<?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-20180930.xsd#Acquisitions" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsAdvantageRnDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#AcquisitionsAdvantageRnDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#AcquisitionsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsProFormaDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#AcquisitionsProFormaDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#AcquisitionsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesOperatingLeasesDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesOperatingLeasesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ComprehensiveIncome" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ComprehensiveIncomeDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ComprehensiveIncomeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/Debt" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#Debt" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DebtAmendmentAndRestatedSeniorCreditFacilityDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#DebtAmendmentAndRestatedSeniorCreditFacilityDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DebtConsolidatedNetLeverageRatioDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#DebtConsolidatedNetLeverageRatioDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DebtDebtMaturitiesDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#DebtDebtMaturitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DebtLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#DebtLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DebtPrivatePlacementOfConvertibleNotesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#DebtPrivatePlacementOfConvertibleNotesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DebtTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#DebtTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/Derivative" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#Derivative" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DerivativeAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#DerivativeAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EarningsPerShareAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#EarningsPerShareAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EarningsPerShareComponentsOfNumeratorAndDenominatorForComputationOfBasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#EarningsPerShareComponentsOfNumeratorAndDenominatorForComputationOfBasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsEstimatedFairValuesAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsEstimatedFairValuesAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFinancialInstrumentThatWereNotMeasuredAtFairValueDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsFinancialInstrumentThatWereNotMeasuredAtFairValueDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsScheduleOfReconciliationOfOpeningAndClosingBalancesForFairValueMeasurementsCategorizedWithinLevel3Details" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsScheduleOfReconciliationOfOpeningAndClosingBalancesForFairValueMeasurementsCategorizedWithinLevel3Details" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssets" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsAcquiredIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsAcquiredIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsAnnualAmortizationExpenseDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsAnnualAmortizationExpenseDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsGoodwillDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsGoodwillDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#IncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/OrganizationAndBasisOfPresentation" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#OrganizationAndBasisOfPresentation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RecentAccountingPronouncements" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#RecentAccountingPronouncements" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RecentAccountingPronouncementsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#RecentAccountingPronouncementsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RevenueRecognition" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#RevenueRecognition" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RevenueRecognitionAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#RevenueRecognitionAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RevenueRecognitionDisaggregationOfRevenueDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#RevenueRecognitionDisaggregationOfRevenueDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RevenueRecognitionTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#RevenueRecognitionTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SegmentData" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#SegmentData" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SegmentDataInformationOnOperatingSegmentsAndReconciliationToLossFromOperationsDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#SegmentDataInformationOnOperatingSegmentsAndReconciliationToLossFromOperationsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SegmentDataNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#SegmentDataNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SegmentDataTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#SegmentDataTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquity" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#StockholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquityNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#StockholdersEquityNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquitySummaryOfRestrictedStockAndPerformanceSharesDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#StockholdersEquitySummaryOfRestrictedStockAndPerformanceSharesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquityTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#StockholdersEquityTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRestructuringCostsDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRestructuringCostsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/Acquisitions" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsAdvantageRnDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_4F5BC13DABD3BDE7A55A0C78BF5BCB6D" 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_594D349D2928FF6381050C78BF5750C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_4F5BC13DABD3BDE7A55A0C78BF5BCB6D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_594D349D2928FF6381050C78BF5750C5" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAxis" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAxis_74915AA53266D81C4C9A0C78BF577957" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_594D349D2928FF6381050C78BF5750C5" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAxis_74915AA53266D81C4C9A0C78BF577957" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredDomain" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredDomain_5A8ECC1706BFDEBBE4B60C78BF57C60C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAxis_74915AA53266D81C4C9A0C78BF577957" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredDomain_5A8ECC1706BFDEBBE4B60C78BF57C60C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredDomain" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredDomain_5A8ECC1706BFDEBBE4B60C78BF57C60C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAxis_74915AA53266D81C4C9A0C78BF577957" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredDomain_5A8ECC1706BFDEBBE4B60C78BF57C60C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_PurchasePriceMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PurchasePriceMember_1A90FA435B9747A58C440C78BF57CA8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredDomain_5A8ECC1706BFDEBBE4B60C78BF57C60C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PurchasePriceMember_1A90FA435B9747A58C440C78BF57CA8F" 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_A3CE583AB9668F2FD3220C78BF58BEBE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_594D349D2928FF6381050C78BF5750C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_A3CE583AB9668F2FD3220C78BF58BEBE" 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_6B44ECAE8226EB7D8D040C78BF58F5CE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_A3CE583AB9668F2FD3220C78BF58BEBE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_6B44ECAE8226EB7D8D040C78BF58F5CE_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_6B44ECAE8226EB7D8D040C78BF58F5CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_A3CE583AB9668F2FD3220C78BF58BEBE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_6B44ECAE8226EB7D8D040C78BF58F5CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_TermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_D3FD47575048108D13CC0C78BF588A39" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_6B44ECAE8226EB7D8D040C78BF58F5CE" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_D3FD47575048108D13CC0C78BF588A39" 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_6C14289613C52E8A6F260C78BF58A217" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_594D349D2928FF6381050C78BF5750C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_6C14289613C52E8A6F260C78BF58A217" 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_2CADCCD2E4653AB496F00C78BF59ECBA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_6C14289613C52E8A6F260C78BF58A217" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_2CADCCD2E4653AB496F00C78BF59ECBA_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_2CADCCD2E4653AB496F00C78BF59ECBA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_6C14289613C52E8A6F260C78BF58A217" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_2CADCCD2E4653AB496F00C78BF59ECBA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_CreditAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_CreditAgreementMember_D8F87C30A2FDD3D31D540C78BF59580D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_2CADCCD2E4653AB496F00C78BF59ECBA" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_CreditAgreementMember_D8F87C30A2FDD3D31D540C78BF59580D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_IncrementalTermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_IncrementalTermLoanMember_86ECAF43EA2596B142C50C78BF599B34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_2CADCCD2E4653AB496F00C78BF59ECBA" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_IncrementalTermLoanMember_86ECAF43EA2596B142C50C78BF599B34" 