<?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-20181231.xsd#Acquisitions" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#AcquisitionsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsAdvantageRnDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#AcquisitionsAdvantageRnDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsAmericanPersonnelIncDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#AcquisitionsAmericanPersonnelIncDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#AcquisitionsAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsFairValueOfPurchasePriceDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#AcquisitionsFairValueOfPurchasePriceDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#AcquisitionsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsProFormaDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#AcquisitionsProFormaDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#AcquisitionsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/BalanceSheetDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#BalanceSheetDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/BalanceSheetDetailsDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#BalanceSheetDetailsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/BalanceSheetDetailsTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#BalanceSheetDetailsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesFutureMinimumLeasePaymentsDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesFutureMinimumLeasePaymentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/Debt" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#Debt" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/Debt2016SeniorCreditFacilitiesDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#Debt2016SeniorCreditFacilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DebtAmendmentAndRestatementOfSeniorCreditFacilityDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#DebtAmendmentAndRestatementOfSeniorCreditFacilityDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DebtConsolidatedNetLeverageRatioDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#DebtConsolidatedNetLeverageRatioDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DebtDebtMaturitiesDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#DebtDebtMaturitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DebtLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#DebtLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DebtPrivatePlacementOfConvertibleNotesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#DebtPrivatePlacementOfConvertibleNotesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DebtTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#DebtTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/Derivatives" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#Derivatives" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DerivativesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#DerivativesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EarningsPerShareAntidilutiveSecuritiesDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#EarningsPerShareAntidilutiveSecuritiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EarningsPerShareComponentsOfNumeratorAndDenominatorForComputationOfBasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#EarningsPerShareComponentsOfNumeratorAndDenominatorForComputationOfBasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlans" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#EmployeeBenefitPlans" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#EmployeeBenefitPlansNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsEstimatedFairValuesAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsEstimatedFairValuesAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFinancialInstrumentsThatWereNotMeasuredAtFairValueDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsFinancialInstrumentsThatWereNotMeasuredAtFairValueDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsScheduleOfReconciliationOfOpeningAndClosingBalancesForFairValueMeasurementsCategorizedWithinLevel3Details" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsScheduleOfReconciliationOfOpeningAndClosingBalancesForFairValueMeasurementsCategorizedWithinLevel3Details" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssets" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsAcquiredIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsAcquiredIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsChangesInCarryingAmountOfGoodwillBySegmentDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsChangesInCarryingAmountOfGoodwillBySegmentDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsEstimatedAnnualAmortizationExpenseDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsEstimatedAnnualAmortizationExpenseDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxesComponentsOfIncomeLossBeforeIncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#IncomeTaxesComponentsOfIncomeLossBeforeIncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxesComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#IncomeTaxesComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxesReconciliationOfBeginningAndEndingBalanceOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#IncomeTaxesReconciliationOfBeginningAndEndingBalanceOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxesReconciliationOfIncomeTaxComputedAtUSFederalStatutoryRateToIncomeTaxBenefitExpenseDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#IncomeTaxesReconciliationOfIncomeTaxComputedAtUSFederalStatutoryRateToIncomeTaxBenefitExpenseDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxesSignificantComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#IncomeTaxesSignificantComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#IncomeTaxesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/OrganizationAndBasisOfPresentation" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#OrganizationAndBasisOfPresentation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/PropertyAndEquipment" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#PropertyAndEquipment" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/PropertyAndEquipmentDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#PropertyAndEquipmentDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/PropertyAndEquipmentTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#PropertyAndEquipmentTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnaudited" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#QuarterlyFinancialDataUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RevenueRecognition" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#RevenueRecognition" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RevenueRecognitionDisaggregationOfRevenueDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#RevenueRecognitionDisaggregationOfRevenueDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RevenueRecognitionTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#RevenueRecognitionTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ScheduleIiValuationAndQualifyingAccounts" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ScheduleIiValuationAndQualifyingAccounts" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ScheduleIiValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ScheduleIiValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SegmentData" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#SegmentData" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SegmentDataAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#SegmentDataAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SegmentDataOperatingSegmentsDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#SegmentDataOperatingSegmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SegmentDataTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#SegmentDataTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquity" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#StockholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquity1999StockOptionPlanAndEquityParticipationPlanDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#StockholdersEquity1999StockOptionPlanAndEquityParticipationPlanDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquity2014OmnibusIncentivePlanDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#StockholdersEquity2014OmnibusIncentivePlanDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquityNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#StockholdersEquityNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquityStockOptionsAndStockAppreciationRightsGrantedAndExercisedDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#StockholdersEquityStockOptionsAndStockAppreciationRightsGrantedAndExercisedDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquitySummaryOfCompanysShareOptionPlansActivitiesDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#StockholdersEquitySummaryOfCompanysShareOptionPlansActivitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquitySummaryOfRestrictedStockAwardActivityAndPerformanceStockAwardsDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#StockholdersEquitySummaryOfRestrictedStockAwardActivityAndPerformanceStockAwardsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquityTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#StockholdersEquityTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAsuAdoptionDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAsuAdoptionDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesReconciliationOfRestructuringLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesReconciliationOfRestructuringLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRevenueRecognitionDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRevenueRecognitionDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.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/AcquisitionsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BE80B000CF2CEEF1EAC3BF4CB4EAF90B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_9A2A325CB751F8EE6BC5BF4CB4D81F45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BE80B000CF2CEEF1EAC3BF4CB4EAF90B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_9A2A325CB751F8EE6BC5BF4CB4D81F45" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_A10846144C032C1B46BEBF4CB5BBAA34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_9A2A325CB751F8EE6BC5BF4CB4D81F45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_A10846144C032C1B46BEBF4CB5BBAA34" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_954285784A439F012DEEBF4CB5BC1012_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_A10846144C032C1B46BEBF4CB5BBAA34" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_954285784A439F012DEEBF4CB5BC1012_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_954285784A439F012DEEBF4CB5BC1012" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_A10846144C032C1B46BEBF4CB5BBAA34" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_954285784A439F012DEEBF4CB5BC1012" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_98033A2791EF6E3ADC1FBF4CB624F56A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_954285784A439F012DEEBF4CB5BC1012" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_98033A2791EF6E3ADC1FBF4CB624F56A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_52C6DF43B6E9E800922FBF4CB6798F82" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_954285784A439F012DEEBF4CB5BC1012" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_52C6DF43B6E9E800922FBF4CB6798F82" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DatabasesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DatabasesMember_C0AF3F27A8647F2EC0FDBF4CB6A90708" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_954285784A439F012DEEBF4CB5BC1012" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DatabasesMember_C0AF3F27A8647F2EC0FDBF4CB6A90708" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember_65CE2977C624BB92BA3CBF4CB6DBC063" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_954285784A439F012DEEBF4CB5BC1012" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember_65CE2977C624BB92BA3CBF4CB6DBC063" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_E6C2086AB443FB086C5BBF4CB4D92513" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_9A2A325CB751F8EE6BC5BF4CB4D81F45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_E6C2086AB443FB086C5BBF4CB4D92513" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_60C52325F75AA8A1F880BF4CB4D90A56_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_E6C2086AB443FB086C5BBF4CB4D92513" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_60C52325F75AA8A1F880BF4CB4D90A56_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_60C52325F75AA8A1F880BF4CB4D90A56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_E6C2086AB443FB086C5BBF4CB4D92513" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_60C52325F75AA8A1F880BF4CB4D90A56" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_AdvantageRNLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_AdvantageRNLLCMember_5F7C15BDE04D95917D84BF4CB64CB8F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_60C52325F75AA8A1F880BF4CB4D90A56" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_AdvantageRNLLCMember_5F7C15BDE04D95917D84BF4CB64CB8F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAcquired1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAcquired1_04D738361E34DABD6BCFBF4CB523A572" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BE80B000CF2CEEF1EAC3BF4CB4EAF90B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAcquired1_04D738361E34DABD6BCFBF4CB523A572" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife_772D71061F4ACC9FB6B9BF4CB54BDA84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BE80B000CF2CEEF1EAC3BF4CB4EAF90B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife_772D71061F4ACC9FB6B9BF4CB54BDA84" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillExpectedTaxDeductibleAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillExpectedTaxDeductibleAmount_B01AEA20B86DFBFED8BCBF4CB577B45F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BE80B000CF2CEEF1EAC3BF4CB4EAF90B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillExpectedTaxDeductibleAmount_B01AEA20B86DFBFED8BCBF4CB577B45F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_A29495BFBEDC349F5D8EBF4CB598968A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BE80B000CF2CEEF1EAC3BF4CB4EAF90B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_A29495BFBEDC349F5D8EBF4CB598968A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsAdvantageRnDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F0741427A0DB0F330E8334B420903698" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_CC5D3125E6A828C5D8CA34B4208A8DC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F0741427A0DB0F330E8334B420903698" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_CC5D3125E6A828C5D8CA34B4208A8DC1" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_572633B3C3DC79895AF234B4208BEF78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_CC5D3125E6A828C5D8CA34B4208A8DC1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_572633B3C3DC79895AF234B4208BEF78" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_FF38162ECF9626EC91D334B4208B42C8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_572633B3C3DC79895AF234B4208BEF78" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_FF38162ECF9626EC91D334B4208B42C8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_FF38162ECF9626EC91D334B4208B42C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_572633B3C3DC79895AF234B4208BEF78" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_FF38162ECF9626EC91D334B4208B42C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember_2EDD888EFF8F438FEC9B34B4208BDA93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_FF38162ECF9626EC91D334B4208B42C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember_2EDD888EFF8F438FEC9B34B4208BDA93" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAxis" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAxis_EC94ECC0DC95A06B077034B4208C526D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_CC5D3125E6A828C5D8CA34B4208A8DC1" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAxis_EC94ECC0DC95A06B077034B4208C526D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredDomain" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredDomain_E975752F6B78393C017734B4208C547F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAxis_EC94ECC0DC95A06B077034B4208C526D" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredDomain_E975752F6B78393C017734B4208C547F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredDomain" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredDomain_E975752F6B78393C017734B4208C547F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAxis_EC94ECC0DC95A06B077034B4208C526D" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredDomain_E975752F6B78393C017734B4208C547F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_PurchasePriceMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PurchasePriceMember_E1BE8023D26DA2A893AD34B4208C4888" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredDomain_E975752F6B78393C017734B4208C547F" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PurchasePriceMember_E1BE8023D26DA2A893AD34B4208C4888" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_DAE897B02A5B82945E9E34B4208D97D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_CC5D3125E6A828C5D8CA34B4208A8DC1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_DAE897B02A5B82945E9E34B4208D97D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_B896199EDEC42C5D6CF934B4208DB2FB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_DAE897B02A5B82945E9E34B4208D97D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_B896199EDEC42C5D6CF934B4208DB2FB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_B896199EDEC42C5D6CF934B4208DB2FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_DAE897B02A5B82945E9E34B4208D97D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_B896199EDEC42C5D6CF934B4208DB2FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_TermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_4064A3E8F09CBA16C8A134B4208DF658" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_B896199EDEC42C5D6CF934B4208DB2FB" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_4064A3E8F09CBA16C8A134B4208DF658" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_0AA77FEAAF4ADC8767EB34B4208DD17F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_CC5D3125E6A828C5D8CA34B4208A8DC1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_0AA77FEAAF4ADC8767EB34B4208DD17F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_1F1DFD2BB6EDFFBFC59534B4208DA219_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_0AA77FEAAF4ADC8767EB34B4208DD17F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_1F1DFD2BB6EDFFBFC59534B4208DA219_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_1F1DFD2BB6EDFFBFC59534B4208DA219" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_0AA77FEAAF4ADC8767EB34B4208DD17F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_1F1DFD2BB6EDFFBFC59534B4208DA219" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_CreditAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_CreditAgreementMember_B2665F2D47A9A357323734B4208E663C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_1F1DFD2BB6EDFFBFC59534B4208DA219" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_CreditAgreementMember_B2665F2D47A9A357323734B4208E663C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_IncrementalTermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_IncrementalTermLoanMember_5D732647A67F25D4F5D334B4208EA80D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_1F1DFD2BB6EDFFBFC59534B4208DA219" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_IncrementalTermLoanMember_5D732647A67F25D4F5D334B4208EA80D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis_F813172483DAC818B7AA34B4208E772E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_CC5D3125E6A828C5D8CA34B4208A8DC1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis_F813172483DAC818B7AA34B4208E772E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_13A97599F3B7A5D7663534B4208E121C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis_F813172483DAC818B7AA34B4208E772E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_13A97599F3B7A5D7663534B4208E121C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_13A97599F3B7A5D7663534B4208E121C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis_F813172483DAC818B7AA34B4208E772E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_13A97599F3B7A5D7663534B4208E121C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_DeferredConsiderationTransferredMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DeferredConsiderationTransferredMember_0A8E0F558D5805D09F6E34B4208F3A5E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_13A97599F3B7A5D7663534B4208E121C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DeferredConsiderationTransferredMember_0A8E0F558D5805D09F6E34B4208F3A5E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_7B73DEB3179A1C5D4F0B34B4208F545A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_CC5D3125E6A828C5D8CA34B4208A8DC1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_7B73DEB3179A1C5D4F0B34B4208F545A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_F78B1009DE985C35081034B4208FCB55_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_7B73DEB3179A1C5D4F0B34B4208F545A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_F78B1009DE985C35081034B4208FCB55_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_F78B1009DE985C35081034B4208FCB55" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_7B73DEB3179A1C5D4F0B34B4208F545A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_F78B1009DE985C35081034B4208FCB55" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_AdvantageRNLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_AdvantageRNLLCMember_4200AFFA026EEEF54A5934B4208F1E08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_F78B1009DE985C35081034B4208FCB55" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_AdvantageRNLLCMember_4200AFFA026EEEF54A5934B4208F1E08" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_3304B05D2F66C88BFE4C34B42090E0EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F0741427A0DB0F330E8334B420903698" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_3304B05D2F66C88BFE4C34B42090E0EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_C531D85FC5D97BD118A934B42090C07B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F0741427A0DB0F330E8334B420903698" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_C531D85FC5D97BD118A934B42090C07B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredNetWorkingCapitalAdjustment" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredNetWorkingCapitalAdjustment_0D688BC9572F4FF682CA34B42090029B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F0741427A0DB0F330E8334B420903698" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredNetWorkingCapitalAdjustment_0D688BC9572F4FF682CA34B42090029B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredNetWorkingCapitalAdjustmentReimbursement" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredNetWorkingCapitalAdjustmentReimbursement_1F0A205309D127EF3C3334B42090127E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F0741427A0DB0F330E8334B420903698" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredNetWorkingCapitalAdjustmentReimbursement_1F0A205309D127EF3C3334B42090127E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability_AE9C87B6705C7110009034B42091E125" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F0741427A0DB0F330E8334B420903698" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability_AE9C87B6705C7110009034B42091E125" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationDeferredPeriod" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationDeferredPeriod_F8260FDF0D54FA58AA9034B42091145C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F0741427A0DB0F330E8334B420903698" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationDeferredPeriod_F8260FDF0D54FA58AA9034B42091145C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1_E93C9DA17CF874852CE034B420915D2D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F0741427A0DB0F330E8334B420903698" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1_E93C9DA17CF874852CE034B420915D2D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesEscrowPortionRelatedToTaxLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesEscrowPortionRelatedToTaxLiabilities_68C40DEC0ACB707D6DE734B42091C3D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F0741427A0DB0F330E8334B420903698" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesEscrowPortionRelatedToTaxLiabilities_68C40DEC0ACB707D6DE734B42091C3D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesEscrowPortionRelatedToPostCloseLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesEscrowPortionRelatedToPostCloseLiabilities_99AC0C24EEF27CD9F4FE34B42091BBBB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F0741427A0DB0F330E8334B420903698" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesEscrowPortionRelatedToPostCloseLiabilities_99AC0C24EEF27CD9F4FE34B42091BBBB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelease" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelease_BF31697AF8017C5ABD4734B420925D1E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F0741427A0DB0F330E8334B420903698" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelease_BF31697AF8017C5ABD4734B420925D1E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelatedToTaxLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelatedToTaxLiabilities_19A53AA5B00D213E3CAA34B42092F905" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F0741427A0DB0F330E8334B420903698" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelatedToTaxLiabilities_19A53AA5B00D213E3CAA34B42092F905" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelatedToPostCloseLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelatedToPostCloseLiabilities_DD401BC8F79C22A5D23634CE3734D10D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F0741427A0DB0F330E8334B420903698" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelatedToPostCloseLiabilities_DD401BC8F79C22A5D23634CE3734D10D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredPortionFundedWithCashOnHand" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredPortionFundedWithCashOnHand_B2F4C094850F05146EEB34B42092EF79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F0741427A0DB0F330E8334B420903698" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredPortionFundedWithCashOnHand_B2F4C094850F05146EEB34B42092EF79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_B07160D0643776ED731534B42092F65A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F0741427A0DB0F330E8334B420903698" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_B07160D0643776ED731534B42092F65A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationRevenueOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationRevenueOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual_A7CE8F511CE66652D91534B42092FF1D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F0741427A0DB0F330E8334B420903698" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationRevenueOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual_A7CE8F511CE66652D91534B42092FF1D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationEarningsOrLossOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationEarningsOrLossOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual_C0189729625C5484719A34B42092E1B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F0741427A0DB0F330E8334B420903698" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationEarningsOrLossOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual_C0189729625C5484719A34B42092E1B9" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsAmericanPersonnelIncDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_C73FB5E3E1C40124274BE5E749D27BB9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_C28D031ABA6CE11300CDE5E749C69B5E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_C73FB5E3E1C40124274BE5E749D27BB9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_C28D031ABA6CE11300CDE5E749C69B5E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_B203680127C4675D1E66E5E749C7E06D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_C28D031ABA6CE11300CDE5E749C69B5E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_B203680127C4675D1E66E5E749C7E06D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_70AF38E7E866E91A2E3FE5E749CDB388_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_B203680127C4675D1E66E5E749C7E06D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_70AF38E7E866E91A2E3FE5E749CDB388_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_70AF38E7E866E91A2E3FE5E749CDB388" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_B203680127C4675D1E66E5E749C7E06D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_70AF38E7E866E91A2E3FE5E749CDB388" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_AmericanPersonnelInc.Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_AmericanPersonnelInc.Member_DAF932C6E8B91388B210E5E98D318F91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_70AF38E7E866E91A2E3FE5E749CDB388" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_AmericanPersonnelInc.Member_DAF932C6E8B91388B210E5E98D318F91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_59025F71EEB6BC030AEAE5E749F71D91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_C73FB5E3E1C40124274BE5E749D27BB9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_59025F71EEB6BC030AEAE5E749F71D91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAcquired1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAcquired1_7B299299ACDD2FD35FDEE5E7CCBCC194" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_C73FB5E3E1C40124274BE5E749D27BB9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAcquired1_7B299299ACDD2FD35FDEE5E7CCBCC194" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife_194180D2FB4AC20ECBCEE5E86559A49B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_C73FB5E3E1C40124274BE5E749D27BB9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife_194180D2FB4AC20ECBCEE5E86559A49B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_4DB2846AE25B9B1EDF91E5E89AA7AC23" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_C73FB5E3E1C40124274BE5E749D27BB9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_4DB2846AE25B9B1EDF91E5E89AA7AC23" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_A3CC6A8ABA4D4FC07EB2E5E8ECD30355" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_C73FB5E3E1C40124274BE5E749D27BB9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_A3CC6A8ABA4D4FC07EB2E5E8ECD30355" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F490C4C14C3ADFFD3C52BFBE3B92D87F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_EE133F3A58F7EF2E1099BFBE3B910117" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F490C4C14C3ADFFD3C52BFBE3B92D87F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_EE133F3A58F7EF2E1099BFBE3B910117" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_32E6A5650C04B0BF5386BFBE3B915BBD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_EE133F3A58F7EF2E1099BFBE3B910117" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_32E6A5650C04B0BF5386BFBE3B915BBD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_526576B87C12A77C5180BFBE3B92418C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_32E6A5650C04B0BF5386BFBE3B915BBD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_526576B87C12A77C5180BFBE3B92418C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_526576B87C12A77C5180BFBE3B92418C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_32E6A5650C04B0BF5386BFBE3B915BBD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_526576B87C12A77C5180BFBE3B92418C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_AdvantageRNLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_AdvantageRNLLCMember_2BE8A33F6B8DECB5181BBFBE3B92705F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_526576B87C12A77C5180BFBE3B92418C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_AdvantageRNLLCMember_2BE8A33F6B8DECB5181BBFBE3B92705F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents_3131C8D6935F0C093747BFBE3B9269FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F490C4C14C3ADFFD3C52BFBE3B92D87F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents_3131C8D6935F0C093747BFBE3B9269FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables_EA7924D41522574C802DBFBE3B93C19F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F490C4C14C3ADFFD3C52BFBE3B92D87F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables_EA7924D41522574C802DBFBE3B93C19F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsOther" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsOther_C0C745F440ADA4D8797ABFBE3B93E7F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F490C4C14C3ADFFD3C52BFBE3B92D87F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsOther_C0C745F440ADA4D8797ABFBE3B93E7F1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment_45F364E66B55CBA20885BFBE3B932021" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F490C4C14C3ADFFD3C52BFBE3B92D87F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment_45F364E66B55CBA20885BFBE3B932021" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_BBF930876FBAD5136EA2BFBE3B945F76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F490C4C14C3ADFFD3C52BFBE3B92D87F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_BBF930876FBAD5136EA2BFBE3B945F76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill_5204339C059BC5AE8240BFBE3B9446A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F490C4C14C3ADFFD3C52BFBE3B92D87F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill_5204339C059BC5AE8240BFBE3B9446A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets_CB6FBACE7206D8A1A5D2BFBE3B9417D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F490C4C14C3ADFFD3C52BFBE3B92D87F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets_CB6FBACE7206D8A1A5D2BFBE3B9417D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccountsPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccountsPayable_ED213EE3227917BF9E55BFBE3B940325" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F490C4C14C3ADFFD3C52BFBE3B92D87F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccountsPayable_ED213EE3227917BF9E55BFBE3B940325" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedEmployeeLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedEmployeeLiabilities_6D8BA6DF14DBEC84CFA8BFBE3B94431F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F490C4C14C3ADFFD3C52BFBE3B92D87F" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedEmployeeLiabilities_6D8BA6DF14DBEC84CFA8BFBE3B94431F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesOther" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesOther_41825B9B560F48372171BFBE3B9441EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F490C4C14C3ADFFD3C52BFBE3B92D87F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesOther_41825B9B560F48372171BFBE3B9441EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_60D42328CD26428721A1BFBE3B95EF7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F490C4C14C3ADFFD3C52BFBE3B92D87F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_60D42328CD26428721A1BFBE3B95EF7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_54ADEEE43338B3C72665BFBE3B950F0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F490C4C14C3ADFFD3C52BFBE3B92D87F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_54ADEEE43338B3C72665BFBE3B950F0C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsFairValueOfPurchasePriceDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F0D0D4A53630151E12E3A9ED5E7BF947" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_1E59213A15D300604893A9ED5E79489B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F0D0D4A53630151E12E3A9ED5E7BF947" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_1E59213A15D300604893A9ED5E79489B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAxis" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAxis_322102DFE877BF8F70A1A9ED5E798577" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_1E59213A15D300604893A9ED5E79489B" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAxis_322102DFE877BF8F70A1A9ED5E798577" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredDomain" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredDomain_1BA43BA11E88A3388894A9ED5E794F13_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAxis_322102DFE877BF8F70A1A9ED5E798577" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredDomain_1BA43BA11E88A3388894A9ED5E794F13_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredDomain" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredDomain_1BA43BA11E88A3388894A9ED5E794F13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAxis_322102DFE877BF8F70A1A9ED5E798577" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredDomain_1BA43BA11E88A3388894A9ED5E794F13" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_PurchasePriceMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PurchasePriceMember_D8301C9413F6DA71AD82A9ED5E7A0424" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredDomain_1BA43BA11E88A3388894A9ED5E794F13" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PurchasePriceMember_D8301C9413F6DA71AD82A9ED5E7A0424" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_NetWorkingCapitalAdjustmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_NetWorkingCapitalAdjustmentsMember_E836F591F2C4B42C0F2DA9ED5E7A08FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredDomain_1BA43BA11E88A3388894A9ED5E794F13" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_NetWorkingCapitalAdjustmentsMember_E836F591F2C4B42C0F2DA9ED5E7A08FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_C7E9D5B2F3DA70C6E76BA9ED5E7ACCCF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_1E59213A15D300604893A9ED5E79489B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_C7E9D5B2F3DA70C6E76BA9ED5E7ACCCF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_3D37CCC9966F5D889DC7A9ED5E7AF328_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_C7E9D5B2F3DA70C6E76BA9ED5E7ACCCF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_3D37CCC9966F5D889DC7A9ED5E7AF328_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_3D37CCC9966F5D889DC7A9ED5E7AF328" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_C7E9D5B2F3DA70C6E76BA9ED5E7ACCCF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_3D37CCC9966F5D889DC7A9ED5E7AF328" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_AdvantageRNLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_AdvantageRNLLCMember_24165490F0125A1611C2A9ED5E7B60CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_3D37CCC9966F5D889DC7A9ED5E7AF328" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_AdvantageRNLLCMember_24165490F0125A1611C2A9ED5E7B60CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_A42D703C77AC19481CCEA9ED5E7B4703" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F0D0D4A53630151E12E3A9ED5E7BF947" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_A42D703C77AC19481CCEA9ED5E7B4703" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_BDF647E58B1BB2C24D25A9ED5E7BEB98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F0D0D4A53630151E12E3A9ED5E7BF947" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_BDF647E58B1BB2C24D25A9ED5E7BEB98" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAcquiredFromAcquisition" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAcquiredFromAcquisition_D55AA4E1B5C6E7E2D7EBA9ED5E7BBB18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F0D0D4A53630151E12E3A9ED5E7BF947" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAcquiredFromAcquisition_D55AA4E1B5C6E7E2D7EBA9ED5E7BBB18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_24D0903E2241F3E54DFBA9ED5E7C4877" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F0D0D4A53630151E12E3A9ED5E7BF947" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_24D0903E2241F3E54DFBA9ED5E7C4877" 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/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BF978E92F4C1C3DEBFB7BEE588C4B408" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_D5F8199ED68B6F55B2E3BEE588BDF778" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BF978E92F4C1C3DEBFB7BEE588C4B408" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_D5F8199ED68B6F55B2E3BEE588BDF778" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis_91E89963D08192363871BEE588C0BFDF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_D5F8199ED68B6F55B2E3BEE588BDF778" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis_91E89963D08192363871BEE588C0BFDF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_FBA3CDBE14164BD6131EBEE588C1917C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis_91E89963D08192363871BEE588C0BFDF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_FBA3CDBE14164BD6131EBEE588C1917C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_FBA3CDBE14164BD6131EBEE588C1917C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis_91E89963D08192363871BEE588C0BFDF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_FBA3CDBE14164BD6131EBEE588C1917C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_PotentialEarnoutAttainmentofSpecificPerformanceCriteriain2017Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PotentialEarnoutAttainmentofSpecificPerformanceCriteriain2017Member_E9C323A5A984D0C0E6C7BEE588C1E942" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_FBA3CDBE14164BD6131EBEE588C1917C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PotentialEarnoutAttainmentofSpecificPerformanceCriteriain2017Member_E9C323A5A984D0C0E6C7BEE588C1E942" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_PotentialEarnoutAttainmentofSpecificPerformanceCriteriain2018Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PotentialEarnoutAttainmentofSpecificPerformanceCriteriain2018Member_7F298EC95FF63571EFE5BEE588C2E709" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_FBA3CDBE14164BD6131EBEE588C1917C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PotentialEarnoutAttainmentofSpecificPerformanceCriteriain2018Member_7F298EC95FF63571EFE5BEE588C2E709" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_PotentialEarnoutAttainmentofSpecificPerformanceCriteriain2019Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PotentialEarnoutAttainmentofSpecificPerformanceCriteriain2019Member_E2A17DCD4353186F338FBEE588C230D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_FBA3CDBE14164BD6131EBEE588C1917C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PotentialEarnoutAttainmentofSpecificPerformanceCriteriain2019Member_E2A17DCD4353186F338FBEE588C230D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_AcquisitionRelatedContingentConsiderationMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_AcquisitionRelatedContingentConsiderationMember_37D27E759968189D8014BEE588C26E0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_FBA3CDBE14164BD6131EBEE588C1917C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_AcquisitionRelatedContingentConsiderationMember_37D27E759968189D8014BEE588C26E0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_AssumedAdditionalContingentPurchasePriceLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_AssumedAdditionalContingentPurchasePriceLiabilitiesMember_AAF14D2A94CB631160F0BEE588C27C94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_FBA3CDBE14164BD6131EBEE588C1917C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_AssumedAdditionalContingentPurchasePriceLiabilitiesMember_AAF14D2A94CB631160F0BEE588C27C94" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_PotentialEarnoutAttainmentofSpecificPerformanceCriteriain2016Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PotentialEarnoutAttainmentofSpecificPerformanceCriteriain2016Member_0C5C15B199AD9AF50837BEE588C2A958" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_FBA3CDBE14164BD6131EBEE588C1917C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PotentialEarnoutAttainmentofSpecificPerformanceCriteriain2016Member_0C5C15B199AD9AF50837BEE588C2A958" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_DeferredConsiderationTransferredMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DeferredConsiderationTransferredMember_A11F3DA9DAE7295977B6BEE588C2E2A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_FBA3CDBE14164BD6131EBEE588C1917C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DeferredConsiderationTransferredMember_A11F3DA9DAE7295977B6BEE588C2E2A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_864BC18FE6E9FA27E536BEE588C3BCBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_D5F8199ED68B6F55B2E3BEE588BDF778" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_864BC18FE6E9FA27E536BEE588C3BCBC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_A5D73A7D0D18D2C78204BEE588C3B607_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_864BC18FE6E9FA27E536BEE588C3BCBC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_A5D73A7D0D18D2C78204BEE588C3B607_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_A5D73A7D0D18D2C78204BEE588C3B607" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_864BC18FE6E9FA27E536BEE588C3BCBC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_A5D73A7D0D18D2C78204BEE588C3B607" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_USResourcesHealthcareLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_USResourcesHealthcareLLCMember_DC872554C6403207939EBEE588C3518F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_A5D73A7D0D18D2C78204BEE588C3B607" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_USResourcesHealthcareLLCMember_DC872554C6403207939EBEE588C3518F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_MediscanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_MediscanMember_35314FF5986B6F9A9A64BEE588C36C3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_A5D73A7D0D18D2C78204BEE588C3B607" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_MediscanMember_35314FF5986B6F9A9A64BEE588C36C3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_MedicalStaffingNetworkMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_MedicalStaffingNetworkMember_8D7502F3B84E3825BF85BEE588C4067E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_A5D73A7D0D18D2C78204BEE588C3B607" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_MedicalStaffingNetworkMember_8D7502F3B84E3825BF85BEE588C4067E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsRangeOfOutcomesValueHigh" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsRangeOfOutcomesValueHigh_B5476C48314B729FFA20BEE588C40BA7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BF978E92F4C1C3DEBFB7BEE588C4B408" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsRangeOfOutcomesValueHigh_B5476C48314B729FFA20BEE588C40BA7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1_8C404857783DB1737470BEE588C5ACA6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BF978E92F4C1C3DEBFB7BEE588C4B408" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1_8C404857783DB1737470BEE588C5ACA6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_C130262D5DDD05D8192ABEE588C5865A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BF978E92F4C1C3DEBFB7BEE588C4B408" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_C130262D5DDD05D8192ABEE588C5865A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredCashConsiderationNegotiated" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredCashConsiderationNegotiated_521392C8EF1C1935C720BEE588C54955" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BF978E92F4C1C3DEBFB7BEE588C4B408" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredCashConsiderationNegotiated_521392C8EF1C1935C720BEE588C54955" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuable_EE639390E20C52BCF635BEE588C52087" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BF978E92F4C1C3DEBFB7BEE588C4B408" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuable_EE639390E20C52BCF635BEE588C52087" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued_ABC1FAE00F08CDEC295DBEE588C6DFCE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BF978E92F4C1C3DEBFB7BEE588C4B408" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued_ABC1FAE00F08CDEC295DBEE588C6DFCE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredNetWorkingCapitalAdjustment" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredNetWorkingCapitalAdjustment_406DC90B10BDFFD5AF85BEE588C6A4D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BF978E92F4C1C3DEBFB7BEE588C4B408" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredNetWorkingCapitalAdjustment_406DC90B10BDFFD5AF85BEE588C6A4D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelease" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelease_A278E965A3084EA8F7E3BEE588C614DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BF978E92F4C1C3DEBFB7BEE588C4B408" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelease_A278E965A3084EA8F7E3BEE588C614DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability_520F16F0FC281DC704AFBEE588C5FD01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BF978E92F4C1C3DEBFB7BEE588C4B408" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability_520F16F0FC281DC704AFBEE588C5FD01" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationDeferredPeriod" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationDeferredPeriod_084D69BE869966E6B0DEBEE588C8026B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BF978E92F4C1C3DEBFB7BEE588C4B408" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationDeferredPeriod_084D69BE869966E6B0DEBEE588C8026B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsProFormaDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentLineItems_5AECA9ADEB4A7EA0961CBFBE3B7B3422" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentsTable_56EC5EEEABF4D47BC11DBFBE3B7A99FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentLineItems_5AECA9ADEB4A7EA0961CBFBE3B7B3422" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentsTable_56EC5EEEABF4D47BC11DBFBE3B7A99FC" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentAxis_C211932A33BE412E1BCFBFBE3B7A4C93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentsTable_56EC5EEEABF4D47BC11DBFBE3B7A99FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentAxis_C211932A33BE412E1BCFBFBE3B7A4C93" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentDomain_7B91C16519F65CA48E61BFBE3B7B249C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentAxis_C211932A33BE412E1BCFBFBE3B7A4C93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentDomain_7B91C16519F65CA48E61BFBE3B7B249C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentDomain_7B91C16519F65CA48E61BFBE3B7B249C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentAxis_C211932A33BE412E1BCFBFBE3B7A4C93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentDomain_7B91C16519F65CA48E61BFBE3B7B249C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AcquisitionRelatedCostsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AcquisitionRelatedCostsMember_51FF1E3194014951A910BFBE3B7B27DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentDomain_7B91C16519F65CA48E61BFBE3B7B249C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AcquisitionRelatedCostsMember_51FF1E3194014951A910BFBE3B7B27DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_05DF8CB5526DA6169EACBFBE3B7C54F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentLineItems_5AECA9ADEB4A7EA0961CBFBE3B7B3422" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_05DF8CB5526DA6169EACBFBE3B7C54F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue_E7BFD14F2E2D40526B57BFBE3B7C3806" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentLineItems_5AECA9ADEB4A7EA0961CBFBE3B7B3422" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue_E7BFD14F2E2D40526B57BFBE3B7C3806" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaNetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaNetIncomeLoss_D641D3A4183781332786BFBE3B7C6481" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentLineItems_5AECA9ADEB4A7EA0961CBFBE3B7B3422" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaNetIncomeLoss_D641D3A4183781332786BFBE3B7C6481" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareBasic_0217CEA895C6969B1E2CBFBE3B7C76ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentLineItems_5AECA9ADEB4A7EA0961CBFBE3B7B3422" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareBasic_0217CEA895C6969B1E2CBFBE3B7C76ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareDiluted_A07007C159C89C5A8249BFBE3B7CB94F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentLineItems_5AECA9ADEB4A7EA0961CBFBE3B7B3422" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareDiluted_A07007C159C89C5A8249BFBE3B7CB94F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/BalanceSheetDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/BalanceSheetDetailsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/BalanceSheetDetailsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesFutureMinimumLeasePaymentsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_FD7F5054A622E5AFA316E5D9FA62626F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_8AFCD9E87EAA4AE30348E5D9FA6097F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_FD7F5054A622E5AFA316E5D9FA62626F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_8AFCD9E87EAA4AE30348E5D9FA6097F7" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_B511AD4C84090061D217E5D9FA601009" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_8AFCD9E87EAA4AE30348E5D9FA6097F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_B511AD4C84090061D217E5D9FA601009" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_40869F255C86416D1330E5D9FA602754_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_B511AD4C84090061D217E5D9FA601009" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_40869F255C86416D1330E5D9FA602754_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_40869F255C86416D1330E5D9FA602754" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_B511AD4C84090061D217E5D9FA601009" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_40869F255C86416D1330E5D9FA602754" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_7AD9F6142737ADDD26A4E5D9FA611BC2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_40869F255C86416D1330E5D9FA602754" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_7AD9F6142737ADDD26A4E5D9FA611BC2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_2F4D9C6EBC4ABA6C2C24E5D9FA6178E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_40869F255C86416D1330E5D9FA602754" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_2F4D9C6EBC4ABA6C2C24E5D9FA6178E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_5F15285FC95A921C4712E5D9FA617133" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_40869F255C86416D1330E5D9FA602754" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_5F15285FC95A921C4712E5D9FA617133" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_D2404E6B82A93A2C8E6EE5D9FA615431" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_40869F255C86416D1330E5D9FA602754" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_D2404E6B82A93A2C8E6EE5D9FA615431" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_6D64EA26598CCA84DF08E5D9FA62142B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_40869F255C86416D1330E5D9FA602754" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_6D64EA26598CCA84DF08E5D9FA62142B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_E7EEC88D41C923FF72A1E5D9FA62D2C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_FD7F5054A622E5AFA316E5D9FA62626F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_E7EEC88D41C923FF72A1E5D9FA62D2C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_1B5763F72A0F527C9DCAE5D9FA6375DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_E7EEC88D41C923FF72A1E5D9FA62D2C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_1B5763F72A0F527C9DCAE5D9FA6375DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_2B4251BAA196B40427A9E5D9FA6341B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_E7EEC88D41C923FF72A1E5D9FA62D2C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_2B4251BAA196B40427A9E5D9FA6341B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_D76CF6022744573C8C0BE5D9FA63EACC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_E7EEC88D41C923FF72A1E5D9FA62D2C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_D76CF6022744573C8C0BE5D9FA63EACC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation_8A5B4337F0E10E592590E5D9FA63D507" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_E7EEC88D41C923FF72A1E5D9FA62D2C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation_8A5B4337F0E10E592590E5D9FA63D507" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation_4630D3302BE23A713779E5D9FA63E705" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_E7EEC88D41C923FF72A1E5D9FA62D2C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation_4630D3302BE23A713779E5D9FA63E705" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_A876D0B04EAF99C45F45E5D9FA6456D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_E7EEC88D41C923FF72A1E5D9FA62D2C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_A876D0B04EAF99C45F45E5D9FA6456D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_80268626FB5CD9C202CEE5D9FA64D9A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_E7EEC88D41C923FF72A1E5D9FA62D2C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_80268626FB5CD9C202CEE5D9FA64D9A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_EC8C0F41D79F7358AD23E5D9FA647B25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_E7EEC88D41C923FF72A1E5D9FA62D2C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_EC8C0F41D79F7358AD23E5D9FA647B25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_495E86D6546756183D75E5D9FA647918" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_E7EEC88D41C923FF72A1E5D9FA62D2C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_495E86D6546756183D75E5D9FA647918" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_0337388AF69D190CBA58E5D9FA6448F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_E7EEC88D41C923FF72A1E5D9FA62D2C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_0337388AF69D190CBA58E5D9FA6448F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOnRetainedEarningsNetOfTax1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOnRetainedEarningsNetOfTax1_34D36C43448F38F1D660E5D9FA6465BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_E7EEC88D41C923FF72A1E5D9FA62D2C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOnRetainedEarningsNetOfTax1_34D36C43448F38F1D660E5D9FA6465BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax_4E129E3F0A27618CC9D3E5D9FA6563C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_E7EEC88D41C923FF72A1E5D9FA62D2C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax_4E129E3F0A27618CC9D3E5D9FA6563C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossAfterReclassificationAndTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossAfterReclassificationAndTax_F7B23FAA5FA2A2918952E5D9FA65E598" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_E7EEC88D41C923FF72A1E5D9FA62D2C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossAfterReclassificationAndTax_F7B23FAA5FA2A2918952E5D9FA65E598" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders_1390E54C83517354048BE5D9FA656024" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_E7EEC88D41C923FF72A1E5D9FA62D2C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders_1390E54C83517354048BE5D9FA656024" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_3D47A66512C2CCF74567E5D9FA65A8E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_E7EEC88D41C923FF72A1E5D9FA62D2C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_3D47A66512C2CCF74567E5D9FA65A8E9" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/Debt" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/Debt2016SeniorCreditFacilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_C42BAEE910F8A8C80EFB34B41FCD198C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_E6E002C2410CF69CBC7B34B41FC7EFBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_C42BAEE910F8A8C80EFB34B41FCD198C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_E6E002C2410CF69CBC7B34B41FC7EFBC" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsAxis" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsAxis_D0719DF1BFFEF93331F934B41FC73E53" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_E6E002C2410CF69CBC7B34B41FC7EFBC" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsAxis_D0719DF1BFFEF93331F934B41FC73E53" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain_5E09FC0436BDD560A6C434B41FC7C894_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsAxis_D0719DF1BFFEF93331F934B41FC73E53" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain_5E09FC0436BDD560A6C434B41FC7C894_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain_5E09FC0436BDD560A6C434B41FC7C894" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsAxis_D0719DF1BFFEF93331F934B41FC73E53" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain_5E09FC0436BDD560A6C434B41FC7C894" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_CovenantTerm3Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_CovenantTerm3Member_B3CD59884969A3E0B28C34B41FC7D357" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain_5E09FC0436BDD560A6C434B41FC7C894" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_CovenantTerm3Member_B3CD59884969A3E0B28C34B41FC7D357" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_EFA3944E4BFCCF57375C34B41FC8419E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_E6E002C2410CF69CBC7B34B41FC7EFBC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_EFA3944E4BFCCF57375C34B41FC8419E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_156165786810D0E8682634B41FC820BA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_EFA3944E4BFCCF57375C34B41FC8419E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_156165786810D0E8682634B41FC820BA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_156165786810D0E8682634B41FC820BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_EFA3944E4BFCCF57375C34B41FC8419E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_156165786810D0E8682634B41FC820BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_6234F93F8C0CEE0362F634B41FC89B60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_156165786810D0E8682634B41FC820BA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_6234F93F8C0CEE0362F634B41FC89B60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_0EB1E4BFFD03E329526B34B41FC9C4D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_E6E002C2410CF69CBC7B34B41FC7EFBC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_0EB1E4BFFD03E329526B34B41FC9C4D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_7FC9BE518D6A04371E0334B41FC95B89_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_0EB1E4BFFD03E329526B34B41FC9C4D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_7FC9BE518D6A04371E0334B41FC95B89_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_7FC9BE518D6A04371E0334B41FC95B89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_0EB1E4BFFD03E329526B34B41FC9C4D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_7FC9BE518D6A04371E0334B41FC95B89" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorDebtObligationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorDebtObligationsMember_4954951A1E3F32D5AC0334B41FC9FA28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_7FC9BE518D6A04371E0334B41FC95B89" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorDebtObligationsMember_4954951A1E3F32D5AC0334B41FC9FA28" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubordinatedDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubordinatedDebtMember_96025F84B14750ED77A934B41FC93A17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_7FC9BE518D6A04371E0334B41FC95B89" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubordinatedDebtMember_96025F84B14750ED77A934B41FC93A17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_TermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_A9C4BCBF3244FE513A3634B41FC93C06" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_7FC9BE518D6A04371E0334B41FC95B89" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_A9C4BCBF3244FE513A3634B41FC93C06" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_39CBD225D808BE832F9934B41FCA1AEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_E6E002C2410CF69CBC7B34B41FC7EFBC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_39CBD225D808BE832F9934B41FCA1AEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_86125404C8959C391E9234B41FCAC3D6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_39CBD225D808BE832F9934B41FCA1AEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_86125404C8959C391E9234B41FCAC3D6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_86125404C8959C391E9234B41FCAC3D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_39CBD225D808BE832F9934B41FCA1AEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_86125404C8959C391E9234B41FCAC3D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_CreditAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_CreditAgreementMember_ED9A4A6632F4EBEB34ED34B41FCA8D17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_86125404C8959C391E9234B41FCAC3D6" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_CreditAgreementMember_ED9A4A6632F4EBEB34ED34B41FCA8D17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_SecondLienTermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SecondLienTermLoanMember_F805D847E0503F69D11834B41FCA6098" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_86125404C8959C391E9234B41FCAC3D6" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SecondLienTermLoanMember_F805D847E0503F69D11834B41FCA6098" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_IncrementalTermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_IncrementalTermLoanMember_5BEE32B3B3CC559A836734B41FCBF7BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_86125404C8959C391E9234B41FCAC3D6" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_IncrementalTermLoanMember_5BEE32B3B3CC559A836734B41FCBF7BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_92EFBED7D610F965D4F334B41FCB04BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_E6E002C2410CF69CBC7B34B41FC7EFBC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_92EFBED7D610F965D4F334B41FCB04BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_90005BF1D1A77D7B62D334B41FCBE222_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_92EFBED7D610F965D4F334B41FCB04BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_90005BF1D1A77D7B62D334B41FCBE222_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_90005BF1D1A77D7B62D334B41FCBE222" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_92EFBED7D610F965D4F334B41FCB04BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_90005BF1D1A77D7B62D334B41FCBE222" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EurodollarMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EurodollarMember_414BE44022303CB3065B34B41FCB269E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_90005BF1D1A77D7B62D334B41FCBE222" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EurodollarMember_414BE44022303CB3065B34B41FCB269E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_16EF7FA93A8E0675453734C7B4A92552" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_90005BF1D1A77D7B62D334B41FCBE222" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_16EF7FA93A8E0675453734C7B4A92552" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BaseRateMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BaseRateMember_B01861F3CE276AE5398634B41FCBCF01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_90005BF1D1A77D7B62D334B41FCBE222" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BaseRateMember_B01861F3CE276AE5398634B41FCBCF01" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_B1F3B4FB7BB2AE7B850734B41FCC5094" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_E6E002C2410CF69CBC7B34B41FC7EFBC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_B1F3B4FB7BB2AE7B850734B41FCC5094" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_2610401DB1EA6567608134B41FCCB721_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_B1F3B4FB7BB2AE7B850734B41FCC5094" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_2610401DB1EA6567608134B41FCCB721_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_2610401DB1EA6567608134B41FCCB721" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_B1F3B4FB7BB2AE7B850734B41FCC5094" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_2610401DB1EA6567608134B41FCCB721" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_FirstEightInstallmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FirstEightInstallmentsMember_4A0EC82DF68BCD9F9F0D34B41FCC283F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_2610401DB1EA6567608134B41FCCB721" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_FirstEightInstallmentsMember_4A0EC82DF68BCD9F9F0D34B41FCC283F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_RemainingInstallmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_RemainingInstallmentsMember_98CA9BD7BC0B83388ADD34B41FCC3EA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_2610401DB1EA6567608134B41FCCB721" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_RemainingInstallmentsMember_98CA9BD7BC0B83388ADD34B41FCC3EA3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_AA71F9B3D75590C57BCD34B41FCDE9A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_C42BAEE910F8A8C80EFB34B41FCD198C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_AA71F9B3D75590C57BCD34B41FCDE9A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilitySubFacilityForSwinglineLoans" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilitySubFacilityForSwinglineLoans_1874CEEADEC36421A9E834B41FCD622B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_C42BAEE910F8A8C80EFB34B41FCD198C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilitySubFacilityForSwinglineLoans_1874CEEADEC36421A9E834B41FCD622B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilitySubLimitForLettersOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilitySubLimitForLettersOfCredit_51F14C9C8FB597FCB57634B41FCDABE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_C42BAEE910F8A8C80EFB34B41FCD198C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilitySubLimitForLettersOfCredit_51F14C9C8FB597FCB57634B41FCDABE4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_DebtInstrumentPrepaymentPenalty" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtInstrumentPrepaymentPenalty_E6B52F88358F39062F4034B41FCD8A9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_C42BAEE910F8A8C80EFB34B41FCD198C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtInstrumentPrepaymentPenalty_E6B52F88358F39062F4034B41FCD8A9B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_D0B822A851408225CD9B34B41FCD1C7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_C42BAEE910F8A8C80EFB34B41FCD198C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_D0B822A851408225CD9B34B41FCD1C7D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_354AA50453EC5C3E769734B41FCEAA5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_C42BAEE910F8A8C80EFB34B41FCD198C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_354AA50453EC5C3E769734B41FCEAA5D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage_C277D1BAFAE7DE2C411334B41FCEF6B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_C42BAEE910F8A8C80EFB34B41FCD198C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage_C277D1BAFAE7DE2C411334B41FCEF6B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_FD2839CAAD55C64FF63734B41FCE2167" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_C42BAEE910F8A8C80EFB34B41FCD198C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_FD2839CAAD55C64FF63734B41FCE2167" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentPercentageOfPrincipal" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentPercentageOfPrincipal_21222DBF65825AD446D934CA8E6E17D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_C42BAEE910F8A8C80EFB34B41FCD198C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentPercentageOfPrincipal_21222DBF65825AD446D934CA8E6E17D2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DebtAmendmentAndRestatementOfSeniorCreditFacilityDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D0E90AC3C6EFB7D2475635089A239D14" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_1E4A2C25EA4EA998D04835089A1C1119" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D0E90AC3C6EFB7D2475635089A239D14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_1E4A2C25EA4EA998D04835089A1C1119" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_D3D7AAC236B4DAA3480D35089A1C9829" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_1E4A2C25EA4EA998D04835089A1C1119" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_D3D7AAC236B4DAA3480D35089A1C9829" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_45E1D2A4067B0218A77C35089A1DF9CC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_D3D7AAC236B4DAA3480D35089A1C9829" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_45E1D2A4067B0218A77C35089A1DF9CC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_45E1D2A4067B0218A77C35089A1DF9CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_D3D7AAC236B4DAA3480D35089A1C9829" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_45E1D2A4067B0218A77C35089A1DF9CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_BE1200CEF42D8764F74C35089A1D058D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_45E1D2A4067B0218A77C35089A1DF9CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_BE1200CEF42D8764F74C35089A1D058D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_D837A62F2659C50BE0EA35089A1DBAA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_1E4A2C25EA4EA998D04835089A1C1119" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_D837A62F2659C50BE0EA35089A1DBAA9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_79968B3D6978B704B3D035089A1D05BD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_D837A62F2659C50BE0EA35089A1DBAA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_79968B3D6978B704B3D035089A1D05BD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_79968B3D6978B704B3D035089A1D05BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_D837A62F2659C50BE0EA35089A1DBAA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_79968B3D6978B704B3D035089A1D05BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_TermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_0BCBB1B943FBE1D938AE35089A1E6276" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_79968B3D6978B704B3D035089A1D05BD" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_0BCBB1B943FBE1D938AE35089A1E6276" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_3AB2C3E357687B20EF0A35089A1E4348" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_79968B3D6978B704B3D035089A1D05BD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_3AB2C3E357687B20EF0A35089A1E4348" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_88AAB2C209F30F6F032335089A1F6E28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_1E4A2C25EA4EA998D04835089A1C1119" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_88AAB2C209F30F6F032335089A1F6E28" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_5C835C614CEC9FB7723735089A1F09C8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_88AAB2C209F30F6F032335089A1F6E28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_5C835C614CEC9FB7723735089A1F09C8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_5C835C614CEC9FB7723735089A1F09C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_88AAB2C209F30F6F032335089A1F6E28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_5C835C614CEC9FB7723735089A1F09C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_AmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_AmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember_EED31CA2E094F15977A235089A1F7A36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_5C835C614CEC9FB7723735089A1F09C8" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_AmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember_EED31CA2E094F15977A235089A1F7A36" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_FirstAmendmentAmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FirstAmendmentAmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember_BC220341A79A01221CA935089A20BC1D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_5C835C614CEC9FB7723735089A1F09C8" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_FirstAmendmentAmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember_BC220341A79A01221CA935089A20BC1D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_F82885AFA5BE0CB7115535089A2059E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_1E4A2C25EA4EA998D04835089A1C1119" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_F82885AFA5BE0CB7115535089A2059E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_BCB196A2E8E718BD4D9135089A20B33A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_F82885AFA5BE0CB7115535089A2059E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_BCB196A2E8E718BD4D9135089A20B33A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_BCB196A2E8E718BD4D9135089A20B33A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_F82885AFA5BE0CB7115535089A2059E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_BCB196A2E8E718BD4D9135089A20B33A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_AE5B55A0292BA3045E3435089A21A444" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_BCB196A2E8E718BD4D9135089A20B33A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_AE5B55A0292BA3045E3435089A21A444" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_B0B423DF13FE78C0C70135089A2165F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_1E4A2C25EA4EA998D04835089A1C1119" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_B0B423DF13FE78C0C70135089A2165F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_FF5CFBCAD7E0BF8689EA35089A216D13_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_B0B423DF13FE78C0C70135089A2165F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_FF5CFBCAD7E0BF8689EA35089A216D13_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_FF5CFBCAD7E0BF8689EA35089A216D13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_B0B423DF13FE78C0C70135089A2165F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_FF5CFBCAD7E0BF8689EA35089A216D13" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_FiscalQuartersEndingSeptember302018throughJune302019Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FiscalQuartersEndingSeptember302018throughJune302019Member_F4D51E3398C2B6D3C09B35089A2124FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_FF5CFBCAD7E0BF8689EA35089A216D13" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_FiscalQuartersEndingSeptember302018throughJune302019Member_F4D51E3398C2B6D3C09B35089A2124FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_FiscalQuarterEndingSeptember302019Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FiscalQuarterEndingSeptember302019Member_95DE328DC5CF4565214435089A227293" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_FF5CFBCAD7E0BF8689EA35089A216D13" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_FiscalQuarterEndingSeptember302019Member_95DE328DC5CF4565214435089A227293" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_FiscalQuarterEndingDecember312019Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FiscalQuarterEndingDecember312019Member_9FB098F7FE0FC4F44DE635089A228924" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_FF5CFBCAD7E0BF8689EA35089A216D13" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_FiscalQuarterEndingDecember312019Member_9FB098F7FE0FC4F44DE635089A228924" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_EachFiscalQuarterEndingThereafterMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_EachFiscalQuarterEndingThereafterMember_BAC2BAF7926BA0880ADB35089A22EFE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_FF5CFBCAD7E0BF8689EA35089A216D13" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_EachFiscalQuarterEndingThereafterMember_BAC2BAF7926BA0880ADB35089A22EFE4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_B30E679F1103568D03A935089A225EE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_1E4A2C25EA4EA998D04835089A1C1119" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_B30E679F1103568D03A935089A225EE1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_2D8954F7CD039552883B35089A22E5E0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_B30E679F1103568D03A935089A225EE1" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_2D8954F7CD039552883B35089A22E5E0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_2D8954F7CD039552883B35089A22E5E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_B30E679F1103568D03A935089A225EE1" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_2D8954F7CD039552883B35089A22E5E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_54773BD17617FB033DE135089A23465C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_2D8954F7CD039552883B35089A22E5E0" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_54773BD17617FB033DE135089A23465C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_62018AE7BE1954A4CA3B35089A23E870" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_2D8954F7CD039552883B35089A22E5E0" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_62018AE7BE1954A4CA3B35089A23E870" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_6C99C3B202F3A0EB255535089A2398AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D0E90AC3C6EFB7D2475635089A239D14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_6C99C3B202F3A0EB255535089A2398AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_DAD6E37C11719FD6D6D935089A249E84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D0E90AC3C6EFB7D2475635089A239D14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_DAD6E37C11719FD6D6D935089A249E84" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilitySubFacilityForSwinglineLoans" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilitySubFacilityForSwinglineLoans_FCB58A3D558AD70BC0E835089A24D472" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D0E90AC3C6EFB7D2475635089A239D14" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilitySubFacilityForSwinglineLoans_FCB58A3D558AD70BC0E835089A24D472" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilitySubLimitForLettersOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilitySubLimitForLettersOfCredit_9085848EE517B81E8B3935089A24FAB1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D0E90AC3C6EFB7D2475635089A239D14" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilitySubLimitForLettersOfCredit_9085848EE517B81E8B3935089A24FAB1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_1C3236DEB278A27E4E3F35089A246EE3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D0E90AC3C6EFB7D2475635089A239D14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_1C3236DEB278A27E4E3F35089A246EE3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilityAdditionalCapacity" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilityAdditionalCapacity_F6BBA4DFFE4F4DB18D3E35089A248AB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D0E90AC3C6EFB7D2475635089A239D14" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilityAdditionalCapacity_F6BBA4DFFE4F4DB18D3E35089A248AB0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_PaymentForDebtPrepayment" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PaymentForDebtPrepayment_FC7F1B054DDAE68CCFE735089A25EEFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D0E90AC3C6EFB7D2475635089A239D14" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PaymentForDebtPrepayment_FC7F1B054DDAE68CCFE735089A25EEFE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_8F304FF6A591A580A73235089A25E4B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D0E90AC3C6EFB7D2475635089A239D14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_8F304FF6A591A580A73235089A25E4B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_DebtInstrumentInterestRateIncreaseDecreaseinEventofDefault" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtInstrumentInterestRateIncreaseDecreaseinEventofDefault_4A741529F571D72D909135089A25CDD2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D0E90AC3C6EFB7D2475635089A239D14" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtInstrumentInterestRateIncreaseDecreaseinEventofDefault_4A741529F571D72D909135089A25CDD2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage_20E0E5F42F60A8372E2835089A255833" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D0E90AC3C6EFB7D2475635089A239D14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage_20E0E5F42F60A8372E2835089A255833" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_NumberofFinancialCovenants" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_NumberofFinancialCovenants_3154F9CD8F85BB640C8135089A25A7FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D0E90AC3C6EFB7D2475635089A239D14" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_NumberofFinancialCovenants_3154F9CD8F85BB640C8135089A25A7FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_DebtCovenantConsolidatedFixedChargeCoverageRatio" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantConsolidatedFixedChargeCoverageRatio_37DBEE0C7421AD64EE5F35089A252FC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D0E90AC3C6EFB7D2475635089A239D14" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantConsolidatedFixedChargeCoverageRatio_37DBEE0C7421AD64EE5F35089A252FC1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_DebtCovenantConsolidatedTotalLeverageRatio" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantConsolidatedTotalLeverageRatio_286FAAEB145F7417AEC335089A261BFF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D0E90AC3C6EFB7D2475635089A239D14" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantConsolidatedTotalLeverageRatio_286FAAEB145F7417AEC335089A261BFF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_945E7317013984965E9135089A26D24E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D0E90AC3C6EFB7D2475635089A239D14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_945E7317013984965E9135089A26D24E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_518027FBF8BA3C8E27DD35089A26DE7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D0E90AC3C6EFB7D2475635089A239D14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_518027FBF8BA3C8E27DD35089A26DE7A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DebtConsolidatedNetLeverageRatioDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5E2C6D4BC59175FB6E4734B41FD9685B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_07C4FE4251E43D99732E34B41FD51C20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5E2C6D4BC59175FB6E4734B41FD9685B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_07C4FE4251E43D99732E34B41FD51C20" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsAxis" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsAxis_7FED8203A6F466B37DBC34B41FD55199" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_07C4FE4251E43D99732E34B41FD51C20" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsAxis_7FED8203A6F466B37DBC34B41FD55199" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain_3ECE0738BE6CBD1C517D34B41FD5E851_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsAxis_7FED8203A6F466B37DBC34B41FD55199" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain_3ECE0738BE6CBD1C517D34B41FD5E851_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain_3ECE0738BE6CBD1C517D34B41FD5E851" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsAxis_7FED8203A6F466B37DBC34B41FD55199" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain_3ECE0738BE6CBD1C517D34B41FD5E851" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_CovenantTerm1Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_CovenantTerm1Member_6B3DE6E357DA3E47FC2E34B41FD5FF3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain_3ECE0738BE6CBD1C517D34B41FD5E851" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_CovenantTerm1Member_6B3DE6E357DA3E47FC2E34B41FD5FF3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_CovenantTerm2Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_CovenantTerm2Member_FCDBFDDB6937180BBCB334B41FD6B003" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain_3ECE0738BE6CBD1C517D34B41FD5E851" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_CovenantTerm2Member_FCDBFDDB6937180BBCB334B41FD6B003" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_CovenantTerm3Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_CovenantTerm3Member_2093561EE8BA8E7B3C4C34B41FD6DD78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain_3ECE0738BE6CBD1C517D34B41FD5E851" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_CovenantTerm3Member_2093561EE8BA8E7B3C4C34B41FD6DD78" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_CovenantTerm4Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_CovenantTerm4Member_57F6F9414F5477E26CCF34B41FD6936F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain_3ECE0738BE6CBD1C517D34B41FD5E851" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_CovenantTerm4Member_57F6F9414F5477E26CCF34B41FD6936F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_CovenantTerm5Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_CovenantTerm5Member_D18EEB05451D0EF2820734B41FD612F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain_3ECE0738BE6CBD1C517D34B41FD5E851" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_CovenantTerm5Member_D18EEB05451D0EF2820734B41FD612F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_014C0050DB649D60E03534B41FD61912" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_07C4FE4251E43D99732E34B41FD51C20" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_014C0050DB649D60E03534B41FD61912" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_1393378B0FB0FCF4AF5334B41FD7523C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_014C0050DB649D60E03534B41FD61912" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_1393378B0FB0FCF4AF5334B41FD7523C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_1393378B0FB0FCF4AF5334B41FD7523C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_014C0050DB649D60E03534B41FD61912" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_1393378B0FB0FCF4AF5334B41FD7523C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_3C3F49562104C4C5914334B41FD7D49C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_1393378B0FB0FCF4AF5334B41FD7523C" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_3C3F49562104C4C5914334B41FD7D49C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_3EAC73BA64893CC132C734B41FD7815B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_1393378B0FB0FCF4AF5334B41FD7523C" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_3EAC73BA64893CC132C734B41FD7815B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_7A0D879A4C14DAE2F8D634B41FD702E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_07C4FE4251E43D99732E34B41FD51C20" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_7A0D879A4C14DAE2F8D634B41FD702E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0673BAF8CFD3D23F171634B41FD71210_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_7A0D879A4C14DAE2F8D634B41FD702E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0673BAF8CFD3D23F171634B41FD71210_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0673BAF8CFD3D23F171634B41FD71210" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_7A0D879A4C14DAE2F8D634B41FD702E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0673BAF8CFD3D23F171634B41FD71210" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_CreditAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_CreditAgreementMember_07D11B685695D72CBC7834B41FD85B29" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0673BAF8CFD3D23F171634B41FD71210" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_CreditAgreementMember_07D11B685695D72CBC7834B41FD85B29" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_8E1ACF15EE3F1B0BC15834B41FD88417" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_07C4FE4251E43D99732E34B41FD51C20" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_8E1ACF15EE3F1B0BC15834B41FD88417" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_BB14B28A25BC1710A3D534B41FD844D2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_8E1ACF15EE3F1B0BC15834B41FD88417" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_BB14B28A25BC1710A3D534B41FD844D2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_BB14B28A25BC1710A3D534B41FD844D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_8E1ACF15EE3F1B0BC15834B41FD88417" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_BB14B28A25BC1710A3D534B41FD844D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EurodollarMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EurodollarMember_651B6FC076740015C8BA34B41FD84BF7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_BB14B28A25BC1710A3D534B41FD844D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EurodollarMember_651B6FC076740015C8BA34B41FD84BF7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_F7609CCAF1D76A5A21A234B41FD92297" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_BB14B28A25BC1710A3D534B41FD844D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_F7609CCAF1D76A5A21A234B41FD92297" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_LetterofCreditFeeMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LetterofCreditFeeMember_22EBA246D7B381C98F7734C08920659C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_BB14B28A25BC1710A3D534B41FD844D2" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LetterofCreditFeeMember_22EBA246D7B381C98F7734C08920659C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BaseRateMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BaseRateMember_281217F7EB268F0B39E434B41FD91992" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_BB14B28A25BC1710A3D534B41FD844D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BaseRateMember_281217F7EB268F0B39E434B41FD91992" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_ConsolidatedNetLeverageRatio" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ConsolidatedNetLeverageRatio_FA7DA87EBF4A2EEA426034B41FD9DF61" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5E2C6D4BC59175FB6E4734B41FD9685B" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ConsolidatedNetLeverageRatio_FA7DA87EBF4A2EEA426034B41FD9DF61" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_703A92BB932C706C803534B41FD9591D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5E2C6D4BC59175FB6E4734B41FD9685B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_703A92BB932C706C803534B41FD9591D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage_5C6CB03453C942C4340334B41FDA534D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5E2C6D4BC59175FB6E4734B41FD9685B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage_5C6CB03453C942C4340334B41FDA534D" 