C5A2D1E9C93C62DCD6DF99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_7C11FE31A6B97D3CCA1C3C62DCD66B71" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_E4EFB7B273B387BAD5393C62DCD771F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_6A094AFCC4419E83B2DA3C62DCCF1D53" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_E4EFB7B273B387BAD5393C62DCD771F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_1D278CCA9BAF81C6B0973C62DCD7D9A7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_E4EFB7B273B387BAD5393C62DCD771F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_1D278CCA9BAF81C6B0973C62DCD7D9A7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_1D278CCA9BAF81C6B0973C62DCD7D9A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_E4EFB7B273B387BAD5393C62DCD771F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_1D278CCA9BAF81C6B0973C62DCD7D9A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_FiscalQuartersEndingDecember312018ThroughJune302019Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FiscalQuartersEndingDecember312018ThroughJune302019Member_139E31421BE61584340C3C62DCD73BA7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_1D278CCA9BAF81C6B0973C62DCD7D9A7" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_FiscalQuartersEndingDecember312018ThroughJune302019Member_139E31421BE61584340C3C62DCD73BA7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_FiscalQuarterEndingSeptember302019Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FiscalQuarterEndingSeptember302019Member_911FC197BEA6DD76AFAC3C62DCD743A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_1D278CCA9BAF81C6B0973C62DCD7D9A7" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_FiscalQuarterEndingSeptember302019Member_911FC197BEA6DD76AFAC3C62DCD743A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_FiscalQuarterEndingDecember312019Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FiscalQuarterEndingDecember312019Member_CD925F8F975404D8EC063C62DCD86D95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_1D278CCA9BAF81C6B0973C62DCD7D9A7" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_FiscalQuarterEndingDecember312019Member_CD925F8F975404D8EC063C62DCD86D95" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_FiscalQuarterEndingMarch312020Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FiscalQuarterEndingMarch312020Member_B12F29E29F67DA9D00123C62DCD831F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_1D278CCA9BAF81C6B0973C62DCD7D9A7" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_FiscalQuarterEndingMarch312020Member_B12F29E29F67DA9D00123C62DCD831F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_FiscalQuarterEndingJune302020Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FiscalQuarterEndingJune302020Member_CD3CBD4316FFEB4389533C62DCD8F1CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_1D278CCA9BAF81C6B0973C62DCD7D9A7" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_FiscalQuarterEndingJune302020Member_CD3CBD4316FFEB4389533C62DCD8F1CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_FiscalQuarterEndingSeptember302020Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FiscalQuarterEndingSeptember302020Member_C9397CD5816B7EC31BD73C62DCD8B616" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_1D278CCA9BAF81C6B0973C62DCD7D9A7" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_FiscalQuarterEndingSeptember302020Member_C9397CD5816B7EC31BD73C62DCD8B616" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_EachFiscalQuarterEndingThereafterMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_EachFiscalQuarterEndingThereafterMember_F0E04F6AF9C04276A0443C62DCD80397" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_1D278CCA9BAF81C6B0973C62DCD7D9A7" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_EachFiscalQuarterEndingThereafterMember_F0E04F6AF9C04276A0443C62DCD80397" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_6E4D23569982CC31954B3C62DCD84651" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_6A094AFCC4419E83B2DA3C62DCCF1D53" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_6E4D23569982CC31954B3C62DCD84651" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_A990E2A01803F1AEFE4D3C62DCD94300_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_6E4D23569982CC31954B3C62DCD84651" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_A990E2A01803F1AEFE4D3C62DCD94300_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_A990E2A01803F1AEFE4D3C62DCD94300" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_6E4D23569982CC31954B3C62DCD84651" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_A990E2A01803F1AEFE4D3C62DCD94300" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_3B30794DB5BEFB58F9103C62DCD95FD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_A990E2A01803F1AEFE4D3C62DCD94300" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_3B30794DB5BEFB58F9103C62DCD95FD5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_6BB12DD899368A899A003C62DCD97D9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_A990E2A01803F1AEFE4D3C62DCD94300" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_6BB12DD899368A899A003C62DCD97D9E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_61B7603781EF9AA6F5323C62DCDA4CB3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_660247663A3C56A18C533C62DCD92592" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_61B7603781EF9AA6F5323C62DCDA4CB3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_ConsolidatedNetLeverageRatio" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ConsolidatedNetLeverageRatio_7C2A2DE204B1FD471C363C62DCDA3E59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_660247663A3C56A18C533C62DCD92592" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ConsolidatedNetLeverageRatio_7C2A2DE204B1FD471C363C62DCDA3E59" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_DebtCovenantConsolidatedFixedChargeCoverageRatio" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantConsolidatedFixedChargeCoverageRatio_2EBD08202487A8D63D703C62DCDAD2A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_660247663A3C56A18C533C62DCD92592" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantConsolidatedFixedChargeCoverageRatio_2EBD08202487A8D63D703C62DCDAD2A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_DebtCovenantConsolidatedAssetCoverageRatio" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantConsolidatedAssetCoverageRatio_04E50CF50E038147CE033C62DCDAF178" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_660247663A3C56A18C533C62DCD92592" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantConsolidatedAssetCoverageRatio_04E50CF50E038147CE033C62DCDAF178" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_DebtCovenantConsolidatedNetLeverageRatioIncreaseDecreasePercentage" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantConsolidatedNetLeverageRatioIncreaseDecreasePercentage_E314E71BDC9DD431501C3C62DCDA5E20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_660247663A3C56A18C533C62DCD92592" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantConsolidatedNetLeverageRatioIncreaseDecreasePercentage_E314E71BDC9DD431501C3C62DCDA5E20" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentageIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentageIncreaseDecrease_8589828724C6A8EA989D3C62DCDAA39F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_660247663A3C56A18C533C62DCD92592" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentageIncreaseDecrease_8589828724C6A8EA989D3C62DCDAA39F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityIncreaseDecreaseForPeriodNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityIncreaseDecreaseForPeriodNet_603F458E1B592BFE26B13C62DCDBB6F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_660247663A3C56A18C533C62DCD92592" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityIncreaseDecreaseForPeriodNet_603F458E1B592BFE26B13C62DCDBB6F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_FB5570E067B97FC226B93C62DCDBC3A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_660247663A3C56A18C533C62DCD92592" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_FB5570E067B97FC226B93C62DCDBC3A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts_434884FF73176FD9F09E3C62DCDB6C3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_660247663A3C56A18C533C62DCD92592" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts_434884FF73176FD9F09E3C62DCDB6C3F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_9B2606FA3963AD1E80F03C62DCDB16F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_660247663A3C56A18C533C62DCD92592" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_9B2606FA3963AD1E80F03C62DCDB16F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_DebtInstrumentInterestRateIncreaseDecreaseinEventofDefault" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtInstrumentInterestRateIncreaseDecreaseinEventofDefault_0D4620CD9CA59E84629B3C62DCDB93BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_660247663A3C56A18C533C62DCD92592" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtInstrumentInterestRateIncreaseDecreaseinEventofDefault_0D4620CD9CA59E84629B3C62DCDB93BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage_3A77173F5185C75A97D63C62DCDC9FF4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_660247663A3C56A18C533C62DCD92592" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage_3A77173F5185C75A97D63C62DCDC9FF4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_A981F805A90F36276FF53C62DCDC587D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_660247663A3C56A18C533C62DCD92592" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_A981F805A90F36276FF53C62DCDC587D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DebtDebtMaturitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_FF8932684CA659E4BD9664F5DB0AA1E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_89E209AAB0B55EA8864C8BEE02C7BBE3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_FF8932684CA659E4BD9664F5DB0AA1E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_89E209AAB0B55EA8864C8BEE02C7BBE3" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_9EB2A8A55299595EAAA00599BB1D1136" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_89E209AAB0B55EA8864C8BEE02C7BBE3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_9EB2A8A55299595EAAA00599BB1D1136" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2BE55F13585A483475B1043CE7F24F3D_690C32A3A67C5DAD846AE24B327903C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_9EB2A8A55299595EAAA00599BB1D1136" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2BE55F13585A483475B1043CE7F24F3D_690C32A3A67C5DAD846AE24B327903C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_3FFFC949E4715654BF6B658B98D98D73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_9EB2A8A55299595EAAA00599BB1D1136" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_3FFFC949E4715654BF6B658B98D98D73" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorDebtObligationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorDebtObligationsMember_1B0146D172BF5DA7806236E450C1F426" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_3FFFC949E4715654BF6B658B98D98D73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorDebtObligationsMember_1B0146D172BF5DA7806236E450C1F426" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract_A3F75C972E9057D7A86011910B65315D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_FF8932684CA659E4BD9664F5DB0AA1E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract_A3F75C972E9057D7A86011910B65315D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalRemainderOfFiscalYear_08B26D3499D859AF98B7904F09A7B132" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract_A3F75C972E9057D7A86011910B65315D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalRemainderOfFiscalYear_08B26D3499D859AF98B7904F09A7B132" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_31C85E189A705972A42B57B7141A81DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract_A3F75C972E9057D7A86011910B65315D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_31C85E189A705972A42B57B7141A81DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree_3230578C610256E08A2D75F76754001D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract_A3F75C972E9057D7A86011910B65