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_6EA97707B64342E49DE90C78BF598BB1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_594D349D2928FF6381050C78BF5750C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis_6EA97707B64342E49DE90C78BF598BB1" 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_17001C68E0F7EBBCED5C0C78BF5A24C1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis_6EA97707B64342E49DE90C78BF598BB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_17001C68E0F7EBBCED5C0C78BF5A24C1_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_17001C68E0F7EBBCED5C0C78BF5A24C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis_6EA97707B64342E49DE90C78BF598BB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_17001C68E0F7EBBCED5C0C78BF5A24C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_DeferredConsiderationTransferredMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DeferredConsiderationTransferredMember_BB66F8BC1A17463062400C78BF5A1A93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_17001C68E0F7EBBCED5C0C78BF5A24C1" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DeferredConsiderationTransferredMember_BB66F8BC1A17463062400C78BF5A1A93" 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_EDD0CE64A59000E7310F0C78BF5A51F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_594D349D2928FF6381050C78BF5750C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_EDD0CE64A59000E7310F0C78BF5A51F2" 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_B45441629731F91ACB810C78BF5A0D43_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_EDD0CE64A59000E7310F0C78BF5A51F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_B45441629731F91ACB810C78BF5A0D43_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_B45441629731F91ACB810C78BF5A0D43" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_EDD0CE64A59000E7310F0C78BF5A51F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_B45441629731F91ACB810C78BF5A0D43" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_AdvantageRNLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_AdvantageRNLLCMember_4180B99F59C456967EF70C78BF5AC134" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_B45441629731F91ACB810C78BF5A0D43" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_AdvantageRNLLCMember_4180B99F59C456967EF70C78BF5AC134" 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_7299D1B3B24111AF27EB0C78BF5BA4C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_4F5BC13DABD3BDE7A55A0C78BF5BCB6D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_7299D1B3B24111AF27EB0C78BF5BA4C9" 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_40B0FA8C5FA4355296610C78BF5B5742" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_4F5BC13DABD3BDE7A55A0C78BF5BCB6D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_40B0FA8C5FA4355296610C78BF5B5742" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredNetWorkingCapitalAdjustment" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredNetWorkingCapitalAdjustment_37A27F09B56A9C4C20FE0C78BF5B10AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_4F5BC13DABD3BDE7A55A0C78BF5BCB6D" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredNetWorkingCapitalAdjustment_37A27F09B56A9C4C20FE0C78BF5B10AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredNetWorkingCapitalAdjustmentReimbursement" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredNetWorkingCapitalAdjustmentReimbursement_865E72D9CED149D682910C78BF5C0FE0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_4F5BC13DABD3BDE7A55A0C78BF5BCB6D" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredNetWorkingCapitalAdjustmentReimbursement_865E72D9CED149D682910C78BF5C0FE0" 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_511FB325CA1377B4D5BA0C78BF5CF37B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_4F5BC13DABD3BDE7A55A0C78BF5BCB6D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability_511FB325CA1377B4D5BA0C78BF5CF37B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationDeferredPeriod" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationDeferredPeriod_81FEBA85AFE4E89A133D0C78BF5C64A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_4F5BC13DABD3BDE7A55A0C78BF5BCB6D" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationDeferredPeriod_81FEBA85AFE4E89A133D0C78BF5C64A6" 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_0620C69A434B6F88705A0C78BF5CFBE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_4F5BC13DABD3BDE7A55A0C78BF5BCB6D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1_0620C69A434B6F88705A0C78BF5CFBE1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesEscrowPortionRelatedToTaxLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesEscrowPortionRelatedToTaxLiabilities_927CD05291BAB879765E0C78BF5CC6A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_4F5BC13DABD3BDE7A55A0C78BF5BCB6D" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesEscrowPortionRelatedToTaxLiabilities_927CD05291BAB879765E0C78BF5CC6A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesEscrowPortionRelatedToPostCloseLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesEscrowPortionRelatedToPostCloseLiabilities_D75418BECABAF525CB840C78BF5CCBF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_4F5BC13DABD3BDE7A55A0C78BF5BCB6D" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesEscrowPortionRelatedToPostCloseLiabilities_D75418BECABAF525CB840C78BF5CCBF5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelease" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelease_E75D56AA719904BE333E0C78BF5D005F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_4F5BC13DABD3BDE7A55A0C78BF5BCB6D" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelease_E75D56AA719904BE333E0C78BF5D005F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelatedToTaxLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelatedToTaxLiabilities_EC22A1E41A9E7BD8AA1E0C78BF5D250E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_4F5BC13DABD3BDE7A55A0C78BF5BCB6D" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelatedToTaxLiabilities_EC22A1E41A9E7BD8AA1E0C78BF5D250E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredPortionFundedWithCashOnHand" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredPortionFundedWithCashOnHand_B433CAC79CC1C2FF4B490C78BF5DF2C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_4F5BC13DABD3BDE7A55A0C78BF5BCB6D" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredPortionFundedWithCashOnHand_B433CAC79CC1C2FF4B490C78BF5DF2C4" 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_EF94EAE9263A8B6B3B570C78BF5D71FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_4F5BC13DABD3BDE7A55A0C78BF5BCB6D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_EF94EAE9263A8B6B3B570C78BF5D71FC" 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_A0DC5B3AB05538D7CD149798ADFECA62" 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_C1E5D56AF3172AF51F4C9798ADFBD78E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_A0DC5B3AB05538D7CD149798ADFECA62" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_C1E5D56AF3172AF51F4C9798ADFBD78E" 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_3D6DB85B86DBDA5EB6779798ADFC3B4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_C1E5D56AF3172AF51F4C9798ADFBD78E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis_3D6DB85B86DBDA5EB6779798ADFC3B4F" 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_C0962209A235BE9E182D9798ADFC3DAF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis_3D6DB85B86DBDA5EB6779798ADFC3B4F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_C0962209A235BE9E182D9798ADFC3DAF_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_C0962209A235BE9E182D9798ADFC3DAF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis_3D6DB85B86DBDA5EB6779798ADFC3B4F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_C0962209A235BE9E182D9798ADFC3DAF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_AssumedAdditionalContingentPurchasePriceLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_AssumedAdditionalContingentPurchasePriceLiabilitiesMember_A915465ABA9F30D50C959798ADFDEDFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_C0962209A235BE9E182D9798ADFC3DAF" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_AssumedAdditionalContingentPurchasePriceLiabilitiesMember_A915465ABA9F30D50C959798ADFDEDFE" 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_D25D8F7F8D7A62DCD2419798ADFD2E4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_C1E5D56AF3172AF51F4C9798ADFBD78E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_D25D8F7F8D7A62DCD2419798ADFD2E4B" 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_015B8E483CDEB235F5929798ADFD4F5D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_D25D8F7F8D7A62DCD2419798ADFD2E4B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_015B8E483CDEB235F5929798ADFD4F5D_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_015B8E483CDEB235F5929798ADFD4F5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_D25D8F7F8D7A62DCD2419798ADFD2E4B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_015B8E483CDEB235F5929798ADFD4F5D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_MediscanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_MediscanMember_29AB41C8235D13AF95829798ADFDA251" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_015B8E483CDEB235F5929798ADFD4F5D" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_MediscanMember_29AB41C8235D13AF95829798ADFDA251" 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_B8B8F12C1A3770E417949798ADFECEE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_A0DC5B3AB05538D7CD149798ADFECA62" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsRangeOfOutcomesValueHigh_B8B8F12C1A3770E417949798ADFECEE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForPreviousAcquisition" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForPreviousAcquisition_2586B299F5A0DF3BD7FD9798ADFE44C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_A0DC5B3AB05538D7CD149798ADFECA62" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForPreviousAcquisition_2586B299F5A0DF3BD7FD9798ADFE44C0" 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_A7292837A9F56535B7409798ADFE191D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_A0DC5B3AB05538D7CD149798ADFECA62" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability_A7292837A9F56535B7409798ADFE191D" 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_8CF78DC1972563EF55E7B12213C344AA" 