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/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_048A66C0097C4DD3DF19BEE588316F98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_F7F44CF0733D3C0058E0BEE588302DAF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_048A66C0097C4DD3DF19BEE588316F98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_F7F44CF0733D3C0058E0BEE588302DAF" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_F9885255F700D105F28EBEE588305313" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_F7F44CF0733D3C0058E0BEE588302DAF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_F9885255F700D105F28EBEE588305313" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_DC1A2AA334726FE62A6EBEE588318E57_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_F9885255F700D105F28EBEE588305313" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_DC1A2AA334726FE62A6EBEE588318E57_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_DC1A2AA334726FE62A6EBEE588318E57" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_F9885255F700D105F28EBEE588305313" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_DC1A2AA334726FE62A6EBEE588318E57" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorDebtObligationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorDebtObligationsMember_D4C83C623C16C14FCA70BEE58831F8AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_DC1A2AA334726FE62A6EBEE588318E57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorDebtObligationsMember_D4C83C623C16C14FCA70BEE58831F8AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract_C309DC447ED2256CD5D7BEE58831899D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_048A66C0097C4DD3DF19BEE588316F98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract_C309DC447ED2256CD5D7BEE58831899D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths_1B759D6828E7A547128BBEE588324E98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract_C309DC447ED2256CD5D7BEE58831899D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths_1B759D6828E7A547128BBEE588324E98" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_943D5513AE60D8269CD6BEE5883280F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract_C309DC447ED2256CD5D7BEE58831899D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_943D5513AE60D8269CD6BEE5883280F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree_2DE22C00020AA0A2F37CBEE58832F394" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract_C309DC447ED2256CD5D7BEE58831899D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree_2DE22C00020AA0A2F37CBEE58832F394" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour_F9C65F004FDCB567CEB4BEE588321C11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract_C309DC447ED2256CD5D7BEE58831899D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour_F9C65F004FDCB567CEB4BEE588321C11" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive_D40788997D865F8011FBBEE588325066" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract_C309DC447ED2256CD5D7BEE58831899D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive_D40788997D865F8011FBBEE588325066" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_BE41C736F517EF474359BEE58833CD56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract_C309DC447ED2256CD5D7BEE58831899D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_BE41C736F517EF474359BEE58833CD56" 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/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_312D6E6EEA51F07DC6D4E5D9F8EB444A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_471F8EFB8A778CF709F2E5D9F8EA4CB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_312D6E6EEA51F07DC6D4E5D9F8EB444A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_471F8EFB8A778CF709F2E5D9F8EA4CB2" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_C9233D4778EEEACDAED5E5D9F8EA4770" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_471F8EFB8A778CF709F2E5D9F8EA4CB2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_C9233D4778EEEACDAED5E5D9F8EA4770" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_4C01413B79930FE412BFE5D9F8EA0FC0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_C9233D4778EEEACDAED5E5D9F8EA4770" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_4C01413B79930FE412BFE5D9F8EA0FC0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_4C01413B79930FE412BFE5D9F8EA0FC0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_C9233D4778EEEACDAED5E5D9F8EA4770" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_4C01413B79930FE412BFE5D9F8EA0FC0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorDebtObligationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorDebtObligationsMember_92AB4821727C5EE46718E5D9F8EB9678" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_4C01413B79930FE412BFE5D9F8EA0FC0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorDebtObligationsMember_92AB4821727C5EE46718E5D9F8EB9678" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_01B44DE0C81728C18C8DE5D9F8EB56B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_471F8EFB8A778CF709F2E5D9F8EA4CB2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_01B44DE0C81728C18C8DE5D9F8EB56B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8D66B09269AEB8FAC106E5D9F8EBE267_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_01B44DE0C81728C18C8DE5D9F8EB56B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8D66B09269AEB8FAC106E5D9F8EBE267_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8D66B09269AEB8FAC106E5D9F8EBE267" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_01B44DE0C81728C18C8DE5D9F8EB56B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8D66B09269AEB8FAC106E5D9F8EBE267" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_TermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_B67EE41204140476741AE5D9F8EB5E2C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_8D66B09269AEB8FAC106E5D9F8EBE267" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_B67EE41204140476741AE5D9F8EB5E2C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_67CFEECBEE1C6165D883E5D9F8EC58DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_312D6E6EEA51F07DC6D4E5D9F8EB444A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_67CFEECBEE1C6165D883E5D9F8EC58DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_0FA6D8305702AE808B5AE5D9F8F1021B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_312D6E6EEA51F07DC6D4E5D9F8EB444A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_0FA6D8305702AE808B5AE5D9F8F1021B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_9486E11D3ACECAC26833E5D9F8F184B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_312D6E6EEA51F07DC6D4E5D9F8EB444A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_9486E11D3ACECAC26833E5D9F8F184B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_8C8ADA051E36220C3501E5D9F8F1D2FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_312D6E6EEA51F07DC6D4E5D9F8EB444A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_8C8ADA051E36220C3501E5D9F8F1D2FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_D65841CA60BC5127F894E5D9F8F20791" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_312D6E6EEA51F07DC6D4E5D9F8EB444A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_D65841CA60BC5127F894E5D9F8F20791" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DebtPrivatePlacementOfConvertibleNotesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_FC8ED31A8EA1063A3C9FA9ED5BA0AD75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_6590E9CD5075E4798C75A9ED5B9C9462" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_FC8ED31A8EA1063A3C9FA9ED5BA0AD75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_6590E9CD5075E4798C75A9ED5B9C9462" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_F9E45A01A9B26BF81F2FA9ED5B9D57CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_6590E9CD5075E4798C75A9ED5B9C9462" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_F9E45A01A9B26BF81F2FA9ED5B9D57CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_61BC730A1640108E196DA9ED5B9DD8D5_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_F9E45A01A9B26BF81F2FA9ED5B9D57CB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_61BC730A1640108E196DA9ED5B9DD8D5_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_61BC730A1640108E196DA9ED5B9DD8D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_F9E45A01A9B26BF81F2FA9ED5B9D57CB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_61BC730A1640108E196DA9ED5B9DD8D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_A8ConvertibleNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_A8ConvertibleNotesMember_CF8D7654F4041C995EFCA9ED5B9DB223" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_61BC730A1640108E196DA9ED5B9DD8D5" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_A8ConvertibleNotesMember_CF8D7654F4041C995EFCA9ED5B9DB223" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_ConvertibleNoteDerivativeLiabilityMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ConvertibleNoteDerivativeLiabilityMember_33526F454745027D5A93A9ED5B9E5F02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_61BC730A1640108E196DA9ED5B9DD8D5" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ConvertibleNoteDerivativeLiabilityMember_33526F454745027D5A93A9ED5B9E5F02" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_F8D5DE3AF5FE9D70FD70A9ED5B9E959E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_6590E9CD5075E4798C75A9ED5B9C9462" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_F8D5DE3AF5FE9D70FD70A9ED5B9E959E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2D4AECD79D14CE56BD3CA9ED5B9ED6F9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_F8D5DE3AF5FE9D70FD70A9ED5B9E959E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2D4AECD79D14CE56BD3CA9ED5B9ED6F9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2D4AECD79D14CE56BD3CA9ED5B9ED6F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_F8D5DE3AF5FE9D70FD70A9ED5B9E959E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2D4AECD79D14CE56BD3CA9ED5B9ED6F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_AB79BB405BA23E20343CA9ED5B9EC5D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2D4AECD79D14CE56BD3CA9ED5B9ED6F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_AB79BB405BA23E20343CA9ED5B9EC5D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_30999B7E0671F4873098A9ED5B9F4596" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_6590E9CD5075E4798C75A9ED5B9C9462" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_30999B7E0671F4873098A9ED5B9F4596" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_4C09C5B1FFB59D0E1B64A9ED5B9F1230_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_30999B7E0671F4873098A9ED5B9F4596" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_4C09C5B1FFB59D0E1B64A9ED5B9F1230_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_4C09C5B1FFB59D0E1B64A9ED5B9F1230" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_30999B7E0671F4873098A9ED5B9F4596" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_4C09C5B1FFB59D0E1B64A9ED5B9F1230" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember_44A0480E63389491ACEAA9ED5B9F8775" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_4C09C5B1FFB59D0E1B64A9ED5B9F1230" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember_44A0480E63389491ACEAA9ED5B9F8775" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_48F9153ACB78290BA4ABA9ED5BA03618" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_FC8ED31A8EA1063A3C9FA9ED5BA0AD75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_48F9153ACB78290BA4ABA9ED5BA03618" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1_CBCAAC48C58B62C51F15A9ED5BA02052" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_FC8ED31A8EA1063A3C9FA9ED5BA0AD75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1_CBCAAC48C58B62C51F15A9ED5BA02052" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_A6425CE903C88C874183A9ED5BA0DA7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_FC8ED31A8EA1063A3C9FA9ED5BA0AD75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_A6425CE903C88C874183A9ED5BA0DA7D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_PaymentsForDebtExtinguishmentCostsAndRepaymentOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PaymentsForDebtExtinguishmentCostsAndRepaymentOfLongTermDebt_469BEB6AA496485BADA9A9ED5BA04F83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_FC8ED31A8EA1063A3C9FA9ED5BA0AD75" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PaymentsForDebtExtinguishmentCostsAndRepaymentOfLongTermDebt_469BEB6AA496485BADA9A9ED5BA04F83" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_38557C861537A317483FA9ED5BA126A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_FC8ED31A8EA1063A3C9FA9ED5BA0AD75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_38557C861537A317483FA9ED5BA126A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts_742589BEC529009CD3BFA9ED5BA1B067" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_FC8ED31A8EA1063A3C9FA9ED5BA0AD75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts_742589BEC529009CD3BFA9ED5BA1B067" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtConversionOriginalDebtAmount1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtConversionOriginalDebtAmount1_BACEC9969C6C74988E7BA9ED5BA1F370" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_FC8ED31A8EA1063A3C9FA9ED5BA0AD75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtConversionOriginalDebtAmount1_BACEC9969C6C74988E7BA9ED5BA1F370" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_875CDE585FCCB5C74267A9ED5BA11824" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_FC8ED31A8EA1063A3C9FA9ED5BA0AD75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_875CDE585FCCB5C74267A9ED5BA11824" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentAmount1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentAmount1_A229B74DA33CF742864EA9ED5BA198E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_FC8ED31A8EA1063A3C9FA9ED5BA0AD75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentAmount1_A229B74DA33CF742864EA9ED5BA198E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1_3A6EBD95649D563106A5A9ED5BA2BA24" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_FC8ED31A8EA1063A3C9FA9ED5BA0AD75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1_3A6EBD95649D563106A5A9ED5BA2BA24" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleNumberOfEquityInstruments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleNumberOfEquityInstruments_C4544EE21BD4C879758FA9ED5BA2A58B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_FC8ED31A8EA1063A3C9FA9ED5BA0AD75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleNumberOfEquityInstruments_C4544EE21BD4C879758FA9ED5BA2A58B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdPeriodFollowingIssuanceDate" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdPeriodFollowingIssuanceDate_61E04043098953F97D5EA9ED5BA2AD34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_FC8ED31A8EA1063A3C9FA9ED5BA0AD75" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdPeriodFollowingIssuanceDate_61E04043098953F97D5EA9ED5BA2AD34" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdPercentageOfStockPriceTrigger" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdPercentageOfStockPriceTrigger_5BE0788F4BF90AB894FAA9ED5BA24AF4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_FC8ED31A8EA1063A3C9FA9ED5BA0AD75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdPercentageOfStockPriceTrigger_5BE0788F4BF90AB894FAA9ED5BA24AF4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdTradingDays" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdTradingDays_3F38AEDB9F383116145DA9ED5BA2E063" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_FC8ED31A8EA1063A3C9FA9ED5BA0AD75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdTradingDays_3F38AEDB9F383116145DA9ED5BA2E063" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdConsecutiveTradingDays1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdConsecutiveTradingDays1_CBBE9448F509FBFDA8A6A9ED5BA22170" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_FC8ED31A8EA1063A3C9FA9ED5BA0AD75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdConsecutiveTradingDays1_CBBE9448F509FBFDA8A6A9ED5BA22170" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_38AB1FC9F2FBF87D5BE9A9ED5BA240A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_FC8ED31A8EA1063A3C9FA9ED5BA0AD75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_38AB1FC9F2FBF87D5BE9A9ED5BA240A9" 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/Derivatives" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DerivativesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_77F711ABED83D2BC3CB230FF0D57CEFC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_8381E020EB1A5D26BF8830FF0D54A609" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_77F711ABED83D2BC3CB230FF0D57CEFC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_8381E020EB1A5D26BF8830FF0D54A609" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_197980AD999B26BA787830FF0D548CC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_8381E020EB1A5D26BF8830FF0D54A609" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_197980AD999B26BA787830FF0D548CC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_18D5BE717D2B8203199B30FF0D554A70_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_197980AD999B26BA787830FF0D548CC7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_18D5BE717D2B8203199B30FF0D554A70_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_18D5BE717D2B8203199B30FF0D554A70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_197980AD999B26BA787830FF0D548CC7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_18D5BE717D2B8203199B30FF0D554A70" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorDebtObligationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorDebtObligationsMember_81812F40B362C608027630FF0D55FF47" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_18D5BE717D2B8203199B30FF0D554A70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorDebtObligationsMember_81812F40B362C608027630FF0D55FF47" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_BF7D9DB510A9552924F330FF0D558A52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_8381E020EB1A5D26BF8830FF0D54A609" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_BF7D9DB510A9552924F330FF0D558A52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_A24409DCAE6C32ED08EE30FF0D568E93_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_BF7D9DB510A9552924F330FF0D558A52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_A24409DCAE6C32ED08EE30FF0D568E93_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_A24409DCAE6C32ED08EE30FF0D568E93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_BF7D9DB510A9552924F330FF0D558A52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_A24409DCAE6C32ED08EE30FF0D568E93" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_TermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_4BDD0A1D9746A12E804D30FF0D5658C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_A24409DCAE6C32ED08EE30FF0D568E93" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_4BDD0A1D9746A12E804D30FF0D5658C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_7AF9ACC8DE800158711F30FF0D562155" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_8381E020EB1A5D26BF8830FF0D54A609" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_7AF9ACC8DE800158711F30FF0D562155" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_C71B5BEE03D8F7058E9630FF0D56E65B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_7AF9ACC8DE800158711F30FF0D562155" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_C71B5BEE03D8F7058E9630FF0D56E65B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_C71B5BEE03D8F7058E9630FF0D56E65B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_7AF9ACC8DE800158711F30FF0D562155" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_C71B5BEE03D8F7058E9630FF0D56E65B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_B2FF82EFE5A61834B07F30FF0D577790" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_C71B5BEE03D8F7058E9630FF0D56E65B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_B2FF82EFE5A61834B07F30FF0D577790" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate_D199C82E7C8410B0A99330FF0D574144" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_77F711ABED83D2BC3CB230FF0D57CEFC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate_D199C82E7C8410B0A99330FF0D574144" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount" xlink:label="loc_invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount_794FA9DCBDCFDEF600AD30FF0D586EE5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_77F711ABED83D2BC3CB230FF0D57CEFC" xlink:to="loc_invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount_794FA9DCBDCFDEF600AD30FF0D586EE5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate_A5D28254DD4D6E6D610030FF0D59E140" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_77F711ABED83D2BC3CB230FF0D57CEFC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate_A5D28254DD4D6E6D610030FF0D59E140" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_861DC3F984AB14CDFD7631032A4001B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_77F711ABED83D2BC3CB230FF0D57CEFC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_861DC3F984AB14CDFD7631032A4001B6" 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/EarningsPerShareAntidilutiveSecuritiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_12D4FBC425A52F9BB9D0BFBE35C052D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_DA045CFF2760C4A66EEFBFBE35BF027C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_12D4FBC425A52F9BB9D0BFBE35C052D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_DA045CFF2760C4A66EEFBFBE35BF027C" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_CCD0D1240137708647EBBFBE35BF78F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_DA045CFF2760C4A66EEFBFBE35BF027C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_CCD0D1240137708647EBBFBE35BF78F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_3F856765AF81B770C8D2BFBE35C06266_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_CCD0D1240137708647EBBFBE35BF78F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_3F856765AF81B770C8D2BFBE35C06266_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_3F856765AF81B770C8D2BFBE35C06266" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_CCD0D1240137708647EBBFBE35BF78F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_3F856765AF81B770C8D2BFBE35C06266" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_ConvertibleNotesandSharebasedPaymentAwardsMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ConvertibleNotesandSharebasedPaymentAwardsMember_66999F2CB83E78AF52FABFBE35C0B3E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_3F856765AF81B770C8D2BFBE35C06266" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ConvertibleNotesandSharebasedPaymentAwardsMember_66999F2CB83E78AF52FABFBE35C0B3E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_D9872B061963E1D1A40CBFBE35C10E08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_12D4FBC425A52F9BB9D0BFBE35C052D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_D9872B061963E1D1A40CBFBE35C10E08" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <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/EmployeeBenefitPlans" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansNarrativeDetails" 