315D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree_3230578C610256E08A2D75F76754001D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour_D964CAFEC04356F6974D011155E2AEBE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract_A3F75C972E9057D7A86011910B65315D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour_D964CAFEC04356F6974D011155E2AEBE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive_F4CA2A53EA5A5F4088BEFAF533B6A09F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract_A3F75C972E9057D7A86011910B65315D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive_F4CA2A53EA5A5F4088BEFAF533B6A09F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive_23AD712411A35A83A097E54E383210C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract_A3F75C972E9057D7A86011910B65315D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive_23AD712411A35A83A097E54E383210C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_0798CDD8BD8E5EE89A9868487B18A9C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract_A3F75C972E9057D7A86011910B65315D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_0798CDD8BD8E5EE89A9868487B18A9C0" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DebtLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E3535812F8DE5E6DB276B75F4E4F6062" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_4AF1AA6126E75BEE900D46BB8795621E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E3535812F8DE5E6DB276B75F4E4F6062" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_4AF1AA6126E75BEE900D46BB8795621E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_3DED1C8797E957DAB16E9D5BB741C3AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_4AF1AA6126E75BEE900D46BB8795621E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_3DED1C8797E957DAB16E9D5BB741C3AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_194CEC37C1DC6D3E64CA043CE8D7F3D2_690C32A3A67C5DAD846AE24B327903C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_3DED1C8797E957DAB16E9D5BB741C3AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_194CEC37C1DC6D3E64CA043CE8D7F3D2_690C32A3A67C5DAD846AE24B327903C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_6B11D09E54755A87925888F7683520C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_3DED1C8797E957DAB16E9D5BB741C3AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_6B11D09E54755A87925888F7683520C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorDebtObligationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorDebtObligationsMember_67B8CADDDFD6502DB71C7A651F037560" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_6B11D09E54755A87925888F7683520C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorDebtObligationsMember_67B8CADDDFD6502DB71C7A651F037560" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_BD939B46748856479CD9ED134CF337C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_4AF1AA6126E75BEE900D46BB8795621E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_BD939B46748856479CD9ED134CF337C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_253EFEA0E2EB948ADEA5043CE8D88AF7_690C32A3A67C5DAD846AE24B327903C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_BD939B46748856479CD9ED134CF337C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_253EFEA0E2EB948ADEA5043CE8D88AF7_690C32A3A67C5DAD846AE24B327903C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_A9C6EB5E48F251328109FF1F5C6AE8DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_BD939B46748856479CD9ED134CF337C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_A9C6EB5E48F251328109FF1F5C6AE8DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_TermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_64A5CC29E1B258D6B720CE56FE3FECC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_A9C6EB5E48F251328109FF1F5C6AE8DF" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_64A5CC29E1B258D6B720CE56FE3FECC6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_E20AD5BEEFCF53648F173E4B65E8FB21" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E3535812F8DE5E6DB276B75F4E4F6062" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_E20AD5BEEFCF53648F173E4B65E8FB21" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_ED45C21446AA5CA3849B3A00C911272A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E3535812F8DE5E6DB276B75F4E4F6062" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_ED45C21446AA5CA3849B3A00C911272A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_7DF3719D89515558A5A3C13E29946DA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E3535812F8DE5E6DB276B75F4E4F6062" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_7DF3719D89515558A5A3C13E29946DA2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_23129EDDE58D595F9D80539C1A608B81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E3535812F8DE5E6DB276B75F4E4F6062" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_23129EDDE58D595F9D80539C1A608B81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_CA6B4E29A21850AA8031833239E1130C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_E3535812F8DE5E6DB276B75F4E4F6062" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_CA6B4E29A21850AA8031833239E1130C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DebtTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/Derivative" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DerivativeAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_49FA23C6F9CCDBA05DF40F998D86FD94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_FC7E4600D90D666AF3760F998D83D259" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_49FA23C6F9CCDBA05DF40F998D86FD94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_FC7E4600D90D666AF3760F998D83D259" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_6C4D5DC7A8E35A25D92F0F998D837D00" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_FC7E4600D90D666AF3760F998D83D259" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_6C4D5DC7A8E35A25D92F0F998D837D00" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0EFDB7B9C988556CAA6A0F998D848112_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_6C4D5DC7A8E35A25D92F0F998D837D00" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0EFDB7B9C988556CAA6A0F998D848112_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0EFDB7B9C988556CAA6A0F998D848112" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_6C4D5DC7A8E35A25D92F0F998D837D00" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0EFDB7B9C988556CAA6A0F998D848112" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_TermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_ECF1AC45EF7BD5BBD20F0F998D845366" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0EFDB7B9C988556CAA6A0F998D848112" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_ECF1AC45EF7BD5BBD20F0F998D845366" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_5D03C298F647CA9C558D0F998D84ADB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_FC7E4600D90D666AF3760F998D83D259" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_5D03C298F647CA9C558D0F998D84ADB0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_42AA97877E6C020FAF4B0F998D84BE9F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_5D03C298F647CA9C558D0F998D84ADB0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_42AA97877E6C020FAF4B0F998D84BE9F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_42AA97877E6C020FAF4B0F998D84BE9F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_5D03C298F647CA9C558D0F998D84ADB0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_42AA97877E6C020FAF4B0F998D84BE9F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorDebtObligationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorDebtObligationsMember_79B6B9E9F1FC414CC75D0F998D8592BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_42AA97877E6C020FAF4B0F998D84BE9F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorDebtObligationsMember_79B6B9E9F1FC414CC75D0F998D8592BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_2C6F199CD7FA8FD19BF90F998D85E6F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_FC7E4600D90D666AF3760F998D83D259" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_2C6F199CD7FA8FD19BF90F998D85E6F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_8188B8AC905516852E5E0F998D85EE1F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_2C6F199CD7FA8FD19BF90F998D85E6F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_8188B8AC905516852E5E0F998D85EE1F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_8188B8AC905516852E5E0F998D85EE1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_2C6F199CD7FA8FD19BF90F998D85E6F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_8188B8AC905516852E5E0F998D85EE1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_ABEC92FBE5114F77BE240F998D856747" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_8188B8AC905516852E5E0F998D85EE1F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_ABEC92FBE5114F77BE240F998D856747" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_D9912A8B34F141A24C640F998D865A16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_FC7E4600D90D666AF3760F998D83D259" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_D9912A8B34F141A24C640F998D865A16" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_A41A945D614ACEE7BDCD0F998D8692A7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_D9912A8B34F141A24C640F998D865A16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_A41A945D614ACEE7BDCD0F998D8692A7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_A41A945D614ACEE7BDCD0F998D8692A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_D9912A8B34F141A24C640F998D865A16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_A41A945D614ACEE7BDCD0F998D8692A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember_81BDE01DCF5809DC47C70F998D86723D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_A41A945D614ACEE7BDCD0F998D8692A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember_81BDE01DCF5809DC47C70F998D86723D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate_A4E70355247414E7B38C0F998D86FD64" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_49FA23C6F9CCDBA05DF40F998D86FD94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate_A4E70355247414E7B38C0F998D86FD64" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate_34E83D9269D6876F7AD60F998D87E1C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_49FA23C6F9CCDBA05DF40F998D86FD94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate_34E83D9269D6876F7AD60F998D87E1C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_E5B4CE0787D53757BA710F998D87E909" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_49FA23C6F9CCDBA05DF40F998D86FD94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_E5B4CE0787D53757BA710F998D87E909" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_PaymentForDerivativeTermination" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PaymentForDerivativeTermination_7185FA4B56086AF9CD160FF5506CE63C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_49FA23C6F9CCDBA05DF40F998D86FD94" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PaymentForDerivativeTermination_7185FA4B56086AF9CD160FF5506CE63C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_B2F4C383162C3088EBDF0FF1D6DEAE76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_49FA23C6F9CCDBA05DF40F998D86FD94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_B2F4C383162C3088EBDF0FF1D6DEAE76" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EarningsPerShareAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EarningsPerShareComponentsOfNumeratorAndDenominatorForComputationOfBasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsEstimatedFairValuesAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_73E077DF0EAF507F8EE910C1910E37B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_C2B4C3FD0330514289872865C6406A11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_73E077DF0EAF507F8EE910C1910E37B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_C2B4C3FD0330514289872865C6406A11" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_B8EBC9D95B615DC59FB8E8E260EC151C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_C2B4C3FD0330514289872865C6406A11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_B8EBC9D95B615DC59FB8E8E260EC151C