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_75D4EFA7D2AAFC156B79B12213C19DF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentLineItems_8CF78DC1972563EF55E7B12213C344AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentsTable_75D4EFA7D2AAFC156B79B12213C19DF9" 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_EE9F5101D12F91DE73A4B12213C12CF7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentsTable_75D4EFA7D2AAFC156B79B12213C19DF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentAxis_EE9F5101D12F91DE73A4B12213C12CF7" 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_84E01699A5ED7A8608DAB12213C2F4E8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentAxis_EE9F5101D12F91DE73A4B12213C12CF7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentDomain_84E01699A5ED7A8608DAB12213C2F4E8_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_84E01699A5ED7A8608DAB12213C2F4E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentAxis_EE9F5101D12F91DE73A4B12213C12CF7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentDomain_84E01699A5ED7A8608DAB12213C2F4E8" 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_214DCF0D96384476E2ECB129A0FE3928" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentDomain_84E01699A5ED7A8608DAB12213C2F4E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AcquisitionRelatedCostsMember_214DCF0D96384476E2ECB129A0FE3928" 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_8AE78D8EF141F8E3B4C5B129300E1485" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentLineItems_8CF78DC1972563EF55E7B12213C344AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_8AE78D8EF141F8E3B4C5B129300E1485" 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_33B09516CDFF117EC096B1263DB70B0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentLineItems_8CF78DC1972563EF55E7B12213C344AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue_33B09516CDFF117EC096B1263DB70B0C" 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_223ABDA3AB11D1BAC66AB12662D73F29" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentLineItems_8CF78DC1972563EF55E7B12213C344AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaNetIncomeLoss_223ABDA3AB11D1BAC66AB12662D73F29" 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_80ED751758E1AC7E86D2B12678837912" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentLineItems_8CF78DC1972563EF55E7B12213C344AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareBasic_80ED751758E1AC7E86D2B12678837912" 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_EB4479085CDDCB8BD821B1268DAF6CCF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentLineItems_8CF78DC1972563EF55E7B12213C344AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareDiluted_EB4479085CDDCB8BD821B1268DAF6CCF" 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/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesOperatingLeasesDetails" 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/ComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ComprehensiveIncomeDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/Debt" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DebtAmendmentAndRestatedSeniorCreditFacilityDetails" 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_ECC8B00E1F1F4EBCC749C0775B379E0C" 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_86606AF8F49AF12AD32BC0775B31AABC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ECC8B00E1F1F4EBCC749C0775B379E0C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_86606AF8F49AF12AD32BC0775B31AABC" 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_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_A4051A61AED938E86C67C0775B31B330" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_86606AF8F49AF12AD32BC0775B31AABC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_A4051A61AED938E86C67C0775B31B330" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_02CA487B66D11426ABE0C0775B31C75A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_A4051A61AED938E86C67C0775B31B330" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_02CA487B66D11426ABE0C0775B31C75A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_02CA487B66D11426ABE0C0775B31C75A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_A4051A61AED938E86C67C0775B31B330" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_02CA487B66D11426ABE0C0775B31C75A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_3A2BF3AA83CF578E8312C0775B31EC03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_02CA487B66D11426ABE0C0775B31C75A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_3A2BF3AA83CF578E8312C0775B31EC03" 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_DCD7F5FD2CC243B4AEF9C0775B32CD80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_86606AF8F49AF12AD32BC0775B31AABC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_DCD7F5FD2CC243B4AEF9C0775B32CD80" 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_19FCB7AC481CE6A97925C0775B32559C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_DCD7F5FD2CC243B4AEF9C0775B32CD80" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_19FCB7AC481CE6A97925C0775B32559C_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_19FCB7AC481CE6A97925C0775B32559C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_DCD7F5FD2CC243B4AEF9C0775B32CD80" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_19FCB7AC481CE6A97925C0775B32559C" 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_D2E7674F70E332FCBAD4C0775B32C858" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_19FCB7AC481CE6A97925C0775B32559C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_D2E7674F70E332FCBAD4C0775B32C858" 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_17CE2632BC0D8A6CD958C0775B32633F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_86606AF8F49AF12AD32BC0775B31AABC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_17CE2632BC0D8A6CD958C0775B32633F" 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_E9618A5D7A512A3C2EB0C0775B33F441_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_17CE2632BC0D8A6CD958C0775B32633F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_E9618A5D7A512A3C2EB0C0775B33F441_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_E9618A5D7A512A3C2EB0C0775B33F441" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_17CE2632BC0D8A6CD958C0775B32633F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_E9618A5D7A512A3C2EB0C0775B33F441" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_TermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_852B848B31327108F846C0775B33D0BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_E9618A5D7A512A3C2EB0C0775B33F441" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_852B848B31327108F846C0775B33D0BF" 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_52FBD5A6969E03E26A41C0775B33EC12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_E9618A5D7A512A3C2EB0C0775B33F441" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_52FBD5A6969E03E26A41C0775B33EC12" 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_C866EEE29A714394D84BC0775B337DDC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_86606AF8F49AF12AD32BC0775B31AABC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_C866EEE29A714394D84BC0775B337DDC" 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_063447FA42DE94A8E29BC0775B339C48_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_C866EEE29A714394D84BC0775B337DDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_063447FA42DE94A8E29BC0775B339C48_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_063447FA42DE94A8E29BC0775B339C48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_C866EEE29A714394D84BC0775B337DDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_063447FA42DE94A8E29BC0775B339C48" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_AmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_AmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember_5704CE8FB60663558E56C0775B3400CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_063447FA42DE94A8E29BC0775B339C48" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_AmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember_5704CE8FB60663558E56C0775B3400CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_FirstAmendmentAmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FirstAmendmentAmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember_63AC90DD874A40987245C0775B34FED8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_063447FA42DE94A8E29BC0775B339C48" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_FirstAmendmentAmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember_63AC90DD874A40987245C0775B34FED8" 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_4EDDC7EDB9D57F1BF838C0775B34B877" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_86606AF8F49AF12AD32BC0775B31AABC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_4EDDC7EDB9D57F1BF838C0775B34B877" 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_A939EB79FA1EC563D4BFC0775B3453F3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_4EDDC7EDB9D57F1BF838C0775B34B877" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_A939EB79FA1EC563D4BFC0775B3453F3_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_A939EB79FA1EC563D4BFC0775B3453F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_4EDDC7EDB9D57F1BF838C0775B34B877" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_A939EB79FA1EC563D4BFC0775B3453F3" 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_3C4523C4A828C565ADA3C0775B359562" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_A939EB79FA1EC563D4BFC0775B3453F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_3C4523C4A828C565ADA3C0775B359562" 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_664A46F0DBD08C191254C0775B3560BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_86606AF8F49AF12AD32BC0775B31AABC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_664A46F0DBD08C191254C0775B3560BB" 