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/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_91DD950B3C6F336CBACC30FF0D247204" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_33C3D4AD9810C540418030FF0D20BE1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_91DD950B3C6F336CBACC30FF0D247204" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_33C3D4AD9810C540418030FF0D20BE1B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_5B128A797E4F35309C3830FF0D21A94E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_33C3D4AD9810C540418030FF0D20BE1B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_5B128A797E4F35309C3830FF0D21A94E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_5FF4B15FC8B8A0E0FCAE30FF0D21ACEF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_5B128A797E4F35309C3830FF0D21A94E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_5FF4B15FC8B8A0E0FCAE30FF0D21ACEF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_5FF4B15FC8B8A0E0FCAE30FF0D21ACEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_5B128A797E4F35309C3830FF0D21A94E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_5FF4B15FC8B8A0E0FCAE30FF0D21ACEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_2C751D1DA69F79CF0D4630FF0D21F77F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_5FF4B15FC8B8A0E0FCAE30FF0D21ACEF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_2C751D1DA69F79CF0D4630FF0D21F77F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_F3BD160A23862192972930FF0D222C48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_33C3D4AD9810C540418030FF0D20BE1B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_F3BD160A23862192972930FF0D222C48" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_F81D6C04264BEE2B370B30FF0D22BCCC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_F3BD160A23862192972930FF0D222C48" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_F81D6C04264BEE2B370B30FF0D22BCCC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_F81D6C04264BEE2B370B30FF0D22BCCC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_F3BD160A23862192972930FF0D222C48" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_F81D6C04264BEE2B370B30FF0D22BCCC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_DeferredCompensationMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DeferredCompensationMember_47EF6889BE795F40E1ED30FF0D2246C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_F81D6C04264BEE2B370B30FF0D22BCCC" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DeferredCompensationMember_47EF6889BE795F40E1ED30FF0D2246C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_37DC46558FB52DFD1ABB30FF0D23017D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_33C3D4AD9810C540418030FF0D20BE1B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_37DC46558FB52DFD1ABB30FF0D23017D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_AE2460608F023D8A6C6030FF0D235B9B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_37DC46558FB52DFD1ABB30FF0D23017D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_AE2460608F023D8A6C6030FF0D235B9B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_AE2460608F023D8A6C6030FF0D235B9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_37DC46558FB52DFD1ABB30FF0D23017D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_AE2460608F023D8A6C6030FF0D235B9B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_E2D4B9620C8E56E7B1A230FF0D23339E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_AE2460608F023D8A6C6030FF0D235B9B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_E2D4B9620C8E56E7B1A230FF0D23339E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_349EEDBF81ED116797C030FF0D23BEB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_AE2460608F023D8A6C6030FF0D235B9B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_349EEDBF81ED116797C030FF0D23BEB0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_48DF17535EB5A5F1E3C830FF0D24C519" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_AE2460608F023D8A6C6030FF0D235B9B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_48DF17535EB5A5F1E3C830FF0D24C519" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisObligations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisObligations_9BFD1AE717F207192BA030FF0D240239" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_91DD950B3C6F336CBACC30FF0D247204" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisObligations_9BFD1AE717F207192BA030FF0D240239" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_B16F9178458540C8774231040DACC742" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_91DD950B3C6F336CBACC30FF0D247204" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_B16F9178458540C8774231040DACC742" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability_29DBC381B301C84E2A2630FF0D259D6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_91DD950B3C6F336CBACC30FF0D247204" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability_29DBC381B301C84E2A2630FF0D259D6A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFinancialInstrumentsThatWereNotMeasuredAtFairValueDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems_1F71A0C4493945992FD6BF9D19ADCF6C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable_21E65E6F4E48462F5798BF9D19A48B79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems_1F71A0C4493945992FD6BF9D19ADCF6C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable_21E65E6F4E48462F5798BF9D19A48B79" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_DB9CA78F28B8E78088D5BF9D19A4240C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable_21E65E6F4E48462F5798BF9D19A48B79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_DB9CA78F28B8E78088D5BF9D19A4240C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_34531F4CBD08D9AA9EE6BF9D19A5AC03_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_DB9CA78F28B8E78088D5BF9D19A4240C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_34531F4CBD08D9AA9EE6BF9D19A5AC03_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_34531F4CBD08D9AA9EE6BF9D19A5AC03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_DB9CA78F28B8E78088D5BF9D19A4240C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_34531F4CBD08D9AA9EE6BF9D19A5AC03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_TermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_E3537D1487D0D6F2C18DBF9D19A5BD45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_34531F4CBD08D9AA9EE6BF9D19A5AC03" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_E3537D1487D0D6F2C18DBF9D19A5BD45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_22EA532DEA15D4DBFCC2BF9D19A5F1B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable_21E65E6F4E48462F5798BF9D19A48B79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_22EA532DEA15D4DBFCC2BF9D19A5F1B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_520B4B42D386B6BD5F6DBF9D19A6A668_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_22EA532DEA15D4DBFCC2BF9D19A5F1B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_520B4B42D386B6BD5F6DBF9D19A6A668_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_520B4B42D386B6BD5F6DBF9D19A6A668" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_22EA532DEA15D4DBFCC2BF9D19A5F1B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_520B4B42D386B6BD5F6DBF9D19A6A668" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_4B266DF977D6C5D45A9DBF9D19A6B164" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_520B4B42D386B6BD5F6DBF9D19A6A668" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_4B266DF977D6C5D45A9DBF9D19A6B164" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_D34951E7A6FA4189EC4FBF9D19A68B7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable_21E65E6F4E48462F5798BF9D19A48B79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_D34951E7A6FA4189EC4FBF9D19A68B7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_94AC285369A86978801DBF9D19ACC798_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_D34951E7A6FA4189EC4FBF9D19A68B7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_94AC285369A86978801DBF9D19ACC798_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_7FAAFF65F554B4CA55E9BF9D19A68A2C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_D34951E7A6FA4189EC4FBF9D19A68B7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_7FAAFF65F554B4CA55E9BF9D19A68A2C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_94AC285369A86978801DBF9D19ACC798" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_7FAAFF65F554B4CA55E9BF9D19A68A2C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_94AC285369A86978801DBF9D19ACC798" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_C40FECBD0B61AD7E759CBF9D19AC9E0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_7FAAFF65F554B4CA55E9BF9D19A68A2C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_C40FECBD0B61AD7E759CBF9D19AC9E0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_86AAD3C29210EFDAE33FBF9D19AC5007" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_7FAAFF65F554B4CA55E9BF9D19A68A2C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_86AAD3C29210EFDAE33FBF9D19AC5007" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_C6623C664FC35E0E8282BF9D19AD26CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems_1F71A0C4493945992FD6BF9D19ADCF6C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_C6623C664FC35E0E8282BF9D19AD26CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue_15F78ED200BE668E968EBF9D19AD6A91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems_1F71A0C4493945992FD6BF9D19ADCF6C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue_15F78ED200BE668E968EBF9D19AD6A91" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_1BF4E5BA132888134194A9ED5DAC9D60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_39A33E82C2C0FF76E69AA9ED5DAB40EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_1BF4E5BA132888134194A9ED5DAC9D60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_39A33E82C2C0FF76E69AA9ED5DAB40EA" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_94D48AABD5A015EE7F04A9ED5DABE744" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_39A33E82C2C0FF76E69AA9ED5DAB40EA" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_94D48AABD5A015EE7F04A9ED5DABE744" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_2AEA0D6FB96228BE8DD3A9ED5DAC91F8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_94D48AABD5A015EE7F04A9ED5DABE744" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_2AEA0D6FB96228BE8DD3A9ED5DAC91F8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_2AEA0D6FB96228BE8DD3A9ED5DAC91F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_94D48AABD5A015EE7F04A9ED5DABE744" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_2AEA0D6FB96228BE8DD3A9ED5DAC91F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_8F9232E9FF5E92707B61A9ED5DAC8374" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_2AEA0D6FB96228BE8DD3A9ED5DAC91F8" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_8F9232E9FF5E92707B61A9ED5DAC8374" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_A9A3C0EA77DB0787DC70A9ED5DACC656" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_2AEA0D6FB96228BE8DD3A9ED5DAC91F8" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_A9A3C0EA77DB0787DC70A9ED5DACC656" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_ThresholdPeriodPastDueforPaymentofServicesProvided" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ThresholdPeriodPastDueforPaymentofServicesProvided_AB93BD18A2E4DFB00512A9ED5DACBFED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_1BF4E5BA132888134194A9ED5DAC9D60" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ThresholdPeriodPastDueforPaymentofServicesProvided_AB93BD18A2E4DFB00512A9ED5DACBFED" 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/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_6393899E1C4839BF5F9BBF9D19C404D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_2F188CF9968B64B06E11BF9D19BD6979" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_6393899E1C4839BF5F9BBF9D19C404D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_2F188CF9968B64B06E11BF9D19BD6979" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_CDD121C1FAEC53CD47B7BF9D19BD1837" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_2F188CF9968B64B06E11BF9D19BD6979" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_CDD121C1FAEC53CD47B7BF9D19BD1837" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_AC5C86E4DA40E5FE3D0DBF9D19C2E08B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_CDD121C1FAEC53CD47B7BF9D19BD1837" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_AC5C86E4DA40E5FE3D0DBF9D19C2E08B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_AC5C86E4DA40E5FE3D0DBF9D19C2E08B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_CDD121C1FAEC53CD47B7BF9D19BD1837" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_AC5C86E4DA40E5FE3D0DBF9D19C2E08B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_ContingentConsiderationLiabilityMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ContingentConsiderationLiabilityMember_B5A7CF1D99286B76BA93BF9D19C3161A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_AC5C86E4DA40E5FE3D0DBF9D19C2E08B" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ContingentConsiderationLiabilityMember_B5A7CF1D99286B76BA93BF9D19C3161A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember_1838A966B95914E8EF82BF9D19C3436B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_AC5C86E4DA40E5FE3D0DBF9D19C2E08B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember_1838A966B95914E8EF82BF9D19C3436B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_2810F2A9005ADCCCF365BF9D19C4CCE9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_6393899E1C4839BF5F9BBF9D19C404D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_2810F2A9005ADCCCF365BF9D19C4CCE9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue_6958E29D835ED1E7C884BF9D19C4BAE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_2810F2A9005ADCCCF365BF9D19C4CCE9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue_6958E29D835ED1E7C884BF9D19C4BAE4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements_0B31011B180250B4A8DCBF9D19C4324D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_2810F2A9005ADCCCF365BF9D19C4CCE9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements_0B31011B180250B4A8DCBF9D19C4324D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_FairValueMeasurementwithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityAccretionExpense" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FairValueMeasurementwithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityAccretionExpense_1DA7CCEB438FD1C03878BF9D19C55DCE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_2810F2A9005ADCCCF365BF9D19C4CCE9" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_FairValueMeasurementwithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityAccretionExpense_1DA7CCEB438FD1C03878BF9D19C55DCE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings_A284D0078E3FBE59F2C2BF9D19C5E64E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_2810F2A9005ADCCCF365BF9D19C4CCE9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings_A284D0078E3FBE59F2C2BF9D19C5E64E" 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-20181231.xsd#ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_FA2F8551718088222766A9ED5B89EE25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_549CD1F80CA65252DA35A9ED5B87FD3B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_FA2F8551718088222766A9ED5B89EE25" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_549CD1F80CA65252DA35A9ED5B87FD3B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_CFFF6713F1186A39D2A5A9ED5B875F4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_549CD1F80CA65252DA35A9ED5B87FD3B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_CFFF6713F1186A39D2A5A9ED5B875F4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_B9BFBD77ECEB02DCE3B6A9ED5B88C9D7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_CFFF6713F1186A39D2A5A9ED5B875F4F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_B9BFBD77ECEB02DCE3B6A9ED5B88C9D7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_B9BFBD77ECEB02DCE3B6A9ED5B88C9D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_CFFF6713F1186A39D2A5A9ED5B875F4F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_B9BFBD77ECEB02DCE3B6A9ED5B88C9D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DatabasesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DatabasesMember_1F674203A5A9CC7C6D5FA9ED5B88C69E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_B9BFBD77ECEB02DCE3B6A9ED5B88C9D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DatabasesMember_1F674203A5A9CC7C6D5FA9ED5B88C69E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_3C268BFF24E379CF2967A9ED5B8971EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_B9BFBD77ECEB02DCE3B6A9ED5B88C9D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_3C268BFF24E379CF2967A9ED5B8971EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember_77FFF04A30D634E6AB8DA9ED5B8953E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_B9BFBD77ECEB02DCE3B6A9ED5B88C9D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember_77FFF04A30D634E6AB8DA9ED5B8953E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_E235A0A335AF536CA2C6A9ED5B894827" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_B9BFBD77ECEB02DCE3B6A9ED5B88C9D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_E235A0A335AF536CA2C6A9ED5B894827" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_B3FA0030BCA8A7D5AA32A9ED5B897392" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_FA2F8551718088222766A9ED5B89EE25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_B3FA0030BCA8A7D5AA32A9ED5B897392" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_1F9A0A467AC30D72CD53A9ED5B8A4FEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_FA2F8551718088222766A9ED5B89EE25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_1F9A0A467AC30D72CD53A9ED5B8A4FEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_B032D05BD0EAB9A3B5A0A9ED5B8A4C14" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_FA2F8551718088222766A9ED5B89EE25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_B032D05BD0EAB9A3B5A0A9ED5B8A4C14" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedTradeNames" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedTradeNames_22E7FBEABD9104315F30A9ED5B8A8594" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_FA2F8551718088222766A9ED5B89EE25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedTradeNames_22E7FBEABD9104315F30A9ED5B8A8594" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_AAEBE805503480440A1CA9ED5B8A5C57" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_FA2F8551718088222766A9ED5B89EE25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_AAEBE805503480440A1CA9ED5B8A5C57" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsChangesInCarryingAmountOfGoodwillBySegmentDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_40B125BC489E3C13EC3330ACE37D09A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_E6AD3A47D56F1DE1F99730ACE37B31C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_40B125BC489E3C13EC3330ACE37D09A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_E6AD3A47D56F1DE1F99730ACE37B31C4" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_CB363164EB787D0F6E0030ACE37B6756" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_E6AD3A47D56F1DE1F99730ACE37B31C4" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_CB363164EB787D0F6E0030ACE37B6756" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_B847FA925715C2F6434030ACE37BE43A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_CB363164EB787D0F6E0030ACE37B6756" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_B847FA925715C2F6434030ACE37BE43A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_B847FA925715C2F6434030ACE37BE43A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_CB363164EB787D0F6E0030ACE37B6756" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_B847FA925715C2F6434030ACE37BE43A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_70A8990AFBC24FFBE2B830ACE37C6ED3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_B847FA925715C2F6434030ACE37BE43A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_70A8990AFBC24FFBE2B830ACE37C6ED3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_131295AC3AFF9815115830ACE37C2290" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_E6AD3A47D56F1DE1F99730ACE37B31C4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_131295AC3AFF9815115830ACE37C2290" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_AED9B7C8216605AB90CC30ACE37C553C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_131295AC3AFF9815115830ACE37C2290" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_AED9B7C8216605AB90CC30ACE37C553C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_AED9B7C8216605AB90CC30ACE37C553C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_131295AC3AFF9815115830ACE37C2290" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_AED9B7C8216605AB90CC30ACE37C553C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_B16BB003BFDEECBC1F5130ACE37C7475" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_AED9B7C8216605AB90CC30ACE37C553C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_B16BB003BFDEECBC1F5130ACE37C7475" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember_2AFE11D5387B9753C67230ACE37DE0D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_AED9B7C8216605AB90CC30ACE37C553C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember_2AFE11D5387B9753C67230ACE37DE0D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_OtherHumanCapitalManagementServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_OtherHumanCapitalManagementServicesMember_28025D8F37EA79A9F8C630ACE37DE81B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_AED9B7C8216605AB90CC30ACE37C553C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_OtherHumanCapitalManagementServicesMember_28025D8F37EA79A9F8C630ACE37DE81B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_3D1138149EF408FB382030ACE37DE59D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_40B125BC489E3C13EC3330ACE37D09A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_3D1138149EF408FB382030ACE37DE59D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_92197561222413669B8230ACE37DB333" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_3D1138149EF408FB382030ACE37DE59D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_92197561222413669B8230ACE37DB333" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_GoodwillWriteOffRelatedToSaleOfBusiness" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_GoodwillWriteOffRelatedToSaleOfBusiness_F1B2E7CAF1AB1819FE3830ACE6812C94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_3D1138149EF408FB382030ACE37DE59D" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_GoodwillWriteOffRelatedToSaleOfBusiness_F1B2E7CAF1AB1819FE3830ACE6812C94" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss_8A9F5FEDE693EE098D1630ACE37E4C79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_3D1138149EF408FB382030ACE37DE59D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss_8A9F5FEDE693EE098D1630ACE37E4C79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillGross_E129D9FDF76A3903F56930ACE37E58EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_3D1138149EF408FB382030ACE37DE59D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillGross_E129D9FDF76A3903F56930ACE37E58EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillTranslationAndPurchaseAccountingAdjustmentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillTranslationAndPurchaseAccountingAdjustmentsAbstract_AF690B90829F9D03E80B30ACE37E4B04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_3D1138149EF408FB382030ACE37DE59D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillTranslationAndPurchaseAccountingAdjustmentsAbstract_AF690B90829F9D03E80B30ACE37E4B04" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod_5AF1DA530C32903D709730ACE37E8A46" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillTranslationAndPurchaseAccountingAdjustmentsAbstract_AF690B90829F9D03E80B30ACE37E4B04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod_5AF1DA530C32903D709730ACE37E8A46" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_3FC172AE2312BEB7E88F30ACE37F8BD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillTranslationAndPurchaseAccountingAdjustmentsAbstract_AF690B90829F9D03E80B30ACE37E4B04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_3FC172AE2312BEB7E88F30ACE37F8BD1" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsEstimatedAnnualAmortizationExpenseDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems_7EFE39981B0BA7BFD733FE54478B5817" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTable" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTable_0487FF99ECE815B1B420FE54478493C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems_7EFE39981B0BA7BFD733FE54478B5817" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTable_0487FF99ECE815B1B420FE54478493C3" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis_C3F693B3BA9217023DE7FE5447853E3B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTable_0487FF99ECE815B1B420FE54478493C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis_C3F693B3BA9217023DE7FE5447853E3B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_D19F7F2ECB145D10CA2FFE544785F6C0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis_C3F693B3BA9217023DE7FE5447853E3B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_D19F7F2ECB145D10CA2FFE544785F6C0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_D19F7F2ECB145D10CA2FFE544785F6C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis_C3F693B3BA9217023DE7FE5447853E3B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_D19F7F2ECB145D10CA2FFE544785F6C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputDiscountRateMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputDiscountRateMember_91AB8B2BD69B616F3E94FE5447866A10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_D19F7F2ECB145D10CA2FFE544785F6C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputDiscountRateMember_91AB8B2BD69B616F3E94FE5447866A10" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_3479D8FBDFA89220C34FFE544786BAD6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTable_0487FF99ECE815B1B420FE54478493C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_3479D8FBDFA89220C34FFE544786BAD6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_28232624FC3A7318E36FFE54478691FD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_3479D8FBDFA89220C34FFE544786BAD6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_28232624FC3A7318E36FFE54478691FD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_28232624FC3A7318E36FFE54478691FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_3479D8FBDFA89220C34FFE544786BAD6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_28232624FC3A7318E36FFE54478691FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_A9193B21A588C0531D03FE54478795E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_28232624FC3A7318E36FFE54478691FD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_A9193B21A588C0531D03FE54478795E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_417747656F626BDE5CBAFE5447875547" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTable_0487FF99ECE815B1B420FE54478493C3" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_417747656F626BDE5CBAFE5447875547" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_55D7DF46768034CE5764FE5447877FD5_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_417747656F626BDE5CBAFE5447875547" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_55D7DF46768034CE5764FE5447877FD5_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_55D7DF46768034CE5764FE5447877FD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_417747656F626BDE5CBAFE5447875547" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_55D7DF46768034CE5764FE5447877FD5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_15B60C39029200048CBCFE5447879122" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_55D7DF46768034CE5764FE5447877FD5" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_15B60C39029200048CBCFE5447879122" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_E4E98EC444C5ADA14CC0FE544788B140" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_55D7DF46768034CE5764FE5447877FD5" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_E4E98EC444C5ADA14CC0FE544788B140" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis_7C9EF8B0C54075B54798FE5447880519" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTable_0487FF99ECE815B1B420FE54478493C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis_7C9EF8B0C54075B54798FE5447880519" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_0D3D0284D9112858A54FFE544788AAC4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis_7C9EF8B0C54075B54798FE5447880519" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_0D3D0284D9112858A54FFE544788AAC4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_0D3D0284D9112858A54FFE544788AAC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis_7C9EF8B0C54075B54798FE5447880519" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_0D3D0284D9112858A54FFE544788AAC4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember_270CE1749F0E27BF0E93FE544788DA51" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_0D3D0284D9112858A54FFE544788AAC4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeApproachValuationTechniqueMember_270CE1749F0E27BF0E93FE544788DA51" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_IncomeandMarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_IncomeandMarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember_5BA584BE2A46273F3C50FE54478988F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_0D3D0284D9112858A54FFE544788AAC4" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_IncomeandMarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember_5BA584BE2A46273F3C50FE54478988F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember_CE9622FD66C2E831DEEBFE54478920C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_0D3D0284D9112858A54FFE544788AAC4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketApproachValuationTechniqueMember_CE9622FD66C2E831DEEBFE54478920C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_88BD69294911F1B2E99BFE544789B985" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTable_0487FF99ECE815B1B420FE54478493C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_88BD69294911F1B2E99BFE544789B985" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_181E00DD881CFEAA0190FE5447892223_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_88BD69294911F1B2E99BFE544789B985" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_181E00DD881CFEAA0190FE5447892223_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_181E00DD881CFEAA0190FE5447892223" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_88BD69294911F1B2E99BFE544789B985" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_181E00DD881CFEAA0190FE5447892223" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_C73411E770062F541D50FE56CEC82C79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_181E00DD881CFEAA0190FE5447892223" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_C73411E770062F541D50FE56CEC82C79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_94196A0584FB39F80B74FE544789959B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_181E00DD881CFEAA0190FE5447892223" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_94196A0584FB39F80B74FE544789959B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_42FC4565ED81D9719DB9FE54478AE618" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTable_0487FF99ECE815B1B420FE54478493C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_42FC4565ED81D9719DB9FE54478AE618" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_CCEC0D2BC07BE54AFEA2FE54478A5C9D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_42FC4565ED81D9719DB9FE54478AE618" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_CCEC0D2BC07BE54AFEA2FE54478A5C9D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_CCEC0D2BC07BE54AFEA2FE54478A5C9D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_42FC4565ED81D9719DB9FE54478AE618" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_CCEC0D2BC07BE54AFEA2FE54478A5C9D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember_43125113B0C054C899A1FE54478A1018" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_CCEC0D2BC07BE54AFEA2FE54478A5C9D" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember_43125113B0C054C899A1FE54478A1018" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_SearchReportingUnitMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SearchReportingUnitMember_5A13766FC1507D42F3E6FE54478B0E6D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_CCEC0D2BC07BE54AFEA2FE54478A5C9D" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SearchReportingUnitMember_5A13766FC1507D42F3E6FE54478B0E6D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_EF04C13D872553946EF8FE54478B7D30" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_CCEC0D2BC07BE54AFEA2FE54478A5C9D" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_EF04C13D872553946EF8FE54478B7D30" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill_B8D62E277066C79E90EAFE54478BB69B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems_7EFE39981B0BA7BFD733FE54478B5817" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill_B8D62E277066C79E90EAFE54478BB69B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_60AEA0D78209645D20BDFE54478B69C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems_7EFE39981B0BA7BFD733FE54478B5817" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_60AEA0D78209645D20BDFE54478B69C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_6CFD1955180171D7952AFE56CE8FC4F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems_7EFE39981B0BA7BFD733FE54478B5817" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_6CFD1955180171D7952AFE56CE8FC4F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_CEAE649E8D53E682A012FE5793166658" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems_7EFE39981B0BA7BFD733FE54478B5817" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_CEAE649E8D53E682A012FE5793166658" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_A7D2F12FC62C4C645E7BFE55AAC329F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems_7EFE39981B0BA7BFD733FE54478B5817" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_A7D2F12FC62C4C645E7BFE55AAC329F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_E914D3F6D3488B21ABDEFE54478C6602" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems_7EFE39981B0BA7BFD733FE54478B5817" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_E914D3F6D3488B21ABDEFE54478C6602" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsFinitelived" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsFinitelived_4107E253B5BE56B9AAEBFE54478CA62B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems_7EFE39981B0BA7BFD733FE54478B5817" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsFinitelived_4107E253B5BE56B9AAEBFE54478CA62B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_GoodwillImpairmentTestMeasurementInput" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_GoodwillImpairmentTestMeasurementInput_0377B3100B2FBC6B54D0FE54478CC360" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems_7EFE39981B0BA7BFD733FE54478B5817" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_GoodwillImpairmentTestMeasurementInput_0377B3100B2FBC6B54D0FE54478CC360" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_FairValueInputsTerminalValueGrowthRate" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FairValueInputsTerminalValueGrowthRate_FF103376D7B267B03AEEFE54478DBBD3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems_7EFE39981B0BA7BFD733FE54478B5817" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_FairValueInputsTerminalValueGrowthRate_FF103376D7B267B03AEEFE54478DBBD3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_FairValueInputsForecastPeriod" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FairValueInputsForecastPeriod_BB95DF802E72DD2F43FCFE54478D29A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems_7EFE39981B0BA7BFD733FE54478B5817" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_FairValueInputsForecastPeriod_BB95DF802E72DD2F43FCFE54478D29A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_FairValueInputsRatioofTotalEnterpriseValuebyEBITDA" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FairValueInputsRatioofTotalEnterpriseValuebyEBITDA_ACA39544752994547362FE54478D9001" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems_7EFE39981B0BA7BFD733FE54478B5817" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_FairValueInputsRatioofTotalEnterpriseValuebyEBITDA_ACA39544752994547362FE54478D9001" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_FairValueInputsWeightingApplied" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FairValueInputsWeightingApplied_A5F8E25EF2FA43A34E16FE54478DFCDE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems_7EFE39981B0BA7BFD733FE54478B5817" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_FairValueInputsWeightingApplied_A5F8E25EF2FA43A34E16FE54478DFCDE" 