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_CF2CA2FE47031321B47B4E7804060100_690C32A3A67C5DAD846AE24B327903C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_B8EBC9D95B615DC59FB8E8E260EC151C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_CF2CA2FE47031321B47B4E7804060100_690C32A3A67C5DAD846AE24B327903C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_BFA7522736355595A53B3D260B63FF17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_B8EBC9D95B615DC59FB8E8E260EC151C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_BFA7522736355595A53B3D260B63FF17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsMember_FDBF8BB54F4E52488BDF1AAB781A94FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_BFA7522736355595A53B3D260B63FF17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsMember_FDBF8BB54F4E52488BDF1AAB781A94FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_C1C214FD119A5E76AE348EDCAB6E283C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_C2B4C3FD0330514289872865C6406A11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_C1C214FD119A5E76AE348EDCAB6E283C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_02E5FE0F868561AC18BC4E7804076E7D_690C32A3A67C5DAD846AE24B327903C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_C1C214FD119A5E76AE348EDCAB6E283C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_02E5FE0F868561AC18BC4E7804076E7D_690C32A3A67C5DAD846AE24B327903C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_3EBC808C5DDE51CFA76F219C2FD4EBCF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_C1C214FD119A5E76AE348EDCAB6E283C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_3EBC808C5DDE51CFA76F219C2FD4EBCF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_DeferredCompensationMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DeferredCompensationMember_3113A6AB6B0F55ADB1C405142EF6A9AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_3EBC808C5DDE51CFA76F219C2FD4EBCF" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DeferredCompensationMember_3113A6AB6B0F55ADB1C405142EF6A9AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_8B92B3166CC25E27AC77608E8F2889EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_C2B4C3FD0330514289872865C6406A11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_8B92B3166CC25E27AC77608E8F2889EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_23417490526A596DF8C24E780408DE2A_690C32A3A67C5DAD846AE24B327903C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_8B92B3166CC25E27AC77608E8F2889EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_23417490526A596DF8C24E780408DE2A_690C32A3A67C5DAD846AE24B327903C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_4331D56679D15B838EC102F5A7C1C73F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_8B92B3166CC25E27AC77608E8F2889EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_4331D56679D15B838EC102F5A7C1C73F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_31AE9C9DBA175577B265F22D9FCF6BFC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_4331D56679D15B838EC102F5A7C1C73F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_31AE9C9DBA175577B265F22D9FCF6BFC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_2EEAF5F3460F5A55BE5C20F72CC5D7FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_C2B4C3FD0330514289872865C6406A11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_2EEAF5F3460F5A55BE5C20F72CC5D7FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_BB3AC708080067642CE94E780409E072_690C32A3A67C5DAD846AE24B327903C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_2EEAF5F3460F5A55BE5C20F72CC5D7FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_BB3AC708080067642CE94E780409E072_690C32A3A67C5DAD846AE24B327903C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_BD85E9D824565E7E88AEBBBC98A4F40F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_2EEAF5F3460F5A55BE5C20F72CC5D7FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_BD85E9D824565E7E88AEBBBC98A4F40F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_8CFE0B65F59E5A82B5467EBFDDC4F089" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_BD85E9D824565E7E88AEBBBC98A4F40F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_8CFE0B65F59E5A82B5467EBFDDC4F089" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_10FC9E71313C58B388DEEDD0D0006183" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_BD85E9D824565E7E88AEBBBC98A4F40F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_10FC9E71313C58B388DEEDD0D0006183" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_DBD2266A82875B8A886A40FF258726C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_BD85E9D824565E7E88AEBBBC98A4F40F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_DBD2266A82875B8A886A40FF258726C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_30D79F14B4635C60A40F31639436FB7E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_73E077DF0EAF507F8EE910C1910E37B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_30D79F14B4635C60A40F31639436FB7E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisObligations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisObligations_2F336EABD6095FF18508C43DA9D2C24F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_73E077DF0EAF507F8EE910C1910E37B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisObligations_2F336EABD6095FF18508C43DA9D2C24F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_158BF7D4BA235847AE5EEED9A0680E26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_73E077DF0EAF507F8EE910C1910E37B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_158BF7D4BA235847AE5EEED9A0680E26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability_05E7FBCF45BC5D68B2FB90AD31FDC7F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_73E077DF0EAF507F8EE910C1910E37B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability_05E7FBCF45BC5D68B2FB90AD31FDC7F8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFinancialInstrumentThatWereNotMeasuredAtFairValueDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems_BDAC48DC38C5561A8DCC86D3149E789C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable_AB967ACF070958A484E5CBAB090B029C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems_BDAC48DC38C5561A8DCC86D3149E789C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable_AB967ACF070958A484E5CBAB090B029C" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_1994A103D2A655E2B2019EBD3749626D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable_AB967ACF070958A484E5CBAB090B029C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_1994A103D2A655E2B2019EBD3749626D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_FBA66DD3791B415075B31690B9541330_690C32A3A67C5DAD846AE24B327903C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_1994A103D2A655E2B2019EBD3749626D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_FBA66DD3791B415075B31690B9541330_690C32A3A67C5DAD846AE24B327903C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_6D9FFBDA889655C4B41B655C7F5A1B10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_1994A103D2A655E2B2019EBD3749626D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_6D9FFBDA889655C4B41B655C7F5A1B10" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_TermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_65A725F9B926580F9204C016E9045B9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_6D9FFBDA889655C4B41B655C7F5A1B10" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_65A725F9B926580F9204C016E9045B9B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_09C12C4EA606544AA7E9F33C26DFB989" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable_AB967ACF070958A484E5CBAB090B029C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_09C12C4EA606544AA7E9F33C26DFB989" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_6C9A02EB7DFEE16551561690B955566D_690C32A3A67C5DAD846AE24B327903C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_09C12C4EA606544AA7E9F33C26DFB989" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_6C9A02EB7DFEE16551561690B955566D_690C32A3A67C5DAD846AE24B327903C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_7D6A6063D09F5C4C8D9C67B674EBDB50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_09C12C4EA606544AA7E9F33C26DFB989" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_7D6A6063D09F5C4C8D9C67B674EBDB50" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_4633018C74D35FB38B341F2E36334C9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_7D6A6063D09F5C4C8D9C67B674EBDB50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_4633018C74D35FB38B341F2E36334C9E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_AA0D2A78392F56C4A776AD38D6FEC291" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_7D6A6063D09F5C4C8D9C67B674EBDB50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_AA0D2A78392F56C4A776AD38D6FEC291" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_A17FF29732935590B513EA9A39695542" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_7D6A6063D09F5C4C8D9C67B674EBDB50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_A17FF29732935590B513EA9A39695542" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_38858ECA909C59E38CDF7FC9FAAC02B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable_AB967ACF070958A484E5CBAB090B029C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_38858ECA909C59E38CDF7FC9FAAC02B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_D8F0B77C398B6D9EFD171690B9560CBC_690C32A3A67C5DAD846AE24B327903C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_38858ECA909C59E38CDF7FC9FAAC02B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_D8F0B77C398B6D9EFD171690B9560CBC_690C32A3A67C5DAD846AE24B327903C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_62927E0304FF5DE085507DA230EE1FDE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_38858ECA909C59E38CDF7FC9FAAC02B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_62927E0304FF5DE085507DA230EE1FDE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_15D06E0C91585F5888443736731EBD98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_62927E0304FF5DE085507DA230EE1FDE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_15D06E0C91585F5888443736731EBD98" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_6AA5384B48E65A1EA799558608CC914E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems_BDAC48DC38C5561A8DCC86D3149E789C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_6AA5384B48E65A1EA799558608CC914E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue_B74875B0847956AD89DFE86F65D8BFC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems_BDAC48DC38C5561A8DCC86D3149E789C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue_B74875B0847956AD89DFE86F65D8BFC6" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_FairValueMeasurementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FairValueMeasurementLineItems_155F40AE2C12290D7D430F998D4217EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_FairValueMeasurementTable" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FairValueMeasurementTable_AC8A2A50C3ACBEAE3FFE0F998D418948" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FairValueMeasurementLineItems_155F40AE2C12290D7D430F998D4217EF" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_FairValueMeasurementTable_AC8A2A50C3ACBEAE3FFE0F998D418948" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_90A4E22AF6B089B0C2C20FE74B7FCC98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FairValueMeasurementTable_AC8A2A50C3ACBEAE3FFE0F998D418948" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_90A4E22AF6B089B0C2C20FE74B7FCC98" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_5C96C9D83FDC9714641D0FE74B85B196_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_90A4E22AF6B089B0C2C20FE74B7FCC98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_5C96C9D83FDC9714641D0FE74B85B196_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_5C96C9D83FDC9714641D0FE74B85B196" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_90A4E22AF6B089B0C2C20FE74B7FCC98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_5C96C9D83FDC9714641D0FE74B85B196" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_LeaseholdImprovementsPropertyAndEquipmentMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LeaseholdImprovementsPropertyAndEquipmentMember_385B9E4987B4678600