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_F6FB5B3B516AC46DB72AC0775B35410F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_664A46F0DBD08C191254C0775B3560BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_F6FB5B3B516AC46DB72AC0775B35410F_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_F6FB5B3B516AC46DB72AC0775B35410F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_664A46F0DBD08C191254C0775B3560BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_F6FB5B3B516AC46DB72AC0775B35410F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_FiscalQuartersEndingSeptember302018throughJune302019Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FiscalQuartersEndingSeptember302018throughJune302019Member_1DDD4E186FBE0C0D07D4C0775B35D7B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_F6FB5B3B516AC46DB72AC0775B35410F" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_FiscalQuartersEndingSeptember302018throughJune302019Member_1DDD4E186FBE0C0D07D4C0775B35D7B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_FiscalQuarterEndingSeptember302019Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FiscalQuarterEndingSeptember302019Member_50F7564120E2ADE76D83C0775B36DDB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_F6FB5B3B516AC46DB72AC0775B35410F" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_FiscalQuarterEndingSeptember302019Member_50F7564120E2ADE76D83C0775B36DDB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_FiscalQuarterEndingDecember312019Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FiscalQuarterEndingDecember312019Member_186D12C799DEBB34987FC0775B3699F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_F6FB5B3B516AC46DB72AC0775B35410F" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_FiscalQuarterEndingDecember312019Member_186D12C799DEBB34987FC0775B3699F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_EachFiscalQuarterEndingThereafterMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_EachFiscalQuarterEndingThereafterMember_E4AF52FB7266E22C3173C0775B369D98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_F6FB5B3B516AC46DB72AC0775B35410F" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_EachFiscalQuarterEndingThereafterMember_E4AF52FB7266E22C3173C0775B369D98" 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_3741E144A2839201F5EDC0775B36DAE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_86606AF8F49AF12AD32BC0775B31AABC" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_3741E144A2839201F5EDC0775B36DAE8" 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_0730F52C0DF7A05D437EC0775B36FD6D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_3741E144A2839201F5EDC0775B36DAE8" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_0730F52C0DF7A05D437EC0775B36FD6D_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_0730F52C0DF7A05D437EC0775B36FD6D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_3741E144A2839201F5EDC0775B36DAE8" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_0730F52C0DF7A05D437EC0775B36FD6D" 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_12D6214834EA921AEC5FC0775B375F08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_0730F52C0DF7A05D437EC0775B36FD6D" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_12D6214834EA921AEC5FC0775B375F08" 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_BDA210C7487FBF21667EC0775B37FFD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_0730F52C0DF7A05D437EC0775B36FD6D" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_BDA210C7487FBF21667EC0775B37FFD1" 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_E3C66F3E59BD7B99D8A3C0775B3702D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ECC8B00E1F1F4EBCC749C0775B379E0C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_E3C66F3E59BD7B99D8A3C0775B3702D4" 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_7856027305D39014E4ACC0775B3845ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ECC8B00E1F1F4EBCC749C0775B379E0C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_7856027305D39014E4ACC0775B3845ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilitySubFacilityForSwinglineLoans" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilitySubFacilityForSwinglineLoans_3A3EA16C26F64B4B0956C0775B3810EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ECC8B00E1F1F4EBCC749C0775B379E0C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilitySubFacilityForSwinglineLoans_3A3EA16C26F64B4B0956C0775B3810EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilitySubLimitForLettersOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilitySubLimitForLettersOfCredit_796762EA742539547F30C0775B38CE5E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ECC8B00E1F1F4EBCC749C0775B379E0C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilitySubLimitForLettersOfCredit_796762EA742539547F30C0775B38CE5E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilityAdditionalCapacity" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilityAdditionalCapacity_E148CAA53F54F17777DDC0775B382985" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ECC8B00E1F1F4EBCC749C0775B379E0C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilityAdditionalCapacity_E148CAA53F54F17777DDC0775B382985" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_PaymentForDebtPrepayment" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PaymentForDebtPrepayment_E3854507E5768F4EAFB6C0775B38AFBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ECC8B00E1F1F4EBCC749C0775B379E0C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PaymentForDebtPrepayment_E3854507E5768F4EAFB6C0775B38AFBF" 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_D056C67BEEE63D9B9E79C0775B38193F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ECC8B00E1F1F4EBCC749C0775B379E0C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_D056C67BEEE63D9B9E79C0775B38193F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_DebtInstrumentInterestRateIncreaseDecreaseinEventofDefault" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtInstrumentInterestRateIncreaseDecreaseinEventofDefault_5D2053CEDBA473EF5F1FC0775B393146" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ECC8B00E1F1F4EBCC749C0775B379E0C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtInstrumentInterestRateIncreaseDecreaseinEventofDefault_5D2053CEDBA473EF5F1FC0775B393146" 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_5347A71BDAD9ADF4EF58C0775B391513" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ECC8B00E1F1F4EBCC749C0775B379E0C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage_5347A71BDAD9ADF4EF58C0775B391513" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_NumberofFinancialCovenants" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_NumberofFinancialCovenants_C5D1C8C0B30A7A917777C0775B393DAB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ECC8B00E1F1F4EBCC749C0775B379E0C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_NumberofFinancialCovenants_C5D1C8C0B30A7A917777C0775B393DAB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_DebtCovenantConsolidatedFixedChargeCoverageRatio" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantConsolidatedFixedChargeCoverageRatio_48137BEA6CF9711E0E8FC0775B39ABC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ECC8B00E1F1F4EBCC749C0775B379E0C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantConsolidatedFixedChargeCoverageRatio_48137BEA6CF9711E0E8FC0775B39ABC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_DebtCovenantConsolidatedTotalLeverageRatio" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantConsolidatedTotalLeverageRatio_AF7B31379DBFA1334777C0775B3905B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ECC8B00E1F1F4EBCC749C0775B379E0C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantConsolidatedTotalLeverageRatio_AF7B31379DBFA1334777C0775B3905B6" 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_D7CE68DAF75A5FD61232C0775B397E12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ECC8B00E1F1F4EBCC749C0775B379E0C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_D7CE68DAF75A5FD61232C0775B397E12" 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_C8705B67401BC25CE19FC0775B3AAE78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ECC8B00E1F1F4EBCC749C0775B379E0C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_C8705B67401BC25CE19FC0775B3AAE78" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_DDC58985E4521B63A2CCC0775B3A830E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ECC8B00E1F1F4EBCC749C0775B379E0C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_DDC58985E4521B63A2CCC0775B3A830E" 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_D9AD6DDFF21F556CB4FF5FDA5C300F70" 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_BC3310DDF6EF51269020A53FAC745A41" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_D9AD6DDFF21F556CB4FF5FDA5C300F70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_BC3310DDF6EF51269020A53FAC745A41" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsAxis" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsAxis_0B02DA5B250350C5B1F814E81033E9E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_BC3310DDF6EF51269020A53FAC745A41" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsAxis_0B02DA5B250350C5B1F814E81033E9E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain_BBEC3A10DA178AF835FBFB3FEA286B81_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsAxis_0B02DA5B250350C5B1F814E81033E9E5" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain_BBEC3A10DA178AF835FBFB3FEA286B81_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain_171502D2036F5FF6989EB1E8AC3D0D04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsAxis_0B02DA5B250350C5B1F814E81033E9E5" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain_171502D2036F5FF6989EB1E8AC3D0D04" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_CovenantTerm1Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_CovenantTerm1Member_EDFD970E2AF453348D48AF3B05E999CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain_171502D2036F5FF6989EB1E8AC3D0D04" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_CovenantTerm1Member_EDFD970E2AF453348D48AF3B05E999CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_CovenantTerm2Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_CovenantTerm2Member_74612D6E6EDC50D7BBDA8372DC117D50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain_171502D2036F5FF6989EB1E8AC3D0D04" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_CovenantTerm2Member_74612D6E6EDC50D7BBDA8372DC117D50" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_CovenantTerm3Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_CovenantTerm3Member_6EE1E4E0DDCC5B5AA9617A5821BA36B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain_171502D2036F5FF6989EB1E8AC3D0D04" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_CovenantTerm3Member_6EE1E4E0DDCC5B5AA9617A5821BA36B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_CovenantTerm4Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_CovenantTerm4Member_50E98A8A289A56589F7D1E3BD02C0CC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain_171502D2036F5FF6989EB1E8AC3D0D04" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_CovenantTerm4Member_50E98A8A289A56589F7D1E3BD02C0CC4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_CovenantTerm5Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_CovenantTerm5Member_E626BFFC593350588415E417D4AE47F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain_171502D2036F5FF6989EB1E8AC3D0D04" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_CovenantTerm5Member_E626BFFC593350588415E417D4AE47F5" 