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/IncomeTaxesComponentsOfIncomeLossBeforeIncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxesComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_66D9A6FE8C2A29131DC335FFFC21FF9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable_36F1C614E39853B1125E35FFFC188868" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_66D9A6FE8C2A29131DC335FFFC21FF9C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable_36F1C614E39853B1125E35FFFC188868" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceByDeferredTaxAssetAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceByDeferredTaxAssetAxis_A518DD9C52F7A5E31B2935FFFC19EC51" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable_36F1C614E39853B1125E35FFFC188868" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceByDeferredTaxAssetAxis_A518DD9C52F7A5E31B2935FFFC19EC51" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetDomain_32CA6BB8750DDB937F7235FFFC198B87_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceByDeferredTaxAssetAxis_A518DD9C52F7A5E31B2935FFFC19EC51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetDomain_32CA6BB8750DDB937F7235FFFC198B87_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetDomain_32CA6BB8750DDB937F7235FFFC198B87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceByDeferredTaxAssetAxis_A518DD9C52F7A5E31B2935FFFC19EC51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetDomain_32CA6BB8750DDB937F7235FFFC198B87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_NetOperatingLossesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_NetOperatingLossesMember_521CA41689988C9936ED35FFFC196CF7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetDomain_32CA6BB8750DDB937F7235FFFC198B87" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_NetOperatingLossesMember_521CA41689988C9936ED35FFFC196CF7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_OtherNetDeferredTaxAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_OtherNetDeferredTaxAssetsMember_8EEEDB0EF71C2108DEA335FFFC1AB270" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetDomain_32CA6BB8750DDB937F7235FFFC198B87" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_OtherNetDeferredTaxAssetsMember_8EEEDB0EF71C2108DEA335FFFC1AB270" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_78AF7F6394544C7402D235FFFC1AA133" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable_36F1C614E39853B1125E35FFFC188868" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_78AF7F6394544C7402D235FFFC1AA133" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_DE923BCB57711102E01E35FFFC1A4054_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_78AF7F6394544C7402D235FFFC1AA133" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_DE923BCB57711102E01E35FFFC1A4054_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_DE923BCB57711102E01E35FFFC1A4054" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_78AF7F6394544C7402D235FFFC1AA133" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_DE923BCB57711102E01E35FFFC1A4054" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember_CF2032EE8C9011329BC235FFFC1B3BE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_DE923BCB57711102E01E35FFFC1A4054" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember_CF2032EE8C9011329BC235FFFC1B3BE1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember_30AB2878C2F2A927F59835FFFC1B7680" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_DE923BCB57711102E01E35FFFC1A4054" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember_30AB2878C2F2A927F59835FFFC1B7680" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_4D0FDFE6D6E184A25DC635FFFC1BF9FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable_36F1C614E39853B1125E35FFFC188868" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_4D0FDFE6D6E184A25DC635FFFC1BF9FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_DD616AF27D868117D8C335FFFC1BE795_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_4D0FDFE6D6E184A25DC635FFFC1BF9FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_DD616AF27D868117D8C335FFFC1BE795_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_DD616AF27D868117D8C335FFFC1BE795" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_4D0FDFE6D6E184A25DC635FFFC1BF9FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_DD616AF27D868117D8C335FFFC1BE795" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember_6986D2C2C47DD871166735FFFC1B0531" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_DD616AF27D868117D8C335FFFC1BE795" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember_6986D2C2C47DD871166735FFFC1B0531" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember_1F4112BE959BFCA5ADC635FFFC1C95EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_DD616AF27D868117D8C335FFFC1BE795" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember_1F4112BE959BFCA5ADC635FFFC1C95EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignCountryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCountryMember_43812BC8CD1BEDF9B9E335FFFC1C2879" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_DD616AF27D868117D8C335FFFC1BE795" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCountryMember_43812BC8CD1BEDF9B9E335FFFC1C2879" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInEnactedTaxRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInEnactedTaxRate_9D8875AD7790CA96313635FFFF7DCE69" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_66D9A6FE8C2A29131DC335FFFC21FF9C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInEnactedTaxRate_9D8875AD7790CA96313635FFFF7DCE69" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_TaxCutsandJobsActChangeinTaxRateDeferredTaxAssetIncomeTaxExpense" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TaxCutsandJobsActChangeinTaxRateDeferredTaxAssetIncomeTaxExpense_4885AC602397E2C5B34735FFFC222412" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_66D9A6FE8C2A29131DC335FFFC21FF9C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TaxCutsandJobsActChangeinTaxRateDeferredTaxAssetIncomeTaxExpense_4885AC602397E2C5B34735FFFC222412" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount_05DFA966D282EDD4E99635FFFC22CC42" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_66D9A6FE8C2A29131DC335FFFC21FF9C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount_05DFA966D282EDD4E99635FFFC22CC42" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_EC1EB7C2B8DA39C7DD3135FFFC22C1A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_66D9A6FE8C2A29131DC335FFFC21FF9C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_EC1EB7C2B8DA39C7DD3135FFFC22C1A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards_15367EEF7968F11A5FD035FFFC22D8B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_66D9A6FE8C2A29131DC335FFFC21FF9C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards_15367EEF7968F11A5FD035FFFC22D8B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesUndistributedForeignEarnings" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesUndistributedForeignEarnings_01F332021B0DC0AE20C135FFFC235E51" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_66D9A6FE8C2A29131DC335FFFC21FF9C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesUndistributedForeignEarnings_01F332021B0DC0AE20C135FFFC235E51" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_RepatriationOfForeignEarningsAmount" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_RepatriationOfForeignEarningsAmount_412250370787A6ECAA8835FFFC23B891" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_66D9A6FE8C2A29131DC335FFFC21FF9C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_RepatriationOfForeignEarningsAmount_412250370787A6ECAA8835FFFC23B891" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits_41AA348AF04108D519C635FFFC237135" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_66D9A6FE8C2A29131DC335FFFC21FF9C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits_41AA348AF04108D519C635FFFC237135" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate_097F219BD1EAB469D1BC35FFFC23DFC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_66D9A6FE8C2A29131DC335FFFC21FF9C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate_097F219BD1EAB469D1BC35FFFC23DFC6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsPeriodGrossIncreases" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsPeriodGrossIncreases_177E05B996DDA04299FD35FFFC236A77" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_66D9A6FE8C2A29131DC335FFFC21FF9C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsPeriodGrossIncreases_177E05B996DDA04299FD35FFFC236A77" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationPenaltiesAndInterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationPenaltiesAndInterestExpense_3CAB4154DE50D66C868535FFFC23FD66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_66D9A6FE8C2A29131DC335FFFC21FF9C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationPenaltiesAndInterestExpense_3CAB4154DE50D66C868535FFFC23FD66" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued_7CFAFDF2565B7B8DD92535FFFC24EAE3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_66D9A6FE8C2A29131DC335FFFC21FF9C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued_7CFAFDF2565B7B8DD92535FFFC24EAE3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxesReconciliationOfBeginningAndEndingBalanceOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxesReconciliationOfIncomeTaxComputedAtUSFederalStatutoryRateToIncomeTaxBenefitExpenseDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxesSignificantComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables" 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/PropertyAndEquipment" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/PropertyAndEquipmentDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_7E9B6AAE7119A162F61AA9ED5CED001E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_216FCEDF1075F93CEB33A9ED5CEA9598" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_7E9B6AAE7119A162F61AA9ED5CED001E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_216FCEDF1075F93CEB33A9ED5CEA9598" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_69FF39929408DDE5A79DA9ED5CEA5FA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_216FCEDF1075F93CEB33A9ED5CEA9598" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_69FF39929408DDE5A79DA9ED5CEA5FA3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_0F543D2ABE809C415E04A9ED5CEB6763_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_69FF39929408DDE5A79DA9ED5CEA5FA3" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_0F543D2ABE809C415E04A9ED5CEB6763_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_0F543D2ABE809C415E04A9ED5CEB6763" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_69FF39929408DDE5A79DA9ED5CEA5FA3" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_0F543D2ABE809C415E04A9ED5CEB6763" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_B58F2A3E7281FA83FD9DA9ED5CEB3CA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_0F543D2ABE809C415E04A9ED5CEB6763" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_B58F2A3E7281FA83FD9DA9ED5CEB3CA2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_353534A6C71ED9A3C709A9ED5CEBECA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_0F543D2ABE809C415E04A9ED5CEB6763" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_353534A6C71ED9A3C709A9ED5CEBECA0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_7C977E1B66AEC611CD59A9ED5CECBB31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_216FCEDF1075F93CEB33A9ED5CEA9598" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_7C977E1B66AEC611CD59A9ED5CECBB31" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_3A66082B48500F714B56A9ED5CEC375A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_7C977E1B66AEC611CD59A9ED5CECBB31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_3A66082B48500F714B56A9ED5CEC375A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_3A66082B48500F714B56A9ED5CEC375A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_7C977E1B66AEC611CD59A9ED5CECBB31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_3A66082B48500F714B56A9ED5CEC375A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComputerEquipmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComputerEquipmentMember_D7A1AC32C6C68C3E0709A9ED5CEC5B3B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_3A66082B48500F714B56A9ED5CEC375A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComputerEquipmentMember_D7A1AC32C6C68C3E0709A9ED5CEC5B3B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SoftwareAndSoftwareDevelopmentCostsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SoftwareAndSoftwareDevelopmentCostsMember_4116DC4D3EEED4B2539CA9ED5CEC997B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_3A66082B48500F714B56A9ED5CEC375A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SoftwareAndSoftwareDevelopmentCostsMember_4116DC4D3EEED4B2539CA9ED5CEC997B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OfficeEquipmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OfficeEquipmentMember_D2023C3888EEE03E710FA9ED5CEC06D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_3A66082B48500F714B56A9ED5CEC375A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OfficeEquipmentMember_D2023C3888EEE03E710FA9ED5CEC06D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember_07C6CC99106B71D94E87A9ED5CED0158" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_3A66082B48500F714B56A9ED5CEC375A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember_07C6CC99106B71D94E87A9ED5CED0158" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember_1CCE8432348C883588F8A9ED5CED64DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_3A66082B48500F714B56A9ED5CEC375A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember_1CCE8432348C883588F8A9ED5CED64DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_8B2442A4DAC6D34DC045A9ED5CED4B32" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_7E9B6AAE7119A162F61AA9ED5CED001E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_8B2442A4DAC6D34DC045A9ED5CED4B32" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_8D162D10E6F909D60FB6A9ED5CEE2DFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_7E9B6AAE7119A162F61AA9ED5CED001E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_8D162D10E6F909D60FB6A9ED5CEE2DFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_A6D56A2CFF99797A9367A9ED5CEE21AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_7E9B6AAE7119A162F61AA9ED5CED001E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_A6D56A2CFF99797A9367A9ED5CEE21AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_2A44EBDAAB91EF505460A9ED5CEE9E05" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_7E9B6AAE7119A162F61AA9ED5CED001E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_2A44EBDAAB91EF505460A9ED5CEE9E05" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/PropertyAndEquipmentTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnaudited" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_22041E9D0B0704FF0801360098A47214" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_0E6C0B36658B4247F529360098A38683" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_22041E9D0B0704FF0801360098A47214" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_0E6C0B36658B4247F529360098A38683" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_D90CFF64EFD6EE33811C360098A36141" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_0E6C0B36658B4247F529360098A38683" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_D90CFF64EFD6EE33811C360098A36141" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_3C81965B169345C5DA85360098A38033_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_D90CFF64EFD6EE33811C360098A36141" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_3C81965B169345C5DA85360098A38033_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_3C81965B169345C5DA85360098A38033" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_D90CFF64EFD6EE33811C360098A36141" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_3C81965B169345C5DA85360098A38033" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember_210B74BC859C59486F7B360098A441AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_3C81965B169345C5DA85360098A38033" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember_210B74BC859C59486F7B360098A441AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_EC17EAAC6223A53CE263360098A4E076" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_22041E9D0B0704FF0801360098A47214" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_EC17EAAC6223A53CE263360098A4E076" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_CAAFBF255DE2B89BD789360098A47F49" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_22041E9D0B0704FF0801360098A47214" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_CAAFBF255DE2B89BD789360098A47F49" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount_2E92845EB1F5CC488930360098A4A2BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_22041E9D0B0704FF0801360098A47214" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount_2E92845EB1F5CC488930360098A4A2BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInEnactedTaxRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInEnactedTaxRate_98581E6B750E62E50E8136011144AA93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_22041E9D0B0704FF0801360098A47214" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInEnactedTaxRate_98581E6B750E62E50E8136011144AA93" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_C2F8AEA9ACE22670EDCC360098A56E77" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_22041E9D0B0704FF0801360098A47214" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_C2F8AEA9ACE22670EDCC360098A56E77" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedTables" 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/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_66DC8C56DA12A272740C34B41EF024A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_7E4753C52DF19B5C0C6C34B41EEF45F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_66DC8C56DA12A272740C34B41EF024A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_7E4753C52DF19B5C0C6C34B41EEF45F4" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_0EC1AAD5FA3EDA04499834B41EEFBCDE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_7E4753C52DF19B5C0C6C34B41EEF45F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_0EC1AAD5FA3EDA04499834B41EEFBCDE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_75EA13373D190C346D3F34B41EEFD3EF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_0EC1AAD5FA3EDA04499834B41EEFBCDE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_75EA13373D190C346D3F34B41EEFD3EF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_75EA13373D190C346D3F34B41EEFD3EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_0EC1AAD5FA3EDA04499834B41EEFBCDE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_75EA13373D190C346D3F34B41EEFD3EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateJointVentureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateJointVentureMember_77C28428666F4792DF8734B41EF091E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_75EA13373D190C346D3F34B41EEFD3EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateJointVentureMember_77C28428666F4792DF8734B41EF091E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_AffiliatedEntityMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_AffiliatedEntityMember_28EED07B32EF93D7578634B41EF02F34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_75EA13373D190C346D3F34B41EEFD3EF" xlink:to="loc_srt_AffiliatedEntityMember_28EED07B32EF93D7578634B41EF02F34" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties_7BCDE1973A47D11148FA34B41EF032DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_66DC8C56DA12A272740C34B41EF024A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties_7BCDE1973A47D11148FA34B41EF032DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedParties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedParties_D654B8AD14C0EB1A029E34B41EF1E258" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_66DC8C56DA12A272740C34B41EF024A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedParties_D654B8AD14C0EB1A029E34B41EF1E258" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_JointVenturePercentOwnership" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_JointVenturePercentOwnership_B471BD3882822EB762D434B41EF1FCEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_66DC8C56DA12A272740C34B41EF024A2" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_JointVenturePercentOwnership_B471BD3882822EB762D434B41EF1FCEA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueFromJointVenturesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueFromJointVenturesCurrent_3F11E0319169CAFE928634B41EF171C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_66DC8C56DA12A272740C34B41EF024A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueFromJointVenturesCurrent_3F11E0319169CAFE928634B41EF171C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrent_70EDF106EE09C58FC21534B41EF1D416" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_66DC8C56DA12A272740C34B41EF024A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrent_70EDF106EE09C58FC21534B41EF1D416" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRent_52283F7D1962D0A95DEE34B41EF15BF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_66DC8C56DA12A272740C34B41EF024A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRent_52283F7D1962D0A95DEE34B41EF15BF8" 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/RevenueRecognitionDisaggregationOfRevenueDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_053BC5ED61E1055B3541BF32C8682637" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_EF61888D477DD890358CBF32C8657C8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_053BC5ED61E1055B3541BF32C8682637" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_EF61888D477DD890358CBF32C8657C8C" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_E8A16B97A8DCA8419B65BF32C8651260" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_EF61888D477DD890358CBF32C8657C8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_E8A16B97A8DCA8419B65BF32C8651260" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_A3B2229D6E79C394CC3DBF32C866CA0B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_E8A16B97A8DCA8419B65BF32C8651260" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_A3B2229D6E79C394CC3DBF32C866CA0B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_A3B2229D6E79C394CC3DBF32C866CA0B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_E8A16B97A8DCA8419B65BF32C8651260" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_A3B2229D6E79C394CC3DBF32C866CA0B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_FCF79F8736B03786C179BF32C8666D5B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_A3B2229D6E79C394CC3DBF32C866CA0B" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_FCF79F8736B03786C179BF32C8666D5B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember_FC47887E660446F3D00FBF32C8674FB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_A3B2229D6E79C394CC3DBF32C866CA0B" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember_FC47887E660446F3D00FBF32C8674FB8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_OtherHumanCapitalManagementServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_OtherHumanCapitalManagementServicesMember_E8858B748FB99DF82E63BF32C8671281" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_A3B2229D6E79C394CC3DBF32C866CA0B" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_OtherHumanCapitalManagementServicesMember_E8858B748FB99DF82E63BF32C8671281" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_1AF92FE9300A68452EC7BF32C867E5BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_EF61888D477DD890358CBF32C8657C8C" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_1AF92FE9300A68452EC7BF32C867E5BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_55254EB0A00FE742E527BF32C86716D7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_1AF92FE9300A68452EC7BF32C867E5BF" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_55254EB0A00FE742E527BF32C86716D7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_55254EB0A00FE742E527BF32C86716D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_1AF92FE9300A68452EC7BF32C867E5BF" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_55254EB0A00FE742E527BF32C86716D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_TemporaryStaffingServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TemporaryStaffingServicesMember_72729A42632BB883CCE8BF32C8683002" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_55254EB0A00FE742E527BF32C86716D7" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TemporaryStaffingServicesMember_72729A42632BB883CCE8BF32C8683002" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_OtherServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_OtherServicesMember_59FF82ECEBD82CBA09E4BF32C8689AC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_55254EB0A00FE742E527BF32C86716D7" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_OtherServicesMember_59FF82ECEBD82CBA09E4BF32C8689AC4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_735218D73B3945CABBDFBF32C868AC68" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_053BC5ED61E1055B3541BF32C8682637" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_735218D73B3945CABBDFBF32C868AC68" 