990FEC67EB2493" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_5C96C9D83FDC9714641D0FE74B85B196" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LeaseholdImprovementsPropertyAndEquipmentMember_385B9E4987B4678600990FEC67EB2493" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_62278D2CDCF3F5BBEACC0FE16639D507" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FairValueMeasurementTable_AC8A2A50C3ACBEAE3FFE0F998D418948" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_62278D2CDCF3F5BBEACC0FE16639D507" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2AC85429BE3EC939F2F70FE1663B9176_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_62278D2CDCF3F5BBEACC0FE16639D507" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2AC85429BE3EC939F2F70FE1663B9176_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2AC85429BE3EC939F2F70FE1663B9176" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_62278D2CDCF3F5BBEACC0FE16639D507" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2AC85429BE3EC939F2F70FE1663B9176" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_56883DF7F473795F72E10FE1665F557C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2AC85429BE3EC939F2F70FE1663B9176" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_56883DF7F473795F72E10FE1665F557C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_5786535FB01152B7DA8C0F998D41E92B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FairValueMeasurementTable_AC8A2A50C3ACBEAE3FFE0F998D418948" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_5786535FB01152B7DA8C0F998D41E92B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_FB998B88E70A223629A30F998D42F3E6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_5786535FB01152B7DA8C0F998D41E92B" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_FB998B88E70A223629A30F998D42F3E6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_FB998B88E70A223629A30F998D42F3E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_5786535FB01152B7DA8C0F998D41E92B" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_FB998B88E70A223629A30F998D42F3E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_EC1FEFD455AF93B7E6620F998D423362" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_FB998B88E70A223629A30F998D42F3E6" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_EC1FEFD455AF93B7E6620F998D423362" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_58E2BA7C42F7609C0AE60F998D42E981" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_FB998B88E70A223629A30F998D42F3E6" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_58E2BA7C42F7609C0AE60F998D42E981" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill_66142ACB4251E23BB4010FE165BDDB8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FairValueMeasurementLineItems_155F40AE2C12290D7D430F998D4217EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill_66142ACB4251E23BB4010FE165BDDB8B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseImpairmentLoss_F85BE2702E2D8A034FDA0FEACD734854" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FairValueMeasurementLineItems_155F40AE2C12290D7D430F998D4217EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseImpairmentLoss_F85BE2702E2D8A034FDA0FEACD734854" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TangibleAssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TangibleAssetImpairmentCharges_647097E5B2E651227C3C0FEB3C024415" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FairValueMeasurementLineItems_155F40AE2C12290D7D430F998D4217EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TangibleAssetImpairmentCharges_647097E5B2E651227C3C0FEB3C024415" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_9BCD2B363B779587AAEA0FE1661D6552" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FairValueMeasurementLineItems_155F40AE2C12290D7D430F998D4217EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_9BCD2B363B779587AAEA0FE1661D6552" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_ThresholdPeriodPastDueforPaymentofServicesProvided" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ThresholdPeriodPastDueforPaymentofServicesProvided_51F1A94252468356060C0F998D42ED90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FairValueMeasurementLineItems_155F40AE2C12290D7D430F998D4217EF" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ThresholdPeriodPastDueforPaymentofServicesProvided_51F1A94252468356060C0F998D42ED90" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsScheduleOfReconciliationOfOpeningAndClosingBalancesForFairValueMeasurementsCategorizedWithinLevel3Details" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_72798C2B9ABE017EE46E0F998D4F88FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_158EDF02343A28E696DC0F998D4EACC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_72798C2B9ABE017EE46E0F998D4F88FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_158EDF02343A28E696DC0F998D4EACC3" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_C8D1F38359E12189DAE00F998D4E0E1C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_158EDF02343A28E696DC0F998D4EACC3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_C8D1F38359E12189DAE00F998D4E0E1C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_7A2D8A28FAC8593B255E0F998D4FDB17_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_C8D1F38359E12189DAE00F998D4E0E1C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_7A2D8A28FAC8593B255E0F998D4FDB17_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_7A2D8A28FAC8593B255E0F998D4FDB17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_C8D1F38359E12189DAE00F998D4E0E1C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_7A2D8A28FAC8593B255E0F998D4FDB17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_ContingentConsiderationLiabilityMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ContingentConsiderationLiabilityMember_52ECAE3A011192315BBF0F998D4F6870" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_7A2D8A28FAC8593B255E0F998D4FDB17" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ContingentConsiderationLiabilityMember_52ECAE3A011192315BBF0F998D4F6870" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_B56FB4B312D39BA556460F998D4FA400" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_72798C2B9ABE017EE46E0F998D4F88FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_B56FB4B312D39BA556460F998D4FA400" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue_ADA1AD503CBCF857C0A80F998D50CEA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_B56FB4B312D39BA556460F998D4FA400" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue_ADA1AD503CBCF857C0A80F998D50CEA2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements_F04C0663D7EA5653D4E10F998D504D0D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_B56FB4B312D39BA556460F998D4FA400" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements_F04C0663D7EA5653D4E10F998D504D0D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPeriodIncreaseDecrease_D51AE56DAA0E02A01A590FDDAB1CD9C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_B56FB4B312D39BA556460F998D4FA400" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPeriodIncreaseDecrease_D51AE56DAA0E02A01A590FDDAB1CD9C8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssets" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsAcquiredIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_E11817B36C68EA8F103EF0E15C15AB6B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_02A19C698ED3B1B3FB38F0E15C142CA1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_E11817B36C68EA8F103EF0E15C15AB6B" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_02A19C698ED3B1B3FB38F0E15C142CA1" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_3EF207B8E2E12F4D29E0F0E15C14209B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_02A19C698ED3B1B3FB38F0E15C142CA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_3EF207B8E2E12F4D29E0F0E15C14209B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_EE2093C469EA233214AAF0E15C146F33_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_3EF207B8E2E12F4D29E0F0E15C14209B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_EE2093C469EA233214AAF0E15C146F33_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_EE2093C469EA233214AAF0E15C146F33" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_3EF207B8E2E12F4D29E0F0E15C14209B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_EE2093C469EA233214AAF0E15C146F33" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DatabasesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DatabasesMember_4D1E185F1091416B1BFAF0E15C15AC12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_EE2093C469EA233214AAF0E15C146F33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DatabasesMember_4D1E185F1091416B1BFAF0E15C15AC12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_160F9427040023CE76D5F0E15C1565D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_EE2093C469EA233214AAF0E15C146F33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_160F9427040023CE76D5F0E15C1565D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember_9ADE252DEE04360EB49BF0E15C1513FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_EE2093C469EA233214AAF0E15C146F33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember_9ADE252DEE04360EB49BF0E15C1513FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_584E6CEA9CA6D2D829C3F0E15C151B50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_EE2093C469EA233214AAF0E15C146F33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_584E6CEA9CA6D2D829C3F0E15C151B50" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_14C83B829D490A705C53F0E15C169301" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_E11817B36C68EA8F103EF0E15C15AB6B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_14C83B829D490A705C53F0E15C169301" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_AF809262F7DD2D0F37B4F0E15C16A63D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_E11817B36C68EA8F103EF0E15C15AB6B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_AF809262F7DD2D0F37B4F0E15C16A63D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_8A6B3515E4010A220D2CF0E15C163467" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_E11817B36C68EA8F103EF0E15C15AB6B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_8A6B3515E4010A220D2CF0E15C163467" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedTradeNames" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedTradeNames_CD3742C6F8F23C28C500F0E15C16138D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_E11817B36C68EA8F103EF0E15C15AB6B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedTradeNames_CD3742C6F8F23C28C500F0E15C16138D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsAnnualAmortizationExpenseDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsGoodwillDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_0F287FFD375BB716E1FB374E21B5E7D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_269C8248E5FC23BE0077374E21B2DC79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_0F287FFD375BB716E1FB374E21B5E7D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_269C8248E5FC23BE0077374E21B2DC79" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_50AEEA3075B9E33A7896374E21B34E5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_269C8248E5FC23BE0077374E21B2DC79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_50AEEA3075B9E33A7896374E21B34E5D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_DFEB2F98A0AD545CE80A374E21B3C3BF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_50AEEA3075B9E33A7896374E21B34E5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_DFEB2F98A0AD545CE80A374E21B3C3BF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_DFEB2F98A0AD545CE80A374E21B3C3BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_50AEEA3075B9E33A7896374E21B34E5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_DFEB2F98A0AD545CE80A374E21B3C3BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_72A94E3657B2837270E1374E21B4200A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_DFEB2F98A0AD545CE80A374E21B3C3BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_72A94E3657B2837270E1374E21B4200A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_09A74FC35CC23E6504A0374E21B4DC31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_269C8248E5