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_8F77ACF86D0E5BEB9147940F234C8037" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_BC3310DDF6EF51269020A53FAC745A41" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_8F77ACF86D0E5BEB9147940F234C8037" 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_6F2EFA79E3F4D92DC502FB3FEA2A0F64_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_8F77ACF86D0E5BEB9147940F234C8037" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_6F2EFA79E3F4D92DC502FB3FEA2A0F64_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" 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_FB7A2373CC2E5DEEAB34755C2091A842" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_8F77ACF86D0E5BEB9147940F234C8037" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_FB7A2373CC2E5DEEAB34755C2091A842" 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_DD66C801FEFE5FC389834950D2CACA33" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_FB7A2373CC2E5DEEAB34755C2091A842" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_DD66C801FEFE5FC389834950D2CACA33" 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_07F559948D1254B9B90B5A8BEA0313CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_FB7A2373CC2E5DEEAB34755C2091A842" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_07F559948D1254B9B90B5A8BEA0313CC" 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_D5EFABA78F075E2B8AD0BCFD71ACB3A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_BC3310DDF6EF51269020A53FAC745A41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_D5EFABA78F075E2B8AD0BCFD71ACB3A8" 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_6FB10F121DEC1CBC59C1FB3FEA2B5706_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_D5EFABA78F075E2B8AD0BCFD71ACB3A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_6FB10F121DEC1CBC59C1FB3FEA2B5706_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" 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_0684F24769B65786AD73FC9DC716FF11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_D5EFABA78F075E2B8AD0BCFD71ACB3A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0684F24769B65786AD73FC9DC716FF11" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_CreditAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_CreditAgreementMember_489F23891E435C0A9CE7CB6FF88B8D67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0684F24769B65786AD73FC9DC716FF11" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_CreditAgreementMember_489F23891E435C0A9CE7CB6FF88B8D67" 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_681BCBCA1BA55A6E8466776233E5309C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_BC3310DDF6EF51269020A53FAC745A41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_681BCBCA1BA55A6E8466776233E5309C" 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_29483D23A06A7554571CFB3FEA2C2DFF_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_681BCBCA1BA55A6E8466776233E5309C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_29483D23A06A7554571CFB3FEA2C2DFF_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" 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_3A7217C7ED255B4BAEE1DA4CE30EC1F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_681BCBCA1BA55A6E8466776233E5309C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_3A7217C7ED255B4BAEE1DA4CE30EC1F4" 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_6683AF7FF38F5CE9B6180D113E5C21FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_3A7217C7ED255B4BAEE1DA4CE30EC1F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EurodollarMember_6683AF7FF38F5CE9B6180D113E5C21FF" 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_CAF22992DDF25CC3979CD100CD761B79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_3A7217C7ED255B4BAEE1DA4CE30EC1F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_CAF22992DDF25CC3979CD100CD761B79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_LetterofCreditFeeMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LetterofCreditFeeMember_CBBC61F8EF1057F3A07C3F2A20081BE3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_3A7217C7ED255B4BAEE1DA4CE30EC1F4" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LetterofCreditFeeMember_CBBC61F8EF1057F3A07C3F2A20081BE3" 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_3EAC4F3AD1B65BBB82B988C95E1EF913" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_3A7217C7ED255B4BAEE1DA4CE30EC1F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BaseRateMember_3EAC4F3AD1B65BBB82B988C95E1EF913" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_ConsolidatedNetLeverageRatio" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ConsolidatedNetLeverageRatio_6E01EF35BEB15CCB89A874E4B045362A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_D9AD6DDFF21F556CB4FF5FDA5C300F70" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ConsolidatedNetLeverageRatio_6E01EF35BEB15CCB89A874E4B045362A" 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_6D483FA805D8511E9D36783CB4C4EE9A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_D9AD6DDFF21F556CB4FF5FDA5C300F70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_6D483FA805D8511E9D36783CB4C4EE9A" 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_A6850AE0A74F55EA96F67FBF56FE896E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_D9AD6DDFF21F556CB4FF5FDA5C300F70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage_A6850AE0A74F55EA96F67FBF56FE896E" 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_D9149836C0BD5D4C952E5443476F2921" 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_DC99EFE2FF8F5F669307EDBB2543FFA8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D9149836C0BD5D4C952E5443476F2921" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_DC99EFE2FF8F5F669307EDBB2543FFA8" 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_80669DFD4D4A5114BD76A744AACD21EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_DC99EFE2FF8F5F669307EDBB2543FFA8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_80669DFD4D4A5114BD76A744AACD21EA" 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_CCBF8A1DB0B11D8CE40AFB3FEA863B4F_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_80669DFD4D4A5114BD76A744AACD21EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_CCBF8A1DB0B11D8CE40AFB3FEA863B4F_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" 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_EA233B4F0AE15338974C8D84B9F4E116" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_80669DFD4D4A5114BD76A744AACD21EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_EA233B4F0AE15338974C8D84B9F4E116" 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_FDB88FF057DF59499FA7DB755B36344D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_EA233B4F0AE15338974C8D84B9F4E116" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorDebtObligationsMember_FDB88FF057DF59499FA7DB755B36344D" 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_F34162E8628C5B489398B81E10D8CCF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D9149836C0BD5D4C952E5443476F2921" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract_F34162E8628C5B489398B81E10D8CCF9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalRemainderOfFiscalYear_45E096C71E3D508F9A28200D22CCD748" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract_F34162E8628C5B489398B81E10D8CCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalRemainderOfFiscalYear_45E096C71E3D508F9A28200D22CCD748" 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_7D94D52D88F8541592DFE4988169AC4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract_F34162E8628C5B489398B81E10D8CCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_7D94D52D88F8541592DFE4988169AC4F" 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_E49209BDF1EC5362B66E697F521D6796" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract_F34162E8628C5B489398B81E10D8CCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree_E49209BDF1EC5362B66E697F521D6796" 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_55FA429E2D6E5272BBBB8779E5B1E46B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract_F34162E8628C5B489398B81E10D8CCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour_55FA429E2D6E5272BBBB8779E5B1E46B" 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_B14420BEB2E25787BBD6DCEEE02423A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract_F34162E8628C5B489398B81E10D8CCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive_B14420BEB2E25787BBD6DCEEE02423A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive_20E9EA173C285B4EA4EB1F129DE9A4CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract_F34162E8628C5B489398B81E10D8CCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive_20E9EA173C285B4EA4EB1F129DE9A4CA" 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_39BCDFCBB47E5DF88A7757D50EBAE747" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract_F34162E8628C5B489398B81E10D8CCF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_39BCDFCBB47E5DF88A7757D50EBAE747" 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_D725E509EEED5F95AAF346323F7943EC" 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_C87387D45A755FF88764DE4152847199" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D725E509EEED5F95AAF346323F7943EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_C87387D45A755FF88764DE4152847199" 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_308E5C4B7C165F0AB2C899C54626CDBB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_C87387D45A755FF88764DE4152847199" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_308E5C4B7C165F0AB2C899C54626CDBB" 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_282A02D6A2FB38CC19AAFB3FEA918400_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_308E5C4B7C165F0AB2C899C54626CDBB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_282A02D6A2FB38CC19AAFB3FEA918400_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" 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_A3A68D25DDF2553295D8B75DEAA8006A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_308E5C4B7C165F0AB2C899C54626CDBB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_A3A68D25DDF2553295D8B75DEAA8006A" 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_49479A1E00AE5613A616C3380382F72E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_A3A68D25DDF2553295D8B75DEAA8006A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorDebtObligationsMember_49479A1E00AE5613A616C3380382F72E" 