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/ScheduleIiValuationAndQualifyingAccounts" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ScheduleIiValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="loc_srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems_62866BE3D7711A9E58BEBFBE357A305F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable" xlink:label="loc_srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable_A2AC308D994925E24FA5BFBE35791DC0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems_62866BE3D7711A9E58BEBFBE357A305F" xlink:to="loc_srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable_A2AC308D994925E24FA5BFBE35791DC0" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis_D7B155674A4C36723164BFBE35794956" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable_A2AC308D994925E24FA5BFBE35791DC0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis_D7B155674A4C36723164BFBE35794956" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_FA90B39EA85B31B53C35BFBE357A3474_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis_D7B155674A4C36723164BFBE35794956" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_FA90B39EA85B31B53C35BFBE357A3474_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_FA90B39EA85B31B53C35BFBE357A3474" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis_D7B155674A4C36723164BFBE35794956" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_FA90B39EA85B31B53C35BFBE357A3474" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForCreditLossMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForCreditLossMember_039121DCEEC97F9F915ABFBE357AA3F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_FA90B39EA85B31B53C35BFBE357A3474" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForCreditLossMember_039121DCEEC97F9F915ABFBE357AA3F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceOfDeferredTaxAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceOfDeferredTaxAssetsMember_02B40C49EF451F602982BFBE357A9B3A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_FA90B39EA85B31B53C35BFBE357A3474" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceOfDeferredTaxAssetsMember_02B40C49EF451F602982BFBE357A9B3A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward_A950CC49740E735A0A8EBFBE357A557D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems_62866BE3D7711A9E58BEBFBE357A305F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward_A950CC49740E735A0A8EBFBE357A557D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance_E4170606D4E2FBD6234CBFBE357B6F0F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward_A950CC49740E735A0A8EBFBE357A557D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance_E4170606D4E2FBD6234CBFBE357B6F0F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense_B871B2489CE9789BAC6ABFBE357B3C56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward_A950CC49740E735A0A8EBFBE357A557D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense_B871B2489CE9789BAC6ABFBE357B3C56" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions_5459009C1CCF8135A517BFBE357BEC52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward_A950CC49740E735A0A8EBFBE357A557D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions_5459009C1CCF8135A517BFBE357BEC52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesAdjustments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesAdjustments_104A3072AC80373B3213BFBE357BB10A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward_A950CC49740E735A0A8EBFBE357A557D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesAdjustments_104A3072AC80373B3213BFBE357BB10A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SegmentData" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SegmentDataAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SegmentDataOperatingSegmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_FCCEF8674FC5C9471499305E9931C202" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReconciliationOfOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable_9DC8C9D58F81AAC2EE8F305E992FCA41" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_FCCEF8674FC5C9471499305E9931C202" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable_9DC8C9D58F81AAC2EE8F305E992FCA41" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_726EF22DB2F7B9B6AF77305E992F7D7F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable_9DC8C9D58F81AAC2EE8F305E992FCA41" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_726EF22DB2F7B9B6AF77305E992F7D7F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_D627D8CAAD82F1EB6459305E992F44C9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_726EF22DB2F7B9B6AF77305E992F7D7F" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_D627D8CAAD82F1EB6459305E992F44C9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_D627D8CAAD82F1EB6459305E992F44C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_726EF22DB2F7B9B6AF77305E992F7D7F" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_D627D8CAAD82F1EB6459305E992F44C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_A0ACB6C771B13DBEE5E3305E9930D48A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_D627D8CAAD82F1EB6459305E992F44C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_A0ACB6C771B13DBEE5E3305E9930D48A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_C0965E09EC7B057C8F6F305E9930C7C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable_9DC8C9D58F81AAC2EE8F305E992FCA41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_C0965E09EC7B057C8F6F305E9930C7C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1C9795693EA8F25C6A27305E9930970F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_C0965E09EC7B057C8F6F305E9930C7C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1C9795693EA8F25C6A27305E9930970F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1C9795693EA8F25C6A27305E9930970F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_C0965E09EC7B057C8F6F305E9930C7C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1C9795693EA8F25C6A27305E9930970F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_D6777E8F1D0C303075B7305E99309568" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1C9795693EA8F25C6A27305E9930970F" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_D6777E8F1D0C303075B7305E99309568" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember_8AE7770AAC4C1869305D305E99312E6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1C9795693EA8F25C6A27305E9930970F" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember_8AE7770AAC4C1869305D305E99312E6A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_OtherHumanCapitalManagementServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_OtherHumanCapitalManagementServicesMember_A677670761DD5E5E6BC5305E99316CDF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1C9795693EA8F25C6A27305E9930970F" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_OtherHumanCapitalManagementServicesMember_A677670761DD5E5E6BC5305E99316CDF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_BE04C07334BC559ADB75305E9931EF32" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_FCCEF8674FC5C9471499305E9931C202" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_BE04C07334BC559ADB75305E9931EF32" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_OperatingIncomeLossBeforeDepreciationAmortizationAcquisitionandIntegrationCostContingentConsiderationRestructuringCostsImpairmentChargesAndCorporateExpenses" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_OperatingIncomeLossBeforeDepreciationAmortizationAcquisitionandIntegrationCostContingentConsiderationRestructuringCostsImpairmentChargesAndCorporateExpenses_8E62D7E3BB3D89BC295A305E99318577" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_FCCEF8674FC5C9471499305E9931C202" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_OperatingIncomeLossBeforeDepreciationAmortizationAcquisitionandIntegrationCostContingentConsiderationRestructuringCostsImpairmentChargesAndCorporateExpenses_8E62D7E3BB3D89BC295A305E99318577" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_SegmentReportingUnallocatedCorporateExpenses" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SegmentReportingUnallocatedCorporateExpenses_7915C5F8F9187E889D47305E9932B7EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_FCCEF8674FC5C9471499305E9931C202" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SegmentReportingUnallocatedCorporateExpenses_7915C5F8F9187E889D47305E9932B7EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_ADBF0BB5247C9EC44F7B305E99327192" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_FCCEF8674FC5C9471499305E9931C202" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_ADBF0BB5247C9EC44F7B305E99327192" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_C4C059BE424D6CE569CF305E9932CF7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_FCCEF8674FC5C9471499305E9931C202" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_C4C059BE424D6CE569CF305E9932CF7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsExpense" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsExpense_85255984B397EBF27850305E99320226" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_FCCEF8674FC5C9471499305E9931C202" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsExpense_85255984B397EBF27850305E99320226" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_A923DF94A74DEA37D2A6305E9932B32C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_FCCEF8674FC5C9471499305E9931C202" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_A923DF94A74DEA37D2A6305E9932B32C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_A29DD3EFF90C4D3121AA305E9932A4AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_FCCEF8674FC5C9471499305E9931C202" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_A29DD3EFF90C4D3121AA305E9932A4AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_642E75689027AF5446E7305E99337BD3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_FCCEF8674FC5C9471499305E9931C202" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_642E75689027AF5446E7305E99337BD3" 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/StockholdersEquity1999StockOptionPlanAndEquityParticipationPlanDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2C4DCB08CD10C3F799E1A9ED5E1B492F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_DAB030A0CE21BF639462A9ED5E1ABE4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2C4DCB08CD10C3F799E1A9ED5E1B492F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_DAB030A0CE21BF639462A9ED5E1ABE4E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_F57C6D790706CED9641DA9ED5E1AC5CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_DAB030A0CE21BF639462A9ED5E1ABE4E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_F57C6D790706CED9641DA9ED5E1AC5CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_A0DCC2C8BE41185C3CF6A9ED5E1A1010_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_F57C6D790706CED9641DA9ED5E1AC5CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_A0DCC2C8BE41185C3CF6A9ED5E1A1010_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_A0DCC2C8BE41185C3CF6A9ED5E1A1010" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_F57C6D790706CED9641DA9ED5E1AC5CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_A0DCC2C8BE41185C3CF6A9ED5E1A1010" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_StockOptionAndEquityParticipationPlan1999Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_StockOptionAndEquityParticipationPlan1999Member_E18CB98096043DF848C7A9ED5E1B00F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_A0DCC2C8BE41185C3CF6A9ED5E1A1010" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_StockOptionAndEquityParticipationPlan1999Member_E18CB98096043DF848C7A9ED5E1B00F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized_4156BE21ED9A14ECD6D1A9ED5E1BA923" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2C4DCB08CD10C3F799E1A9ED5E1B492F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized_4156BE21ED9A14ECD6D1A9ED5E1BA923" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_8770020850D9157E14D8A9ED5E1B7314" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2C4DCB08CD10C3F799E1A9ED5E1B492F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_8770020850D9157E14D8A9ED5E1B7314" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_C532219631177A8F228CA9ED5E1B8CA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2C4DCB08CD10C3F799E1A9ED5E1B492F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_C532219631177A8F228CA9ED5E1B8CA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingAggregateIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingAggregateIntrinsicValue_82DF6DE5F33D84DBBBBEA9ED5E1CCF54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2C4DCB08CD10C3F799E1A9ED5E1B492F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingAggregateIntrinsicValue_82DF6DE5F33D84DBBBBEA9ED5E1CCF54" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_C3D76977CE9D20AE09E3A9ED5E1CCBDE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_2C4DCB08CD10C3F799E1A9ED5E1B492F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_C3D76977CE9D20AE09E3A9ED5E1CCBDE" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquity2014OmnibusIncentivePlanDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1F928E91F57682E9366E34B41F313A8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_D256DD746E0F40565C0F34B41F2CF8A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1F928E91F57682E9366E34B41F313A8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_D256DD746E0F40565C0F34B41F2CF8A7" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_28C3C3955A2DEE3DF9F334B41F2C524E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_D256DD746E0F40565C0F34B41F2CF8A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_28C3C3955A2DEE3DF9F334B41F2C524E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_EC76788A988F4E5F319F34B41F2CB7E4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_28C3C3955A2DEE3DF9F334B41F2C524E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_EC76788A988F4E5F319F34B41F2CB7E4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_EC76788A988F4E5F319F34B41F2CB7E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_28C3C3955A2DEE3DF9F334B41F2C524E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_EC76788A988F4E5F319F34B41F2CB7E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_E20414E89A354B22D86C34B41F2D0F74" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_EC76788A988F4E5F319F34B41F2CB7E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_E20414E89A354B22D86C34B41F2D0F74" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_8034EE6F74CE82359A5234B41F2D5E4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_EC76788A988F4E5F319F34B41F2CB7E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_8034EE6F74CE82359A5234B41F2D5E4B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember_7C16A2AA7740D31A26CE34B41F2DEA34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_EC76788A988F4E5F319F34B41F2CB7E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember_7C16A2AA7740D31A26CE34B41F2DEA34" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_AE5C664DD6A176DE5E7834B41F2D0C8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_D256DD746E0F40565C0F34B41F2CF8A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_AE5C664DD6A176DE5E7834B41F2D0C8E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_2DA01D875D73940B3F1234B41F2E685B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_AE5C664DD6A176DE5E7834B41F2D0C8E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_2DA01D875D73940B3F1234B41F2E685B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_2DA01D875D73940B3F1234B41F2E685B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_AE5C664DD6A176DE5E7834B41F2D0C8E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_2DA01D875D73940B3F1234B41F2E685B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_TenPercentOrMoreStockholdersMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TenPercentOrMoreStockholdersMember_3D8EC7C50ECEB9AE024D34B41F2EF2EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_2DA01D875D73940B3F1234B41F2E685B" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TenPercentOrMoreStockholdersMember_3D8EC7C50ECEB9AE024D34B41F2EF2EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_6341A50C4E0734F8547234B41F2E709B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_D256DD746E0F40565C0F34B41F2CF8A7" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_6341A50C4E0734F8547234B41F2E709B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_DEF637AF593DA264446A34B41F2FDFFA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_6341A50C4E0734F8547234B41F2E709B" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_DEF637AF593DA264446A34B41F2FDFFA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_DEF637AF593DA264446A34B41F2FDFFA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_6341A50C4E0734F8547234B41F2E709B" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_DEF637AF593DA264446A34B41F2FDFFA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_CBA83B128B70F7ED1C5F34B41F2F1308" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_DEF637AF593DA264446A34B41F2FDFFA" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_CBA83B128B70F7ED1C5F34B41F2F1308" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_F31FDC7F45801FB0124734B41F2FB7D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_DEF637AF593DA264446A34B41F2FDFFA" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_F31FDC7F45801FB0124734B41F2FB7D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_35F0D5EC59FA5165343C34B41F2F4206" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_D256DD746E0F40565C0F34B41F2CF8A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_35F0D5EC59FA5165343C34B41F2F4206" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_AA6FB2935D1C11F1948D34B41F30891A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_35F0D5EC59FA5165343C34B41F2F4206" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_AA6FB2935D1C11F1948D34B41F30891A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_AA6FB2935D1C11F1948D34B41F30891A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_35F0D5EC59FA5165343C34B41F2F4206" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_AA6FB2935D1C11F1948D34B41F30891A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_OmnibusPlanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_OmnibusPlanMember_F846137D0D2F8884874F34B41F3072B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_AA6FB2935D1C11F1948D34B41F30891A" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_OmnibusPlanMember_F846137D0D2F8884874F34B41F3072B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_IncentiveCompensationPlan2007Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_IncentiveCompensationPlan2007Member_291923C73E88522B0D0734B41F3132AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_AA6FB2935D1C11F1948D34B41F30891A" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_IncentiveCompensationPlan2007Member_291923C73E88522B0D0734B41F3132AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized_7C7013886738C8B4C5FE34B41F317A35" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1F928E91F57682E9366E34B41F313A8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized_7C7013886738C8B4C5FE34B41F317A35" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance_67601272A13997372A3734B41F31287A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1F928E91F57682E9366E34B41F313A8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance_67601272A13997372A3734B41F31287A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent_A7A400A7818F4D764AD634B41F310480" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1F928E91F57682E9366E34B41F313A8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent_A7A400A7818F4D764AD634B41F310480" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationPeriod" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationPeriod_D7204509CC5A345F3D2734B41F32F349" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1F928E91F57682E9366E34B41F313A8C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationPeriod_D7204509CC5A345F3D2734B41F32F349" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_249EB594E40507527A9234B41F32A588" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1F928E91F57682E9366E34B41F313A8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_249EB594E40507527A9234B41F32A588" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod_6E02554E5EA5AB0A56E734B41F32B472" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1F928E91F57682E9366E34B41F313A8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod_6E02554E5EA5AB0A56E734B41F32B472" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardLevelofPerformanceAttainedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardLevelofPerformanceAttainedPercentage_47AEDD1D05BEF751278434B41F328C89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1F928E91F57682E9366E34B41F313A8C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardLevelofPerformanceAttainedPercentage_47AEDD1D05BEF751278434B41F328C89" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions_4ABE127EB14236C2106534B41F32700A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1F928E91F57682E9366E34B41F313A8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions_4ABE127EB14236C2106534B41F32700A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_D9AC18C17786695E639734B41F320E18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1F928E91F57682E9366E34B41F313A8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_D9AC18C17786695E639734B41F320E18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue_8C5F796EC1F91CD2F4F734B41F3334FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1F928E91F57682E9366E34B41F313A8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue_8C5F796EC1F91CD2F4F734B41F3334FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageOfSharesVested" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageOfSharesVested_AB2D4777DE77CAE28EC734B41F336F6B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1F928E91F57682E9366E34B41F313A8C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageOfSharesVested_AB2D4777DE77CAE28EC734B41F336F6B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquityNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_80B401DE51FDE402F45DBFBE36BE499A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_C7D2A7803490E5CA42C7BFBE36A7091E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_80B401DE51FDE402F45DBFBE36BE499A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_C7D2A7803490E5CA42C7BFBE36A7091E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_13CEDE1E40F622EA0BC2BFBE36A720C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_C7D2A7803490E5CA42C7BFBE36A7091E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_13CEDE1E40F622EA0BC2BFBE36A720C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_39C4BC022F6103147890BFBE36A8A4FE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_13CEDE1E40F622EA0BC2BFBE36A720C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_39C4BC022F6103147890BFBE36A8A4FE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_39C4BC022F6103147890BFBE36A8A4FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_13CEDE1E40F622EA0BC2BFBE36A720C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_39C4BC022F6103147890BFBE36A8A4FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_A5914CDB8C91C9DB8D93BFBE36A82E3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_39C4BC022F6103147890BFBE36A8A4FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_A5914CDB8C91C9DB8D93BFBE36A82E3E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_3748AA4C556B9895F6C8BFD8DDFEDCFC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_80B401DE51FDE402F45DBFBE36BE499A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_3748AA4C556B9895F6C8BFD8DDFEDCFC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_5FEE47ECF103291F01A6BFD8DE30DFEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_80B401DE51FDE402F45DBFBE36BE499A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_5FEE47ECF103291F01A6BFD8DE30DFEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodPricePerShare" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodPricePerShare_3B332988E6711ED2F36EBFD8DE75B990" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_80B401DE51FDE402F45DBFBE36BE499A" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodPricePerShare_3B332988E6711ED2F36EBFD8DE75B990" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingNumberOfSharesAuthorizedToBeRepurchased" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingNumberOfSharesAuthorizedToBeRepurchased_1FC2D63D50E3807D224CBFBE36BF5AFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_80B401DE51FDE402F45DBFBE36BE499A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingNumberOfSharesAuthorizedToBeRepurchased_1FC2D63D50E3807D224CBFBE36BF5AFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1_2A59FEC6001CF9CF06B4BFBE36C04965" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_80B401DE51FDE402F45DBFBE36BE499A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1_2A59FEC6001CF9CF06B4BFBE36C04965" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquityStockOptionsAndStockAppreciationRightsGrantedAndExercisedDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquitySummaryOfCompanysShareOptionPlansActivitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_C8F0BEBB1C79B5493B89BFBE35E74C02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_7D41A6D607411C49C8D9BFBE35E45371" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_C8F0BEBB1C79B5493B89BFBE35E74C02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_7D41A6D607411C49C8D9BFBE35E45371" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis_74F11389245E76EDC197BFBE35E47014" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_7D41A6D607411C49C8D9BFBE35E45371" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis_74F11389245E76EDC197BFBE35E47014" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_C3321EB997B3FDB12D9ABFBE35E470E0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis_74F11389245E76EDC197BFBE35E47014" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_C3321EB997B3FDB12D9ABFBE35E470E0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_C3321EB997B3FDB12D9ABFBE35E470E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis_74F11389245E76EDC197BFBE35E47014" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_C3321EB997B3FDB12D9ABFBE35E470E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_ExercisePriceRangeOneMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ExercisePriceRangeOneMember_918847E362E67199ACE6BFBE35E50B6F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_C3321EB997B3FDB12D9ABFBE35E470E0" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ExercisePriceRangeOneMember_918847E362E67199ACE6BFBE35E50B6F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_ExercisePriceRangeTwoMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ExercisePriceRangeTwoMember_5D649C67BF0C60B8A167BFBE35E5354B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_C3321EB997B3FDB12D9ABFBE35E470E0" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ExercisePriceRangeTwoMember_5D649C67BF0C60B8A167BFBE35E5354B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_ExercisePriceRangeThreeMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ExercisePriceRangeThreeMember_C2506B39901CD3971C0CBFBE35E6C1F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_C3321EB997B3FDB12D9ABFBE35E470E0" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ExercisePriceRangeThreeMember_C2506B39901CD3971C0CBFBE35E6C1F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_ExercisePriceRangeFourMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ExercisePriceRangeFourMember_E6728640E81149AEFB03BFBE35E66608" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_C3321EB997B3FDB12D9ABFBE35E470E0" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ExercisePriceRangeFourMember_E6728640E81149AEFB03BFBE35E66608" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_ExercisePriceRangeFiveMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ExercisePriceRangeFiveMember_148708A0D229CCED6E88BFBE35E6307E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_C3321EB997B3FDB12D9ABFBE35E470E0" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ExercisePriceRangeFiveMember_148708A0D229CCED6E88BFBE35E6307E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_A5ABBF80E973402E29D7BFBE35E7F68C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_C8F0BEBB1C79B5493B89BFBE35E74C02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_A5ABBF80E973402E29D7BFBE35E7F68C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_8A62D833BEBE5A4E48C8BFBE35E7DEBE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_A5ABBF80E973402E29D7BFBE35E7F68C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_8A62D833BEBE5A4E48C8BFBE35E7DEBE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod_0875CA806FFC208F39E4BFBE35E89079" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_A5ABBF80E973402E29D7BFBE35E7F68C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod_0875CA806FFC208F39E4BFBE35E89079" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_B9A9CFC5357282BBCB71BFBE35E8D0A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_A5ABBF80E973402E29D7BFBE35E7F68C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_B9A9CFC5357282BBCB71BFBE35E8D0A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod_76CFA3CA7DD4359D0F8CBFBE35E89D9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_A5ABBF80E973402E29D7BFBE35E7F68C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod_76CFA3CA7DD4359D0F8CBFBE35E89D9C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit_C2CEC429099F9E4865F8BFBE35E9EC4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_C8F0BEBB1C79B5493B89BFBE35E74C02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit_C2CEC429099F9E4865F8BFBE35E9EC4B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit_7266B63DDA61024C3B71BFBE35E91DA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_C8F0BEBB1C79B5493B89BFBE35E74C02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit_7266B63DDA61024C3B71BFBE35E91DA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_76C1322B4023F2EF44FABFBE35E905A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_C8F0BEBB1C79B5493B89BFBE35E74C02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_76C1322B4023F2EF44FABFBE35E905A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_DDBDCE0CD274EBA707FCBFBE35E9D52F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_76C1322B4023F2EF44FABFBE35E905A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_DDBDCE0CD274EBA707FCBFBE35E9D52F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_352BFF2EC8649B129427BFBE35EA321B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_76C1322B4023F2EF44FABFBE35E905A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_352BFF2EC8649B129427BFBE35EA321B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_77C6804B1F36B9273EACBFBE35EA4F31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_76C1322B4023F2EF44FABFBE35E905A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_77C6804B1F36B9273EACBFBE35EA4F31" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_1B0FFAB326FE5F91D036BFBE35EA27A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_76C1322B4023F2EF44FABFBE35E905A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_1B0FFAB326FE5F91D036BFBE35EA27A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2_F0D3405F3EB19CB69FA1BFBE35EB0295" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_C8F0BEBB1C79B5493B89BFBE35E74C02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2_F0D3405F3EB19CB69FA1BFBE35EB0295" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue_6B3750EFF44565F87B73BFBE35EB24C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_C8F0BEBB1C79B5493B89BFBE35E74C02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue_6B3750EFF44565F87B73BFBE35EB24C9" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquitySummaryOfRestrictedStockAwardActivityAndPerformanceStockAwardsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_5780056AC1C3D3E1A8FDA9ED5DE6FDCB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_4CA4862955A6F92E8EF1A9ED5DE55C71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_5780056AC1C3D3E1A8FDA9ED5DE6FDCB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_4CA4862955A6F92E8EF1A9ED5DE55C71" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_96CE1B551B47CE6ED0DFA9ED5DE5F4AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_4CA4862955A6F92E8EF1A9ED5DE55C71" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_96CE1B551B47CE6ED0DFA9ED5DE5F4AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_AACA95EBB6219D3A8A22A9ED5DE566D8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_96CE1B551B47CE6ED0DFA9ED5DE5F4AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_AACA95EBB6219D3A8A22A9ED5DE566D8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_AACA95EBB6219D3A8A22A9ED5DE566D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_96CE1B551B47CE6ED0DFA9ED5DE5F4AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_AACA95EBB6219D3A8A22A9ED5DE566D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_5844F79F88EC270AAB93A9ED5DE636D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_AACA95EBB6219D3A8A22A9ED5DE566D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_5844F79F88EC270AAB93A9ED5DE636D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_B26C919157CFCDC62D66A9ED5DE67302" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_AACA95EBB6219D3A8A22A9ED5DE566D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_B26C919157CFCDC62D66A9ED5DE67302" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_9AD6B25E214413C9927DA9ED5DE6D0E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_5780056AC1C3D3E1A8FDA9ED5DE6FDCB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_9AD6B25E214413C9927DA9ED5DE6D0E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_72112015A5400306CC6AA9ED5DE6C80B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_9AD6B25E214413C9927DA9ED5DE6D0E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_72112015A5400306CC6AA9ED5DE6C80B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_0F709593508C1427F85EA9ED5DE75349" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_9AD6B25E214413C9927DA9ED5DE6D0E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_0F709593508C1427F85EA9ED5DE75349" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_AB07F136AA29E4ED2026A9ED5DE7E32D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_9AD6B25E214413C9927DA9ED5DE6D0E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_AB07F136AA29E4ED2026A9ED5DE7E32D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_6E39A9917F64B56F3594A9ED5DE7BA73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_9AD6B25E214413C9927DA9ED5DE6D0E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_6E39A9917F64B56F3594A9ED5DE7BA73" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_1E35562110A332304691A9ED5DE86B3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_5780056AC1C3D3E1A8FDA9ED5DE6FDCB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_1E35562110A332304691A9ED5DE86B3F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_98AD3F9BDB793F8EFC79A9ED5DE84C35" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_1E35562110A332304691A9ED5DE86B3F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_98AD3F9BDB793F8EFC79A9ED5DE84C35" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_06D6E418DDDBDC7EE361A9ED5DE89B57" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_1E35562110A332304691A9ED5DE86B3F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_06D6E418DDDBDC7EE361A9ED5DE89B57" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_9EE3AE0050AD305E8479A9ED5DE84210" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_1E35562110A332304691A9ED5DE86B3F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_9EE3AE0050AD305E8479A9ED5DE84210" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_B2D5E0547468616ADC7EA9ED5DE9DE43" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_1E35562110A332304691A9ED5DE86B3F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_B2D5E0547468616ADC7EA9ED5DE9DE43" 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/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAsuAdoptionDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_3BAD20AAE08A78BEDC9234B37F8F10B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_918A707E31C2B8E1790634B37F88FB91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_3BAD20AAE08A78BEDC9234B37F8F10B3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_918A707E31C2B8E1790634B37F88FB91" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_AA3DC869C40FD4F9C92B34B37F8EA9B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_918A707E31C2B8E1790634B37F88FB91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_AA3DC869C40FD4F9C92B34B37F8EA9B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_6E70F3E8E4F38F4CCA9E34B37F8E6B84_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_AA3DC869C40FD4F9C92B34B37F8EA9B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_6E70F3E8E4F38F4CCA9E34B37F8E6B84_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_6E70F3E8E4F38F4CCA9E34B37F8E6B84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_AA3DC869C40FD4F9C92B34B37F8EA9B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_6E70F3E8E4F38F4CCA9E34B37F8E6B84" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member_02E219E75F3E54CF313A34B37F8F4E29" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_6E70F3E8E4F38F4CCA9E34B37F8E6B84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member_02E219E75F3E54CF313A34B37F8F4E29" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue_B630024E0B6247727AD634B3F13D80E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_3BAD20AAE08A78BEDC9234B37F8F10B3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue_B630024E0B6247727AD634B3F13D80E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedRentCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedRentCurrentAndNoncurrent_09C7F446FA66A892320234B384822109" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_3BAD20AAE08A78BEDC9234B37F8F10B3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedRentCurrentAndNoncurrent_09C7F446FA66A892320234B384822109" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_E9CABD0918C9B19C2CFE34B420B8A1C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_431962AE042155C1927834B420B4FE60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_E9CABD0918C9B19C2CFE34B420B8A1C5" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_431962AE042155C1927834B420B4FE60" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_6A452153AF8722E4349234B420B5607A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_431962AE042155C1927834B420B4FE60" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_6A452153AF8722E4349234B420B5607A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_8B86779FE0729E89DE4F34B420B587F0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_6A452153AF8722E4349234B420B5607A" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_8B86779FE0729E89DE4F34B420B587F0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_8B86779FE0729E89DE4F34B420B587F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_6A452153AF8722E4349234B420B5607A" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_8B86779FE0729E89DE4F34B420B587F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_286685576908DF88327934B420B582E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_8B86779FE0729E89DE4F34B420B587F0" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_286685576908DF88327934B420B582E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_5A8188549C12DD35ED3434B420B62718" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_8B86779FE0729E89DE4F34B420B587F0" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_5A8188549C12DD35ED3434B420B62718" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_DFD8D465CE77D4F0ABE534B420B64D72" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_431962AE042155C1927834B420B4FE60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_DFD8D465CE77D4F0ABE534B420B64D72" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_6BD31948CA91C0F2715D34B420B6A9C7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_DFD8D465CE77D4F0ABE534B420B64D72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_6BD31948CA91C0F2715D34B420B6A9C7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_6BD31948CA91C0F2715D34B420B6A9C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_DFD8D465CE77D4F0ABE534B420B64D72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_6BD31948CA91C0F2715D34B420B6A9C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SoftwareDevelopmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SoftwareDevelopmentMember_C239D3E73395CE32A3CB34B420B6E8C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_6BD31948CA91C0F2715D34B420B6A9C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SoftwareDevelopmentMember_C239D3E73395CE32A3CB34B420B6E8C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfMalpracticeInsuranceTypeAndTierIdentifierAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfMalpracticeInsuranceTypeAndTierIdentifierAxis_1137A66F2CD0034FD15B34B420B72795" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_431962AE042155C1927834B420B4FE60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfMalpracticeInsuranceTypeAndTierIdentifierAxis_1137A66F2CD0034FD15B34B420B72795" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeAndTierIdentifierDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeAndTierIdentifierDomain_B72E6398C669DB9221BA34B420B79257_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfMalpracticeInsuranceTypeAndTierIdentifierAxis_1137A66F2CD0034FD15B34B420B72795" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeAndTierIdentifierDomain_B72E6398C669DB9221BA34B420B79257_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeAndTierIdentifierDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeAndTierIdentifierDomain_B72E6398C669DB9221BA34B420B79257" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfMalpracticeInsuranceTypeAndTierIdentifierAxis_1137A66F2CD0034FD15B34B420B72795" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeAndTierIdentifierDomain_B72E6398C669DB9221BA34B420B79257" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_OccurrenceBasedProfessionalLiabilityInsuranceMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_OccurrenceBasedProfessionalLiabilityInsuranceMember_2740AE2284E7B8F33FA434B420B78820" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeAndTierIdentifierDomain_B72E6398C669DB9221BA34B420B79257" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_OccurrenceBasedProfessionalLiabilityInsuranceMember_2740AE2284E7B8F33FA434B420B78820" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_ClaimsBasedLiabilityInsuranceMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ClaimsBasedLiabilityInsuranceMember_0F0ED6F244B1E6F9A34C34B420B77C3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeAndTierIdentifierDomain_B72E6398C669DB9221BA34B420B79257" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ClaimsBasedLiabilityInsuranceMember_0F0ED6F244B1E6F9A34C34B420B77C3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_F7C74D69D01FAD58E25934B420B7EFF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_431962AE042155C1927834B420B4FE60" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_F7C74D69D01FAD58E25934B420B7EFF5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_187A12FEA649C08C059734B420B8083E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_F7C74D69D01FAD58E25934B420B7EFF5" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_187A12FEA649C08C059734B420B8083E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_187A12FEA649C08C059734B420B8083E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_F7C74D69D01FAD58E25934B420B7EFF5" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_187A12FEA649C08C059734B420B8083E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_MDAHoldingsIncMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_MDAHoldingsIncMember_6113411F15A2213DD37134B420B8ACD6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_187A12FEA649C08C059734B420B8083E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_MDAHoldingsIncMember_6113411F15A2213DD37134B420B8ACD6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeOther" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeOther_3D197B617D49300ED5AD34B420B8B12A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_E9CABD0918C9B19C2CFE34B420B8A1C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeOther_3D197B617D49300ED5AD34B420B8B12A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_ContractualTerm" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ContractualTerm_06895CA4689DAF82AA3D34B420B915C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_E9CABD0918C9B19C2CFE34B420B8A1C5" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ContractualTerm_06895CA4689DAF82AA3D34B420B915C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_LeaseExpirationPeriod" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LeaseExpirationPeriod_D826283C9F4850DF7FB934B420B9231A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_E9CABD0918C9B19C2CFE34B420B8A1C5" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LeaseExpirationPeriod_D826283C9F4850DF7FB934B420B9231A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_07A99C91231DBFC4871934B420B917D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_E9CABD0918C9B19C2CFE34B420B8A1C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_07A99C91231DBFC4871934B420B917D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_332C74CE2B9D37E3712E34B420B91D2C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_E9CABD0918C9B19C2CFE34B420B8A1C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_332C74CE2B9D37E3712E34B420B91D2C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_OutstandingLettersOfCreditCollateraltoGuaranteePaymentsUnderSelfInsuredPlan" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_OutstandingLettersOfCreditCollateraltoGuaranteePaymentsUnderSelfInsuredPlan_9FB473537CFB3E8F702734B420B9A684" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_E9CABD0918C9B19C2CFE34B420B8A1C5" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_OutstandingLettersOfCreditCollateraltoGuaranteePaymentsUnderSelfInsuredPlan_9FB473537CFB3E8F702734B420B9A684" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_MalpracticeInsurancePolicySelfInsuredRetentionPerClaim" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_MalpracticeInsurancePolicySelfInsuredRetentionPerClaim_C316130853887C5F435034B420BA9BD6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_E9CABD0918C9B19C2CFE34B420B8A1C5" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_MalpracticeInsurancePolicySelfInsuredRetentionPerClaim_C316130853887C5F435034B420BA9BD6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MalpracticeInsuranceMaximumCoveragePerIncident" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MalpracticeInsuranceMaximumCoveragePerIncident_68400E8F534AB7DE97FB34B420BA5ED2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_E9CABD0918C9B19C2CFE34B420B8A1C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MalpracticeInsuranceMaximumCoveragePerIncident_68400E8F534AB7DE97FB34B420BA5ED2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MalpracticeLossContingencyLettersOfCreditAndSuretyBonds" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MalpracticeLossContingencyLettersOfCreditAndSuretyBonds_94BC25FFF175EC78493734B420BACCEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_E9CABD0918C9B19C2CFE34B420B8A1C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MalpracticeLossContingencyLettersOfCreditAndSuretyBonds_94BC25FFF175EC78493734B420BACCEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_02DF2C9D8F34B3F3137534B420BAE23A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_E9CABD0918C9B19C2CFE34B420B8A1C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_02DF2C9D8F34B3F3137534B420BAE23A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdvertisingExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdvertisingExpense_2E00ACF754F01042CD1234B420BA2A2B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_E9CABD0918C9B19C2CFE34B420B8A1C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdvertisingExpense_2E00ACF754F01042CD1234B420BA2A2B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax_0BAD779B0206A9506A0734B420BA0489" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_E9CABD0918C9B19C2CFE34B420B8A1C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax_0BAD779B0206A9506A0734B420BA0489" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AociLossCashFlowHedgeCumulativeGainLossAfterTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AociLossCashFlowHedgeCumulativeGainLossAfterTax_01AA0F6BE8B5EE2A697D34B420BB9801" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_E9CABD0918C9B19C2CFE34B420B8A1C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AociLossCashFlowHedgeCumulativeGainLossAfterTax_01AA0F6BE8B5EE2A697D34B420BB9801" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_TaxCutsandJobsActChangeinTaxRateDeferredTaxAssetIncomeTaxExpense" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TaxCutsandJobsActChangeinTaxRateDeferredTaxAssetIncomeTaxExpense_2F99D124D526BF3B3F6F34BC10C2FC43" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_E9CABD0918C9B19C2CFE34B420B8A1C5" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TaxCutsandJobsActChangeinTaxRateDeferredTaxAssetIncomeTaxExpense_2F99D124D526BF3B3F6F34BC10C2FC43" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTaxPortionAttributableToParent1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTaxPortionAttributableToParent1_BAB7EB77481759E92E4734B420BB2A85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_E9CABD0918C9B19C2CFE34B420B8A1C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTaxPortionAttributableToParent1_BAB7EB77481759E92E4734B420BB2A85" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesReconciliationOfRestructuringLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_1FE38CC502202823DFCB305DD25734BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_E944EA31B820F4A819FD305DD2532DBD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_1FE38CC502202823DFCB305DD25734BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_E944EA31B820F4A819FD305DD2532DBD" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis_D5F6D3FD3D18D880D043305DD254EC85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_E944EA31B820F4A819FD305DD2532DBD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis_D5F6D3FD3D18D880D043305DD254EC85" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain_E6079A41EFB813B4D906305DD254895F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis_D5F6D3FD3D18D880D043305DD254EC85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain_E6079A41EFB813B4D906305DD254895F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain_E6079A41EFB813B4D906305DD254895F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis_D5F6D3FD3D18D880D043305DD254EC85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain_E6079A41EFB813B4D906305DD254895F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_CostOptimizationProjectMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_CostOptimizationProjectMember_9D8999451EDD63B6DBE3305DD255B041" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain_E6079A41EFB813B4D906305DD254895F" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_CostOptimizationProjectMember_9D8999451EDD63B6DBE3305DD255B041" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_CC3B395CC0A802D07B86305DD255F8DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_E944EA31B820F4A819FD305DD2532DBD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_CC3B395CC0A802D07B86305DD255F8DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_2899A06FC3112FE42BA3305DD256BE73_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_CC3B395CC0A802D07B86305DD255F8DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_2899A06FC3112FE42BA3305DD256BE73_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_2899A06FC3112FE42BA3305DD256BE73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_CC3B395CC0A802D07B86305DD255F8DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_2899A06FC3112FE42BA3305DD256BE73" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember_0F476A8530181C04D535305DD256BAC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_2899A06FC3112FE42BA3305DD256BE73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember_0F476A8530181C04D535305DD256BAC4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_ExitCostsMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ExitCostsMember_A946C0BFF08CA92CF5F6305DD2564691" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_2899A06FC3112FE42BA3305DD256BE73" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ExitCostsMember_A946C0BFF08CA92CF5F6305DD2564691" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember_FCA320D3D9948D44223C306BC3929DB3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_2899A06FC3112FE42BA3305DD256BE73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember_FCA320D3D9948D44223C306BC3929DB3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_5BAD0C34ACFEB0DAA32C305DD257E68D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_1FE38CC502202823DFCB305DD25734BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_5BAD0C34ACFEB0DAA32C305DD257E68D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringReserve" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserve_9ECC78385F52F57D36A0305DD25742E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_5BAD0C34ACFEB0DAA32C305DD257E68D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserve_9ECC78385F52F57D36A0305DD25742E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_6BA9FB25FA75EDAC359F305DD2589735" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_5BAD0C34ACFEB0DAA32C305DD257E68D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_6BA9FB25FA75EDAC359F305DD2589735" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring_53041292F32BA90E9202305DD258189A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_5BAD0C34ACFEB0DAA32C305DD257E68D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring_53041292F32BA90E9202305DD258189A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_RestructuringChargesWriteOffRelatedToAbandonment" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_RestructuringChargesWriteOffRelatedToAbandonment_B01917194CE2FFE3F0BF305DD25DF6E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_1FE38CC502202823DFCB305DD25734BF" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_RestructuringChargesWriteOffRelatedToAbandonment_B01917194CE2FFE3F0BF305DD25DF6E4" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRevenueRecognitionDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_441F96416D000EC31536305DD3F1F42B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_D85C1FF46CC3D13B9FC5305DD3EEB582" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_441F96416D000EC31536305DD3F1F42B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_D85C1FF46CC3D13B9FC5305DD3EEB582" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_277D1A3F20B06B0D8B58305DD3EEC9B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_D85C1FF46CC3D13B9FC5305DD3EEB582" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_277D1A3F20B06B0D8B58305DD3EEC9B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_C167048AAD0DF849DEE5305DD3EE3508_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_277D1A3F20B06B0D8B58305DD3EEC9B6" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_C167048AAD0DF849DEE5305DD3EE3508_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_C167048AAD0DF849DEE5305DD3EE3508" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_277D1A3F20B06B0D8B58305DD3EEC9B6" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_C167048AAD0DF849DEE5305DD3EE3508" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_5565333C08CE793041ED305DD3EE9991" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_C167048AAD0DF849DEE5305DD3EE3508" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_5565333C08CE793041ED305DD3EE9991" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_5749AEFDDA6C82BA9D78305DD3EFEE5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_C167048AAD0DF849DEE5305DD3EE3508" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_5749AEFDDA6C82BA9D78305DD3EFEE5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_7B9EC67C81FBAAFF947F305DD3EFE45B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_D85C1FF46CC3D13B9FC5305DD3EEB582" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_7B9EC67C81FBAAFF947F305DD3EFE45B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_06FA3B273E88443F15D9305DD3EF0373_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_7B9EC67C81FBAAFF947F305DD3EFE45B" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_06FA3B273E88443F15D9305DD3EF0373_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_06FA3B273E88443F15D9305DD3EF0373" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_7B9EC67C81FBAAFF947F305DD3EFE45B" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_06FA3B273E88443F15D9305DD3EF0373" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_TemporaryStaffingServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TemporaryStaffingServicesMember_FB6FDF30040850BF8783305DD3EF9430" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_06FA3B273E88443F15D9305DD3EF0373" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TemporaryStaffingServicesMember_FB6FDF30040850BF8783305DD3EF9430" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_59A809B421C2DB1BA96C305DD3F00048" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_D85C1FF46CC3D13B9FC5305DD3EEB582" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_59A809B421C2DB1BA96C305DD3F00048" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_7C338C052EA33CA4A851305DD3F03909_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_59A809B421C2DB1BA96C305DD3F00048" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_7C338C052EA33CA4A851305DD3F03909_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_7C338C052EA33CA4A851305DD3F03909" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_59A809B421C2DB1BA96C305DD3F00048" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_7C338C052EA33CA4A851305DD3F03909" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductConcentrationRiskMember_D71511E0CA461FB6EFDB305DD3F09F9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_7C338C052EA33CA4A851305DD3F03909" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductConcentrationRiskMember_D71511E0CA461FB6EFDB305DD3F09F9B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_5A4A71C07536970865BC305DD3F0C584" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_D85C1FF46CC3D13B9FC5305DD3EEB582" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_5A4A71C07536970865BC305DD3F0C584" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_6AB531771396F84D7FCC305DD3F1F805_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_5A4A71C07536970865BC305DD3F0C584" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_6AB531771396F84D7FCC305DD3F1F805_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_6AB531771396F84D7FCC305DD3F1F805" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_5A4A71C07536970865BC305DD3F0C584" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_6AB531771396F84D7FCC305DD3F1F805" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember_7A9E444E00C03755E5B3305DD3F1519F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_6AB531771396F84D7FCC305DD3F1F805" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember_7A9E444E00C03755E5B3305DD3F1519F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20181231.xsd#ccrn_ContractualTerm" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ContractualTerm_998352351515CC185E703069204DAAEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_441F96416D000EC31536305DD3F1F42B" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ContractualTerm_998352351515CC185E703069204DAAEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnbilledContractsReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnbilledContractsReceivable_35DE5B1DEDDB7CF87331305DD3F7FBD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_441F96416D000EC31536305DD3F1F42B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnbilledContractsReceivable_35DE5B1DEDDB7CF87331305DD3F7FBD9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_AB555A1D1E902ADC3E90305DD3F73223" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_441F96416D000EC31536305DD3F1F42B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_AB555A1D1E902ADC3E90305DD3F73223" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
</link:linkbase>