FC23BE0077374E21B2DC79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_09A74FC35CC23E6504A0374E21B4DC31" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B086786CD9B2CC1EB512374E21B4548F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_09A74FC35CC23E6504A0374E21B4DC31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B086786CD9B2CC1EB512374E21B4548F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B086786CD9B2CC1EB512374E21B4548F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_09A74FC35CC23E6504A0374E21B4DC31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B086786CD9B2CC1EB512374E21B4548F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_5E2055C5D67A67690247374E21B49220" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B086786CD9B2CC1EB512374E21B4548F" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_5E2055C5D67A67690247374E21B49220" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember_8315B2F88532A9A4AB4F374E21B5DBE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B086786CD9B2CC1EB512374E21B4548F" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember_8315B2F88532A9A4AB4F374E21B5DBE8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_SearchServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SearchServicesMember_E770DF5388E0772D2D06374E21B5D024" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B086786CD9B2CC1EB512374E21B4548F" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SearchServicesMember_E770DF5388E0772D2D06374E21B5D024" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill_BBF61298E9805C05A210374E21B5A8BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_0F287FFD375BB716E1FB374E21B5E7D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill_BBF61298E9805C05A210374E21B5A8BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_4884AACE91251F6061AF374E21B59A64" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_0F287FFD375BB716E1FB374E21B5E7D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_4884AACE91251F6061AF374E21B59A64" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillPeriodIncreaseDecrease_C54B2DDCE421CB95F14E374E21B6406C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_0F287FFD375BB716E1FB374E21B5E7D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillPeriodIncreaseDecrease_C54B2DDCE421CB95F14E374E21B6406C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_091DE19DE9BEF43795C9374E21F6EC62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_0F287FFD375BB716E1FB374E21B5E7D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_091DE19DE9BEF43795C9374E21F6EC62" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceLineItems_09D500F7D3FF8A69E22E0F998D0A768C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceTable_582E61A55DB6ADEE3B930F998D09EE8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceLineItems_09D500F7D3FF8A69E22E0F998D0A768C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceTable_582E61A55DB6ADEE3B930F998D09EE8B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_F8B4D0A2383D2A4829150F998D09B541" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceTable_582E61A55DB6ADEE3B930F998D09EE8B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_F8B4D0A2383D2A4829150F998D09B541" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_AC1E6AC1F3744F8717A70F998D0AADCA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_F8B4D0A2383D2A4829150F998D09B541" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_AC1E6AC1F3744F8717A70F998D0AADCA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_AC1E6AC1F3744F8717A70F998D0AADCA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_F8B4D0A2383D2A4829150F998D09B541" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_AC1E6AC1F3744F8717A70F998D0AADCA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember_E455DB1E483A6D80DB9F0F998D0A57CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_AC1E6AC1F3744F8717A70F998D0AADCA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember_E455DB1E483A6D80DB9F0F998D0A57CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember_03A5465C2D8160B4862B0F998D0A2BD3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_AC1E6AC1F3744F8717A70F998D0AADCA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember_03A5465C2D8160B4862B0F998D0A2BD3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations_C38410822D5423D086930F998D0B6859" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceLineItems_09D500F7D3FF8A69E22E0F998D0A768C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations_C38410822D5423D086930F998D0B6859" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsExcludingDiscreteItems" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsExcludingDiscreteItems_3936A40C73DD65895EDD0F998D0BF1C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceLineItems_09D500F7D3FF8A69E22E0F998D0A768C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperationsExcludingDiscreteItems_3936A40C73DD65895EDD0F998D0BF1C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_26CDAE2E969A20AE8CC10F998D0BB15C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceLineItems_09D500F7D3FF8A69E22E0F998D0A768C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_26CDAE2E969A20AE8CC10F998D0BB15C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_8878B59AD701DDD604830F998D0BB85A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceLineItems_09D500F7D3FF8A69E22E0F998D0A768C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_8878B59AD701DDD604830F998D0BB85A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOtherComprehensiveLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOtherComprehensiveLoss_BD61E6B1DB70758D58E20F998D0B7DBB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceLineItems_09D500F7D3FF8A69E22E0F998D0A768C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOtherComprehensiveLoss_BD61E6B1DB70758D58E20F998D0B7DBB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits_0E9F70C2855DCB6D159B0F998D0C662A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceLineItems_09D500F7D3FF8A69E22E0F998D0A768C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits_0E9F70C2855DCB6D159B0F998D0C662A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate_0BEE78A789ED3DF07C560F998D0C0925" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceLineItems_09D500F7D3FF8A69E22E0F998D0A768C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate_0BEE78A789ED3DF07C560F998D0C0925" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsReductionsResultingFromLapseOfApplicableStatuteOfLimitations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsReductionsResultingFromLapseOfApplicableStatuteOfLimitations_DEC28FB15DC72EC07DEB0F998D0C47FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceLineItems_09D500F7D3FF8A69E22E0F998D0A768C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsReductionsResultingFromLapseOfApplicableStatuteOfLimitations_DEC28FB15DC72EC07DEB0F998D0C47FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromCurrentPeriodTaxPositions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromCurrentPeriodTaxPositions_1E08FB8E786C76798B620F998D0CB628" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceLineItems_09D500F7D3FF8A69E22E0F998D0A768C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromCurrentPeriodTaxPositions_1E08FB8E786C76798B620F998D0CB628" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/Leases" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/LeasesBalanceSheetInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/LeasesFutureMinimumLeasePaymentsUnderTopic840Details" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/LeasesOtherInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/LeasesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/LeasesUndiscountedCashFlowsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/OrganizationAndBasisOfPresentation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RecentAccountingPronouncements" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_CA9A250BCFDEB1566923392688F50276" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_E9CF1F7EAE8467ABF92E392688F433D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_CA9A250BCFDEB1566923392688F50276" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_E9CF1F7EAE8467ABF92E392688F433D7" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_B564DCB95BEFDC9A2D1B392688F4F297" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_E9CF1F7EAE8467ABF92E392688F433D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_B564DCB95BEFDC9A2D1B392688F4F297" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_BBEF903FEBDABE3FB90B392688F5AE16_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_B564DCB95BEFDC9A2D1B392688F4F297" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_BBEF903FEBDABE3FB90B392688F5AE16_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_BBEF903FEBDABE3FB90B392688F5AE16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_B564DCB95BEFDC9A2D1B392688F4F297" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_BBEF903FEBDABE3FB90B392688F5AE16" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_BoardOfDirectorsChairmanMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_BoardOfDirectorsChairmanMember_2F330EB5A312DD9C0940392688F58E5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_BBEF903FEBDABE3FB90B392688F5AE16" xlink:to="loc_srt_BoardOfDirectorsChairmanMember_2F330EB5A312DD9C0940392688F58E5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateJointVentureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateJointVentureMember_99C87C13C8B8581DAB2E392688F5F6B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_BBEF903FEBDABE3FB90B392688F5AE16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateJointVentureMember_99C87C13C8B8581DAB2E392688F5F6B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_AffiliatedEntityMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_AffiliatedEntityMember_C07958C80F1AAE1233B8392688F5C5FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_BBEF903FEBDABE3FB90B392688F5AE16" xlink:to="loc_srt_AffiliatedEntityMember_C07958C80F1AAE1233B8392688F5C5FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties_2556E1D9EE085909AC82392688F62031" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_CA9A250BCFDEB1566923392688F50276" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties_2556E1D9EE085909AC82392688F62031" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedParties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedParties_568D25BA32EF48BC3705392688F6C18E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_CA9A250BCFDEB1566923392688F50276" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedParties_568D25BA32EF48BC3705392688F6C18E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_JointVenturePercentOwnership" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_JointVenturePercentOwnership_B7D19C234B4F7FCA5B99392688F605AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_CA9A250BCFDEB1566923392688F50276" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_JointVenturePercentOwnership_B7D19C234B4F7FCA5B99392688F605AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueFromJointVenturesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueFromJointVenturesCurrent_24C51C7882BB7F944A06392688F6E7BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_CA9A250BCFDEB1566923392688F50276" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueFromJointVenturesCurrent_24C51C7882BB7F944A06392688F6E7BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrent_310A72220E9C58B3A243392688F67ED2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_CA9A250BCFDEB1566923392688F50276" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrent_310A72220E9C58B3A243392688F67ED2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRent_0060D776CA7DB753B7B7392688F783C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_CA9A250BCFDEB1566923392688F50276" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRent_0060D776CA7DB753B7B7392688F783C5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RevenueRecognition" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RevenueRecognitionAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RevenueRecognitionDisaggregationOfRevenueDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