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_178E9D588E315DD0B70285DC6BCF6768" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_C87387D45A755FF88764DE4152847199" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_178E9D588E315DD0B70285DC6BCF6768" 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_C78A9F150C9A1CB44800FB3FEA91F11F_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_178E9D588E315DD0B70285DC6BCF6768" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_C78A9F150C9A1CB44800FB3FEA91F11F_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" 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_7D74D52F3B975BD38FE4F842AF330358" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_178E9D588E315DD0B70285DC6BCF6768" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7D74D52F3B975BD38FE4F842AF330358" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_TermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_EE9BB472F6AE5D93AFE2F54A1389DCE5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7D74D52F3B975BD38FE4F842AF330358" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_EE9BB472F6AE5D93AFE2F54A1389DCE5" 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_ADD29D0CF7F85151AC7DFF4765DB8529" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D725E509EEED5F95AAF346323F7943EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_ADD29D0CF7F85151AC7DFF4765DB8529" 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_6E7A59AB75AA5BE8B84E1AB49359D996" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D725E509EEED5F95AAF346323F7943EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_6E7A59AB75AA5BE8B84E1AB49359D996" 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_535299F8EEA85DCFB4D96FF10F7479A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D725E509EEED5F95AAF346323F7943EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_535299F8EEA85DCFB4D96FF10F7479A7" 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_7B1BFE1D120654CDBA6ACE7672680C9D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D725E509EEED5F95AAF346323F7943EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_7B1BFE1D120654CDBA6ACE7672680C9D" 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_21868B9FFA7553749B0D299B789716A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_D725E509EEED5F95AAF346323F7943EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_21868B9FFA7553749B0D299B789716A1" 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_51FD6B216705D11DED810C78BEA635AB" 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_82DEBC725D6B97DEEFDC0C78BEA3D2C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_51FD6B216705D11DED810C78BEA635AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_82DEBC725D6B97DEEFDC0C78BEA3D2C5" 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_15EA4AD03FAF1ECC6BF40C78BEA3DE56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_82DEBC725D6B97DEEFDC0C78BEA3D2C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_15EA4AD03FAF1ECC6BF40C78BEA3DE56" 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_CE20EBFF4926605F8E7D0C78BEA43081_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_15EA4AD03FAF1ECC6BF40C78BEA3DE56" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_CE20EBFF4926605F8E7D0C78BEA43081_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_CE20EBFF4926605F8E7D0C78BEA43081" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_15EA4AD03FAF1ECC6BF40C78BEA3DE56" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_CE20EBFF4926605F8E7D0C78BEA43081" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_A8ConvertibleNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_A8ConvertibleNotesMember_EDDA35FBA6FAFF840D8E0C78BEA48FC9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_CE20EBFF4926605F8E7D0C78BEA43081" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_A8ConvertibleNotesMember_EDDA35FBA6FAFF840D8E0C78BEA48FC9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_ConvertibleNoteDerivativeLiabilityMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ConvertibleNoteDerivativeLiabilityMember_ECD5AE7ED685D2846C5E0C78BEA4B56D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_CE20EBFF4926605F8E7D0C78BEA43081" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ConvertibleNoteDerivativeLiabilityMember_ECD5AE7ED685D2846C5E0C78BEA4B56D" 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_BED178CA87700C00748B0C78BEA410CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_82DEBC725D6B97DEEFDC0C78BEA3D2C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_BED178CA87700C00748B0C78BEA410CA" 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_D652942CDA1C83587D710C78BEA4FB9B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_BED178CA87700C00748B0C78BEA410CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_D652942CDA1C83587D710C78BEA4FB9B_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_D652942CDA1C83587D710C78BEA4FB9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_BED178CA87700C00748B0C78BEA410CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_D652942CDA1C83587D710C78BEA4FB9B" 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_9F9B9968629F3F5011070C78BEA58756" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_D652942CDA1C83587D710C78BEA4FB9B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_9F9B9968629F3F5011070C78BEA58756" 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_54681FA9E7C09349D40E0C78BEA5A79B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_82DEBC725D6B97DEEFDC0C78BEA3D2C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_54681FA9E7C09349D40E0C78BEA5A79B" 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_632635B45B31E40FC7660C78BEA5DC97_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_54681FA9E7C09349D40E0C78BEA5A79B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_632635B45B31E40FC7660C78BEA5DC97_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_632635B45B31E40FC7660C78BEA5DC97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_54681FA9E7C09349D40E0C78BEA5A79B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_632635B45B31E40FC7660C78BEA5DC97" 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_3331E7AEF136BBE30E3B0C78BEA5EE34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_632635B45B31E40FC7660C78BEA5DC97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember_3331E7AEF136BBE30E3B0C78BEA5EE34" 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_7B0E81DAEB382253B37A0C78BEA6ED59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_51FD6B216705D11DED810C78BEA635AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_7B0E81DAEB382253B37A0C78BEA6ED59" 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_21FA81A0597BE5C30AC00C78BEA69A53" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_51FD6B216705D11DED810C78BEA635AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1_21FA81A0597BE5C30AC00C78BEA69A53" 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_B6671E255E26E507C7250C78BEA66D62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_51FD6B216705D11DED810C78BEA635AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_B6671E255E26E507C7250C78BEA66D62" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_PaymentsForDebtExtinguishmentCostsAndRepaymentOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PaymentsForDebtExtinguishmentCostsAndRepaymentOfLongTermDebt_63419C0AAFDFB80861040C78BEA69943" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_51FD6B216705D11DED810C78BEA635AB" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PaymentsForDebtExtinguishmentCostsAndRepaymentOfLongTermDebt_63419C0AAFDFB80861040C78BEA69943" 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_0B7CEA7385F6FA5471940C78BEA73F1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_51FD6B216705D11DED810C78BEA635AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_0B7CEA7385F6FA5471940C78BEA73F1F" 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_B8837E51E47164EC411A0C78BEA70887" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_51FD6B216705D11DED810C78BEA635AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts_B8837E51E47164EC411A0C78BEA70887" 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_B774C93FCA3892ED1C940C78BEA74299" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_51FD6B216705D11DED810C78BEA635AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtConversionOriginalDebtAmount1_B774C93FCA3892ED1C940C78BEA74299" 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_145287192600D10404790C78BEA746D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_51FD6B216705D11DED810C78BEA635AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_145287192600D10404790C78BEA746D4" 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_245D1DB05F1D26A9DFF40C78BEA71D7F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_51FD6B216705D11DED810C78BEA635AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentAmount1_245D1DB05F1D26A9DFF40C78BEA71D7F" 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_5D7F4A03530919502A7F0C78BEA7D2FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_51FD6B216705D11DED810C78BEA635AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1_5D7F4A03530919502A7F0C78BEA7D2FD" 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_D2743658641A0CFC029B0C78BEA845F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_51FD6B216705D11DED810C78BEA635AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleNumberOfEquityInstruments_D2743658641A0CFC029B0C78BEA845F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdPeriodFollowingIssuanceDate" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdPeriodFollowingIssuanceDate_F6CFEF07D3A1AE517D710C78BEA84C8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_51FD6B216705D11DED810C78BEA635AB" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdPeriodFollowingIssuanceDate_F6CFEF07D3A1AE517D710C78BEA84C8B" 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_A74FCDAC1220AE1AC5830C78BEA81748" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_51FD6B216705D11DED810C78BEA635AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdPercentageOfStockPriceTrigger_A74FCDAC1220AE1AC5830C78BEA81748" 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_B2807E219535430F449E0C78BEA84C6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_51FD6B216705D11DED810C78BEA635AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdTradingDays_B2807E219535430F449E0C78BEA84C6E" 