_8C1C46795E9B5E7090F08397AB900521" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_3886A6E0E27A52D186B7A73EF9ED3408" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_8C1C46795E9B5E7090F08397AB900521" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_3886A6E0E27A52D186B7A73EF9ED3408" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_D34D5E39D3DF5C88A82AABBFC0AC42DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_3886A6E0E27A52D186B7A73EF9ED3408" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_D34D5E39D3DF5C88A82AABBFC0AC42DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2E67A29CE4BA009DBC062EFB8823515B_690C32A3A67C5DAD846AE24B327903C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_D34D5E39D3DF5C88A82AABBFC0AC42DD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2E67A29CE4BA009DBC062EFB8823515B_690C32A3A67C5DAD846AE24B327903C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_07EA2EB89E685EACB8268F3A057B6E8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_D34D5E39D3DF5C88A82AABBFC0AC42DD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_07EA2EB89E685EACB8268F3A057B6E8E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_504BA30D22985712BE139D5902A02B08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_07EA2EB89E685EACB8268F3A057B6E8E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_504BA30D22985712BE139D5902A02B08" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember_7DE11B33FCA2591AB9E702F27387398C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_07EA2EB89E685EACB8268F3A057B6E8E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember_7DE11B33FCA2591AB9E702F27387398C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_SearchServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SearchServicesMember_5B9CE5ABA2465810AD9C4419E4BB7A86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_07EA2EB89E685EACB8268F3A057B6E8E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SearchServicesMember_5B9CE5ABA2465810AD9C4419E4BB7A86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_25E16E5BE91851CB877075CBE57572D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_3886A6E0E27A52D186B7A73EF9ED3408" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_25E16E5BE91851CB877075CBE57572D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_9D33C0CE2A7A69C8875E2EFB8825B3E2_690C32A3A67C5DAD846AE24B327903C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_25E16E5BE91851CB877075CBE57572D1" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_9D33C0CE2A7A69C8875E2EFB8825B3E2_690C32A3A67C5DAD846AE24B327903C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_B5F38356CCE45E78B2529D15F3D9750A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_25E16E5BE91851CB877075CBE57572D1" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_B5F38356CCE45E78B2529D15F3D9750A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_TemporaryStaffingServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TemporaryStaffingServicesMember_96F06D06A26B5209B0C953D07E98ACAF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_B5F38356CCE45E78B2529D15F3D9750A" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TemporaryStaffingServicesMember_96F06D06A26B5209B0C953D07E98ACAF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_OtherServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_OtherServicesMember_174D4C306B1F58DE9B2B22D6387E261F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_B5F38356CCE45E78B2529D15F3D9750A" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_OtherServicesMember_174D4C306B1F58DE9B2B22D6387E261F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_E535D5B2535C5F6D8593CB12D23A69C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_8C1C46795E9B5E7090F08397AB900521" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_E535D5B2535C5F6D8593CB12D23A69C3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RevenueRecognitionTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SegmentData" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SegmentDataInformationOnOperatingSegmentsAndReconciliationToLossFromOperationsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_87CD12E701E80A4B27680F998D1B1571" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReconciliationOfOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable_B2F3288BD9CBE1BFB4FA0F998D198CA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_87CD12E701E80A4B27680F998D1B1571" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable_B2F3288BD9CBE1BFB4FA0F998D198CA2" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_019D7BF32F0F8FE783CB0F998D1A54E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable_B2F3288BD9CBE1BFB4FA0F998D198CA2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_019D7BF32F0F8FE783CB0F998D1A54E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_A5BC5E0E54A557ECF47C0F998D1AEF2E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_019D7BF32F0F8FE783CB0F998D1A54E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_A5BC5E0E54A557ECF47C0F998D1AEF2E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_A5BC5E0E54A557ECF47C0F998D1AEF2E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_019D7BF32F0F8FE783CB0F998D1A54E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_A5BC5E0E54A557ECF47C0F998D1AEF2E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_458BC80A09AF7CAC5EE20F998D1A361C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_A5BC5E0E54A557ECF47C0F998D1AEF2E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_458BC80A09AF7CAC5EE20F998D1A361C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember_0DF9A4439CE2020D200A0F998D1A37F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_A5BC5E0E54A557ECF47C0F998D1AEF2E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember_0DF9A4439CE2020D200A0F998D1A37F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_SearchServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SearchServicesMember_999C09765BD4C07F20D90F998D1BC10D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_A5BC5E0E54A557ECF47C0F998D1AEF2E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SearchServicesMember_999C09765BD4C07F20D90F998D1BC10D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_052C1DD3F0862678E7E00F998D1BD1DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_87CD12E701E80A4B27680F998D1B1571" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_052C1DD3F0862678E7E00F998D1BD1DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_OperatingIncomeLossBeforeDAndAAcquisitionAndIntegrationContingentConsiderationRestructuringLegalImpairmentAndCorporateOverheard" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_OperatingIncomeLossBeforeDAndAAcquisitionAndIntegrationContingentConsiderationRestructuringLegalImpairmentAndCorporateOverheard_A484870DCF290177A0930F998D1B83C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_87CD12E701E80A4B27680F998D1B1571" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_OperatingIncomeLossBeforeDAndAAcquisitionAndIntegrationContingentConsiderationRestructuringLegalImpairmentAndCorporateOverheard_A484870DCF290177A0930F998D1B83C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_SegmentReportingUnallocatedCorporateExpenses" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SegmentReportingUnallocatedCorporateExpenses_F9AF64A412E7E5A088360F998D1B7ACB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_87CD12E701E80A4B27680F998D1B1571" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SegmentReportingUnallocatedCorporateExpenses_F9AF64A412E7E5A088360F998D1B7ACB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_E783F160F71EFF1E12560F998D1D9096" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_87CD12E701E80A4B27680F998D1B1571" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_E783F160F71EFF1E12560F998D1D9096" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsExpense" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsExpense_BCD012B98B0B1B6B0EAB0F998D1D43B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_87CD12E701E80A4B27680F998D1B1571" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsExpense_BCD012B98B0B1B6B0EAB0F998D1D43B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_9F8E3A52B99974D48B940F998D1DD72D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_87CD12E701E80A4B27680F998D1B1571" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_9F8E3A52B99974D48B940F998D1DD72D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_2E3FC7093803A48DCBC00F998D1DE2F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_87CD12E701E80A4B27680F998D1B1571" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_2E3FC7093803A48DCBC00F998D1DE2F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LegalFees" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LegalFees_AAD05D72521F01F028CC0F998D1D6A70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_87CD12E701E80A4B27680F998D1B1571" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LegalFees_AAD05D72521F01F028CC0F998D1D6A70" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_87BC4B2934FFAF41E0510F998D1E2C26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_87CD12E701E80A4B27680F998D1B1571" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_87BC4B2934FFAF41E0510F998D1E2C26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_9576E065BABA4A143B850F998D1EB353" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_87CD12E701E80A4B27680F998D1B1571" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_9576E065BABA4A143B850F998D1EB353" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SegmentDataNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_B05BCB4D8C3F75583CAB0F998D24FF1E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_82D2AF667C98F7BCC0390F998D2294DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_B05BCB4D8C3F75583CAB0F998D24FF1E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_82D2AF667C98F7BCC0390F998D2294DF" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_C53369AA5A0835A958100F998D2217D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_82D2AF667C98F7BCC0390F998D2294DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_C53369AA5A0835A958100F998D2217D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_37FCC3153A03D31997B40F998D23534E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_C53369AA5A0835A958100F998D2217D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_37FCC3153A03D31997B40F998D23534E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_37FCC3153A03D31997B40F998D23534E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_C53369AA5A0835A958100F998D2217D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_37FCC3153A03D31997B40F998D23534E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_727B8C100465688B7C630F998D23A5E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_37FCC3153A03D31997B40F998D23534E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_727B8C100465688B7C630F998D23A5E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_SearchServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SearchServicesMember_4C23D820D954FE5DD21C0F998D23B6EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_37FCC3153A03D31997B40F998D23534E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SearchServicesMember_4C23D820D954FE5DD21C0F998D23B6EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments_ED0390984A00A39345B60F998D244734" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_B05BCB4D8C3F75583CAB0F998D24FF1E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments_ED0390984A00A39345B60F998D244734" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_IncreaseDecreaseInRevenue" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_IncreaseDecreaseInRevenue_8C3DDAD3C0F875851AC10F998D244CC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_B05BCB4D8C3F75583CAB0F998D24FF1E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_IncreaseDecreaseInRevenue_8C3DDAD3C0F875851AC10F998D244CC3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_IncreaseDecreaseInContributionIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_IncreaseDecreaseInContributionIncomeLoss_12DE44EEB189C80F90A30F998D24F432" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_B05BCB4D8C3F75583CAB0F998D24FF1E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_IncreaseDecreaseInContributionIncomeLoss_12DE44EEB189C80F90A30F998D24F432" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SegmentDataTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquity" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquityNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_04F06A407E7D563B802220FE2AE38037" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_8066990FF6A454259AFA7EA3196307FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_04F06A407E7D563B802220FE2AE38037" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_8066990FF6A454259AFA7EA3196307FC" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_5FE0406DE0DC518390C05EC7CEB2B939" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_8066990FF6A454259AFA7EA3196307FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_5FE0406DE0DC518390C05EC7CEB2B939" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_0C0419634BEAD696727309B1E91FF13B_690C32A3A67C5DAD846AE24B327903C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_5FE0406DE0DC518390C05EC7CEB2B939" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_0C0419634BEAD696727309B1E91FF13B_690C32A3A67C5DAD846AE24B327903C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_5B6D25019AC65D91AFECF6EC806D5A26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_5FE0406DE0DC518390C05EC7CEB2B939" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_5B6D25019AC65D91AFECF6EC806D5A26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_D63BCD415E315F6B98E0BD8244419BA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_5B6D25019AC65D91AFECF6EC806D5A26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_D63BCD415E315F6B98E0BD8244419BA3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_E4919A6B411E5A048320ABB6A87B3238" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_8066990FF6A454259AFA7EA3196307FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_E4919A6B411E5A048320ABB6A87B3238" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_8490ADD4CC19617B917309B1E91F5C7D_690C32A3A67C5DAD846AE24B327903C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_E4919A6B411E5A048320ABB6A87B3238" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_8490ADD4CC19617B917309B1E91F5C7D_690C32A3A67C5DAD846AE24B327903C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_1868582AA10B5440935D918F367EAECE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_E4919A6B411E5A048320ABB6A87B3238" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_1868582AA10B5440935D918F367EAECE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_F1C2CF3ACBB15739BA4B983A3CEAAD3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_1868582AA10B5440935D918F367EAECE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_F1C2CF3ACBB15739BA4B983A3CEAAD3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_908F61BA3DCE573D9D6CC2BB4841D2C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_8066990FF6A454259AFA7EA3196307FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_908F61BA3DCE573D9D6CC2BB4841D2C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_B86C222EE8CBBE0B266A09B1E91F1AA5_690C32A3A67C5DAD846AE24B327903C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_908F61BA3DCE573D9D6CC2BB4841D2C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_B86C222EE8CBBE0B266A09B1E91F1AA5_690C32A3A67C5DAD846AE24B327903C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_538A74033A54599DB1F778A73655EF05" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_908F61BA3DCE573D9D6CC2BB4841D2C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_538A74033A54599DB1F778A73655EF05" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember_A2433CFCC2C0512BABC868D25306B941" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_538A74033A54599DB1F778A73655EF05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember_A2433CFCC2C0512BABC868D25306B941" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_8BE86004DAE6585DBA776A7B481C51AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_04F06A407E7D563B802220FE2AE38037" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_8BE86004DAE6585DBA776A7B481C51AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_2F32DEDDC9FC5EE3839F70EB6EFA7BC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_04F06A407E7D563B802220FE2AE38037" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_2F32DEDDC9FC5EE3839F70EB6EFA7BC5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodPricePerShare" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodPricePerShare_C168D5C1BB5B5170814E8E1354DF5660" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_04F06A407E7D563B802220FE2AE38037" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodPricePerShare_C168D5C1BB5B5170814E8E1354DF5660" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingNumberOfSharesAuthorizedToBeRepurchased" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingNumberOfSharesAuthorizedToBeRepurchased_4EDE0E340A84531F9A74B2A2C09BE8E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_04F06A407E7D563B802220FE2AE38037" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingNumberOfSharesAuthorizedToBeRepurchased_4EDE0E340A84531F9A74B2A2C09BE8E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_6F88D8FC58825CF5BE3CACE6736E9874" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_04F06A407E7D563B802220FE2AE38037" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_6F88D8FC58825CF5BE3CACE6736E9874" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_18699121F8475B48A091B8E5E93B15E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_04F06A407E7D563B802220FE2AE38037" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_18699121F8475B48A091B8E5E93B15E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherthanOptionsVestedinPeriodNet" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherthanOptionsVestedinPeriodNet_332A7D39D9BE51ECA735A93063ECF1C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_04F06A407E7D563B802220FE2AE38037" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherthanOptionsVestedinPeriodNet_332A7D39D9BE51ECA735A93063ECF1C6" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquitySummaryOfRestrictedStockAndPerformanceSharesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_EE9F84CC01115430867507D7FF551A42" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_DFA929A135285B7CA82D6D0FBF324A4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_EE9F84CC01115430867507D7FF551A42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_DFA929A135285B7CA82D6D0FBF324A4E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_74863A50D5435BCC8CF35F508581A4D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_DFA929A135285B7CA82D6D0FBF324A4E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_74863A50D5435BCC8CF35F508581A4D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_4B6B9020856590C80002043CE905B923_690C32A3A67C5DAD846AE24B327903C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_74863A50D5435BCC8CF35F508581A4D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_4B6B9020856590C80002043CE905B923_690C32A3A67C5DAD846AE24B327903C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_D3EA2C67D1D859ADBACEFEBBAC7A1D24" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_74863A50D5435BCC8CF35F508581A4D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_D3EA2C67D1D859ADBACEFEBBAC7A1D24" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_9B99834EB58B55089AF1C29D6FBCF585" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_D3EA2C67D1D859ADBACEFEBBAC7A1D24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_9B99834EB58B55089AF1C29D6FBCF585" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_C2D835C656C95BDF9C127305B6DDF68D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_D3EA2C67D1D859ADBACEFEBBAC7A1D24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_C2D835C656C95BDF9C127305B6DDF68D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_1FB91D1014B65B4A8CC42BEB40DB574B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_EE9F84CC01115430867507D7FF551A42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_1FB91D1014B65B4A8CC42BEB40DB574B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_298CDF41CED55ED0B140430E9AD4ECFD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_1FB91D1014B65B4A8CC42BEB40DB574B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_298CDF41CED55ED0B140430E9AD4ECFD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_758B60793D905F9BB81C712EC2F0895E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_1FB91D1014B65B4A8CC42BEB40DB574B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_758B60793D905F9BB81C712EC2F0895E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_3B946B8CCACF5991838AE148EDDBE715" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_1FB91D1014B65B4A8CC42BEB40DB574B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_3B946B8CCACF5991838AE148EDDBE715" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_80474EF35F67586C98F04D8718B5320A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_1FB91D1014B65B4A8CC42BEB40DB574B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_80474EF35F67586C98F04D8718B5320A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueAbstract_B5C1120306FD58BF9834BBEF630662D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_EE9F84CC01115430867507D7FF551A42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueAbstract_B5C1120306FD58BF9834BBEF630662D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_FA6F8C7CA926546080472965263DCF9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueAbstract_B5C1120306FD58BF9834BBEF630662D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_FA6F8C7CA926546080472965263DCF9E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_1439C17E65C95573A510269A8BEA291C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueAbstract_B5C1120306FD58BF9834BBEF630662D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_1439C17E65C95573A510269A8BEA291C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_9F944662FF1854EEA34421ADD9999A35" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueAbstract_B5C1120306FD58BF9834BBEF630662D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_9F944662FF1854EEA34421ADD9999A35" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_CF7FF40C1A2250F1B57B9803DC36A605" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueAbstract_B5C1120306FD58BF9834BBEF630662D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_CF7FF40C1A2250F1B57B9803DC36A605" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquityTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SubsequentEvents" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SubsequentEventsCreditFacilityDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_796D6109C4C2316567863C64CED4AB89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_AF6BDB332E52E65224AC3C64CECA6B50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_796D6109C4C2316567863C64CED4AB89" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_AF6BDB332E52E65224AC3C64CECA6B50" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_9FFB0ED5B26BA4BFB62C3C64CECA808E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_AF6BDB332E52E65224AC3C64CECA6B50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_9FFB0ED5B26BA4BFB62C3C64CECA808E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_888335C7EC727F07C9433C64CECAACB2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_9FFB0ED5B26BA4BFB62C3C64CECA808E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_888335C7EC727F07C9433C64CECAACB2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_888335C7EC727F07C9433C64CECAACB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_9FFB0ED5B26BA4BFB62C3C64CECA808E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_888335C7EC727F07C9433C64CECAACB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_6DF360915BA98E4C9FB13C64CECB3303" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_888335C7EC727F07C9433C64CECAACB2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_6DF360915BA98E4C9FB13C64CECB3303" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_SwingLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SwingLoanMember_8D422111599FEEDD2CA93C64CECBFC00" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