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_23D7113849E832CE53C00C78BEA8F539" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_51FD6B216705D11DED810C78BEA635AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdConsecutiveTradingDays1_23D7113849E832CE53C00C78BEA8F539" 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_E640CD7041F47CDD946A0C78BEA8E7CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_51FD6B216705D11DED810C78BEA635AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_E640CD7041F47CDD946A0C78BEA8E7CB" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DebtTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/Derivative" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DerivativeAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_78E5BA3921CFB2B13A666447B3877BC2" 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_2899C1F46490FC93F0F76447B3838BA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_78E5BA3921CFB2B13A666447B3877BC2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_2899C1F46490FC93F0F76447B3838BA5" 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_04123DE56DED3395A14D6447B3840636" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_2899C1F46490FC93F0F76447B3838BA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_04123DE56DED3395A14D6447B3840636" 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_4F7C90812EAD008E34136447B3855E81_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_04123DE56DED3395A14D6447B3840636" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_4F7C90812EAD008E34136447B3855E81_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_4F7C90812EAD008E34136447B3855E81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_04123DE56DED3395A14D6447B3840636" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_4F7C90812EAD008E34136447B3855E81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_TermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_3BA3878BD629FC7483886447B385579F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_4F7C90812EAD008E34136447B3855E81" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_3BA3878BD629FC7483886447B385579F" 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_33B23CB9744B20CF83B66447B385150E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_2899C1F46490FC93F0F76447B3838BA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_33B23CB9744B20CF83B66447B385150E" 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_C2BE7CC68291AB5737FF6447B386B04D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_33B23CB9744B20CF83B66447B385150E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_C2BE7CC68291AB5737FF6447B386B04D_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_C2BE7CC68291AB5737FF6447B386B04D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_33B23CB9744B20CF83B66447B385150E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_C2BE7CC68291AB5737FF6447B386B04D" 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_3436908550BCCC3AF89C6447B386DB3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_C2BE7CC68291AB5737FF6447B386B04D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorDebtObligationsMember_3436908550BCCC3AF89C6447B386DB3D" 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_129182154AC013DADD1F6447B3860E92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_2899C1F46490FC93F0F76447B3838BA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_129182154AC013DADD1F6447B3860E92" 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_31F4E0C76E640CE31AA86447B3863F6C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_129182154AC013DADD1F6447B3860E92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_31F4E0C76E640CE31AA86447B3863F6C_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_31F4E0C76E640CE31AA86447B3863F6C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_129182154AC013DADD1F6447B3860E92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_31F4E0C76E640CE31AA86447B3863F6C" 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_A2EF21BE7B3CAA0874056447B387BB1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_31F4E0C76E640CE31AA86447B3863F6C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_A2EF21BE7B3CAA0874056447B387BB1F" 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_C5CCF3C45D17281400E76447B38976EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_78E5BA3921CFB2B13A666447B3877BC2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate_C5CCF3C45D17281400E76447B38976EB" 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_FF39F5B2CFB8A12DE4E66447B38AA84F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_78E5BA3921CFB2B13A666447B3877BC2" xlink:to="loc_invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount_FF39F5B2CFB8A12DE4E66447B38AA84F" 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_E8C553E825044EB2A62D6447B38A3F83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_78E5BA3921CFB2B13A666447B3877BC2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate_E8C553E825044EB2A62D6447B38A3F83" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_FB055325C04D83EB6718644A86FA29F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_78E5BA3921CFB2B13A666447B3877BC2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_FB055325C04D83EB6718644A86FA29F4" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EarningsPerShareAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EarningsPerShareComponentsOfNumeratorAndDenominatorForComputationOfBasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsEstimatedFairValuesAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_816E4558DDC455648F8D1B36383CBF52" 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_492A679448865B91B773B85EB8EFB07E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_816E4558DDC455648F8D1B36383CBF52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_492A679448865B91B773B85EB8EFB07E" 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_21EFFDD04909543BB307DC65186540C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_492A679448865B91B773B85EB8EFB07E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_21EFFDD04909543BB307DC65186540C8" 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_E8C8ADA30D78092EAA71FB3FE9E54730_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_21EFFDD04909543BB307DC65186540C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_E8C8ADA30D78092EAA71FB3FE9E54730_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" 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_62154BB0B70152169CD3252471A039B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_21EFFDD04909543BB307DC65186540C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_62154BB0B70152169CD3252471A039B6" 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_FC00383D91E85E26AC5A88778B18B957" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_62154BB0B70152169CD3252471A039B6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_FC00383D91E85E26AC5A88778B18B957" 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_643297F81B425A03BD61E456DFA8FA6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_492A679448865B91B773B85EB8EFB07E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_643297F81B425A03BD61E456DFA8FA6A" 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_327465BA0CA7E8BE89C9FB3FE9EBF2D6_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_643297F81B425A03BD61E456DFA8FA6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_327465BA0CA7E8BE89C9FB3FE9EBF2D6_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" 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_DD90AB72CFDE5130BDAD46B59047273B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_643297F81B425A03BD61E456DFA8FA6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_DD90AB72CFDE5130BDAD46B59047273B" 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_543A3944AFE451F69CD5DFB83D4B2547" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_DD90AB72CFDE5130BDAD46B59047273B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_543A3944AFE451F69CD5DFB83D4B2547" 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_42EAA537D0445E11970DE55FA9E751CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_DD90AB72CFDE5130BDAD46B59047273B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_42EAA537D0445E11970DE55FA9E751CC" 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_F41383B09E2050E7A43ACF1C8DD7D462" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_DD90AB72CFDE5130BDAD46B59047273B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_F41383B09E2050E7A43ACF1C8DD7D462" 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_3FAA30D3FC4E5912B75613D8C7493465" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_492A679448865B91B773B85EB8EFB07E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_3FAA30D3FC4E5912B75613D8C7493465" 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_3D6468DA44B5A187AF01FB3FE9EC4C42_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_3FAA30D3FC4E5912B75613D8C7493465" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_3D6468DA44B5A187AF01FB3FE9EC4C42_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" 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_82D330C81B8D5288AF4EC29B5D57A022" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_3FAA30D3FC4E5912B75613D8C7493465" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_82D330C81B8D5288AF4EC29B5D57A022" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_DeferredCompensationMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DeferredCompensationMember_91C111ADA0A05BCF83F8A4A1D797976D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_82D330C81B8D5288AF4EC29B5D57A022" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DeferredCompensationMember_91C111ADA0A05BCF83F8A4A1D797976D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_83A69597BFED581A9EA51B75EA901296" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_816E4558DDC455648F8D1B36383CBF52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_83A69597BFED581A9EA51B75EA901296" 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_E60A95F405855751B979AD7E00BC80E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_816E4558DDC455648F8D1B36383CBF52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisObligations_E60A95F405855751B979AD7E00BC80E5" 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_6F30633E59555D6782CE55EBA63DFA03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_816E4558DDC455648F8D1B36383CBF52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability_6F30633E59555D6782CE55EBA63DFA03" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFinancialInstrumentThatWereNotMeasuredAtFairValueDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems_6789FE7B23955070B3300548EC3CAE5D" 