_888335C7EC727F07C9433C64CECAACB2" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SwingLoanMember_8D422111599FEEDD2CA93C64CECBFC00" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StandbyLettersOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StandbyLettersOfCreditMember_0B36BE24D8DF136B95483C64CECB6685" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_888335C7EC727F07C9433C64CECAACB2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StandbyLettersOfCreditMember_0B36BE24D8DF136B95483C64CECB6685" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_CB29538BD0A698B8BF8B3C64CECB6F6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_AF6BDB332E52E65224AC3C64CECA6B50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_CB29538BD0A698B8BF8B3C64CECB6F6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_EA8541B206B32E30ABA43C64CECC5912_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_CB29538BD0A698B8BF8B3C64CECB6F6E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_EA8541B206B32E30ABA43C64CECC5912_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_EA8541B206B32E30ABA43C64CECC5912" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_CB29538BD0A698B8BF8B3C64CECB6F6E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_EA8541B206B32E30ABA43C64CECC5912" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_AssetBasedCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_AssetBasedCreditFacilityMember_E96DFD76DD5B12F91FD13C64CECC2A8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_EA8541B206B32E30ABA43C64CECC5912" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_AssetBasedCreditFacilityMember_E96DFD76DD5B12F91FD13C64CECC2A8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_F7EA0640B19FA1DFA21C3C64CECC85EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_AF6BDB332E52E65224AC3C64CECA6B50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_F7EA0640B19FA1DFA21C3C64CECC85EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_838216097F1A32F2C9003C64CECC8AC9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_F7EA0640B19FA1DFA21C3C64CECC85EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_838216097F1A32F2C9003C64CECC8AC9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_838216097F1A32F2C9003C64CECC8AC9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_F7EA0640B19FA1DFA21C3C64CECC85EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_838216097F1A32F2C9003C64CECC8AC9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_C4CC7922114A71BE85283C64CECD6E45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_838216097F1A32F2C9003C64CECC8AC9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_C4CC7922114A71BE85283C64CECD6E45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_1CF416D83D75C7294B693C64CECD41B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_AF6BDB332E52E65224AC3C64CECA6B50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_1CF416D83D75C7294B693C64CECD41B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_90F1EAA5182BD98644793C64CED2496D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_1CF416D83D75C7294B693C64CECD41B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_90F1EAA5182BD98644793C64CED2496D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_90F1EAA5182BD98644793C64CED2496D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_1CF416D83D75C7294B693C64CECD41B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_90F1EAA5182BD98644793C64CED2496D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_F181EBAEC96846B101D63C64CED2195A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_90F1EAA5182BD98644793C64CED2496D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_F181EBAEC96846B101D63C64CED2195A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_BE029817FFDB738B8ABB3C64CED4457B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_796D6109C4C2316567863C64CED4AB89" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_BE029817FFDB738B8ABB3C64CED4457B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm_6C9468E78ECED4F912B83C64CED44540" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_796D6109C4C2316567863C64CED4AB89" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm_6C9468E78ECED4F912B83C64CED44540" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity_7CAD3D1513658A94989D3C64CED45BE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_796D6109C4C2316567863C64CED4AB89" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity_7CAD3D1513658A94989D3C64CED45BE1" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRecentlyAdoptedAccountingPronouncementsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_F5489DE817935287BA301731220508E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_AFB66E34CB5E5B8EBE66D233B4435483" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_F5489DE817935287BA301731220508E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_AFB66E34CB5E5B8EBE66D233B4435483" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_4256F42796FB5B4ABF5C1E12EE96099F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_AFB66E34CB5E5B8EBE66D233B4435483" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_4256F42796FB5B4ABF5C1E12EE96099F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_F1D45684478048154281043CE81D21D7_690C32A3A67C5DAD846AE24B327903C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_4256F42796FB5B4ABF5C1E12EE96099F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_F1D45684478048154281043CE81D21D7_690C32A3A67C5DAD846AE24B327903C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_FCAFFD758D47509DAB73AB9CB3A6AFAE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_4256F42796FB5B4ABF5C1E12EE96099F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_FCAFFD758D47509DAB73AB9CB3A6AFAE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member_66AA3DB2B0EC5E72B7ACE331641BEFA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_FCAFFD758D47509DAB73AB9CB3A6AFAE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member_66AA3DB2B0EC5E72B7ACE331641BEFA0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_86846F593F7C589985ECB2A0E19FF228" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_F5489DE817935287BA301731220508E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_86846F593F7C589985ECB2A0E19FF228" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_807D8AAC2E0550A4AF7CCAD759136F0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_F5489DE817935287BA301731220508E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_807D8AAC2E0550A4AF7CCAD759136F0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedRentCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedRentCurrentAndNoncurrent_D93B4AD4DE475B299841EDAE936B40B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_F5489DE817935287BA301731220508E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedRentCurrentAndNoncurrent_D93B4AD4DE475B299841EDAE936B40B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidRent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidRent_F5530E29B9065244A352BEE40D95CBF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_F5489DE817935287BA301731220508E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidRent_F5530E29B9065244A352BEE40D95CBF5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRestructuringCostsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_B8D1AB60B8826C1F3CAD3C64D104F403" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_93963C6907FF040389C43C64D102A912" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_B8D1AB60B8826C1F3CAD3C64D104F403" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_93963C6907FF040389C43C64D102A912" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis_C25D74C9F2D5625C737A3C64D1027DBE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_93963C6907FF040389C43C64D102A912" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis_C25D74C9F2D5625C737A3C64D1027DBE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain_2223D0A7601EC6BDB4D73C64D103E9E7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis_C25D74C9F2D5625C737A3C64D1027DBE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain_2223D0A7601EC6BDB4D73C64D103E9E7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain_2223D0A7601EC6BDB4D73C64D103E9E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis_C25D74C9F2D5625C737A3C64D1027DBE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain_2223D0A7601EC6BDB4D73C64D103E9E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_CostOptimizationProjectMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_CostOptimizationProjectMember_2C040E683B39862714B83C64D10459BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain_2223D0A7601EC6BDB4D73C64D103E9E7" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_CostOptimizationProjectMember_2C040E683B39862714B83C64D10459BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_A2019RestructuringPlanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_A2019RestructuringPlanMember_E7AA545D86CB2CE429483C65DC8D5AD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain_2223D0A7601EC6BDB4D73C64D103E9E7" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_A2019RestructuringPlanMember_E7AA545D86CB2CE429483C65DC8D5AD1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_2C1C437A8B07FDD8ED883C64D10496E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_93963C6907FF040389C43C64D102A912" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_2C1C437A8B07FDD8ED883C64D10496E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_020B62F3115A1081C7D43C64D104D813_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_2C1C437A8B07FDD8ED883C64D10496E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_020B62F3115A1081C7D43C64D104D813_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_020B62F3115A1081C7D43C64D104D813" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_2C1C437A8B07FDD8ED883C64D10496E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_020B62F3115A1081C7D43C64D104D813" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember_411DEEB059101611A9193C64D1047F79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_020B62F3115A1081C7D43C64D104D813" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember_411DEEB059101611A9193C64D1047F79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_ExitCostsMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ExitCostsMember_8A63998DBA420B9B27FD3C64D1047FF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_020B62F3115A1081C7D43C64D104D813" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ExitCostsMember_8A63998DBA420B9B27FD3C64D1047FF9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20190930.xsd#ccrn_RestructuringReserveAdjustmentForNewAccountingPronouncement" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_RestructuringReserveAdjustmentForNewAccountingPronouncement_E1EEF4E5E60070655E753C64D104783B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_B8D1AB60B8826C1F3CAD3C64D104F403" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_RestructuringReserveAdjustmentForNewAccountingPronouncement_E1EEF4E5E60070655E753C64D104783B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_7B877E356E04B50033153C64D1051D0D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_B8D1AB60B8826C1F3CAD3C64D104F403" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_7B877E356E04B50033153C64D1051D0D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringReserve" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserve_F4FBF9E5998A873D53C43C64D105AB93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_7B877E356E04B50033153C64D1051D0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserve_F4FBF9E5998A873D53C43C64D105AB93" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_AFF0FCDC4C3A153B8C2B3C64D1051610" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_7B877E356E04B50033153C64D1051D0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_AFF0FCDC4C3A153B8C2B3C64D1051610" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring_AD31B97291386A49297C3C64D105860B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_7B877E356E04B50033153C64D1051D0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring_AD31B97291386A49297C3C64D105860B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
</link:linkbase>