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_FBB2B66D263B50A4BD46552FA9DAD85F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems_6789FE7B23955070B3300548EC3CAE5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable_FBB2B66D263B50A4BD46552FA9DAD85F" 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_37961F1211DB50C89772C6E21DEE7B9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable_FBB2B66D263B50A4BD46552FA9DAD85F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_37961F1211DB50C89772C6E21DEE7B9E" 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_7EFAA7EEF67B4DABE583FB3FE9ABAA4D_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_37961F1211DB50C89772C6E21DEE7B9E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_7EFAA7EEF67B4DABE583FB3FE9ABAA4D_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" 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_98D5A2E37E9455768367C3B61C13DF0F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_37961F1211DB50C89772C6E21DEE7B9E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_98D5A2E37E9455768367C3B61C13DF0F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_TermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_0FE88465354555BEAEA10C0D33C3915C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_98D5A2E37E9455768367C3B61C13DF0F" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_0FE88465354555BEAEA10C0D33C3915C" 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_C77165A086475172B3708142BFFDCDCA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable_FBB2B66D263B50A4BD46552FA9DAD85F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_C77165A086475172B3708142BFFDCDCA" 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_014BEF5206CCD7D1EE1FFB3FE9ACE3FF_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_C77165A086475172B3708142BFFDCDCA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_014BEF5206CCD7D1EE1FFB3FE9ACE3FF_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" 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_AA24EDFBD5B252B1AB853CCEE8B3DD1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_C77165A086475172B3708142BFFDCDCA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_AA24EDFBD5B252B1AB853CCEE8B3DD1A" 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_0BED41792307571A8BAC03BD7802CC9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_AA24EDFBD5B252B1AB853CCEE8B3DD1A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_0BED41792307571A8BAC03BD7802CC9C" 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_9DAE136AD8985355A0F36A8A0DBE4991" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_AA24EDFBD5B252B1AB853CCEE8B3DD1A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_9DAE136AD8985355A0F36A8A0DBE4991" 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_446910B82063539C9CF5425B4E057956" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_AA24EDFBD5B252B1AB853CCEE8B3DD1A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_446910B82063539C9CF5425B4E057956" 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_724D91C55A9858938B8CD0C62D388086" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable_FBB2B66D263B50A4BD46552FA9DAD85F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_724D91C55A9858938B8CD0C62D388086" 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_90689B7600AA2C8CA5B0FB3FE9ADF694_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_724D91C55A9858938B8CD0C62D388086" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_90689B7600AA2C8CA5B0FB3FE9ADF694_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" 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_DAD39478CF6354BDA0397645733214E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_724D91C55A9858938B8CD0C62D388086" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_DAD39478CF6354BDA0397645733214E8" 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_CA48336B0D8A58F88D315C691D88D1FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_DAD39478CF6354BDA0397645733214E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_CA48336B0D8A58F88D315C691D88D1FB" 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_C313A698A2A5569EAE03840A52E03706" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems_6789FE7B23955070B3300548EC3CAE5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_C313A698A2A5569EAE03840A52E03706" 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_5D442DF98D995573805C970D2879FB68" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems_6789FE7B23955070B3300548EC3CAE5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue_5D442DF98D995573805C970D2879FB68" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_FairValueMeasurementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FairValueMeasurementLineItems_EA369DEC1A695F3BA12A2051432CCE79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_FairValueMeasurementTable" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FairValueMeasurementTable_D0AE9D537D3E50F5B0518C5F6D26A411" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FairValueMeasurementLineItems_EA369DEC1A695F3BA12A2051432CCE79" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_FairValueMeasurementTable_D0AE9D537D3E50F5B0518C5F6D26A411" 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_A528EAD6EA385E979081952008A1965A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FairValueMeasurementTable_D0AE9D537D3E50F5B0518C5F6D26A411" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_A528EAD6EA385E979081952008A1965A" 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_1756510E753D148492BEFB3FE9BD20F6_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_A528EAD6EA385E979081952008A1965A" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_1756510E753D148492BEFB3FE9BD20F6_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" 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_C7C1CD07E9BD5B12BFF78484C5C5B767" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_A528EAD6EA385E979081952008A1965A" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_C7C1CD07E9BD5B12BFF78484C5C5B767" 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_B8AB0692A96755579C649C98DAC82F89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_C7C1CD07E9BD5B12BFF78484C5C5B767" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_B8AB0692A96755579C649C98DAC82F89" 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_1711644166DE5BE2A31BA295266A1B10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_C7C1CD07E9BD5B12BFF78484C5C5B767" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_1711644166DE5BE2A31BA295266A1B10" 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_4B26DA7EF1085EC1B8599EAC3F4F0661" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FairValueMeasurementLineItems_EA369DEC1A695F3BA12A2051432CCE79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_4B26DA7EF1085EC1B8599EAC3F4F0661" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_ThresholdPeriodPastDueforPaymentofServicesProvided" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ThresholdPeriodPastDueforPaymentofServicesProvided_B082B86801BA5EB3AF9611D3E8ECEF0F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FairValueMeasurementLineItems_EA369DEC1A695F3BA12A2051432CCE79" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ThresholdPeriodPastDueforPaymentofServicesProvided_B082B86801BA5EB3AF9611D3E8ECEF0F" 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_4EDC5496ADB46DA8B7F59798AD6DE87B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_72BF14440BAB24FA3F019798AD6C8E65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_4EDC5496ADB46DA8B7F59798AD6DE87B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_72BF14440BAB24FA3F019798AD6C8E65" 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_C65066A7AF18D04DC7509798AD6CD43B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_72BF14440BAB24FA3F019798AD6C8E65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_C65066A7AF18D04DC7509798AD6CD43B" 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_3BF3CC453E2FA29D48409798AD6C4962_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_C65066A7AF18D04DC7509798AD6CD43B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_3BF3CC453E2FA29D48409798AD6C4962_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_3BF3CC453E2FA29D48409798AD6C4962" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_C65066A7AF18D04DC7509798AD6CD43B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_3BF3CC453E2FA29D48409798AD6C4962" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_ContingentConsiderationLiabilityMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ContingentConsiderationLiabilityMember_1A6E8F32DBA3B56797F49798AD6CA5EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_3BF3CC453E2FA29D48409798AD6C4962" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ContingentConsiderationLiabilityMember_1A6E8F32DBA3B56797F49798AD6CA5EB" 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_847557A708ABCDCC2AA09798AD6DE1D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_4EDC5496ADB46DA8B7F59798AD6DE87B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_847557A708ABCDCC2AA09798AD6DE1D7" 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_4285B7EBFE4FB50A5BFC9798AD6D63BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_847557A708ABCDCC2AA09798AD6DE1D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue_4285B7EBFE4FB50A5BFC9798AD6D63BE" 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_57122E8A69CC70F7CF3E9798AD6DF500" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_847557A708ABCDCC2AA09798AD6DE1D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements_57122E8A69CC70F7CF3E9798AD6DF500" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_FairValueMeasurementwithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityAccretionExpense" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FairValueMeasurementwithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityAccretionExpense_A37C7CB83015F2CCC6E29798AD6E1DEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_847557A708ABCDCC2AA09798AD6DE1D7" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_FairValueMeasurementwithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityAccretionExpense_A37C7CB83015F2CCC6E29798AD6E1DEA" 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_353EB6BD48B98D0AF83C97AF7DF20724" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_847557A708ABCDCC2AA09798AD6DE1D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings_353EB6BD48B98D0AF83C97AF7DF20724" 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-20180930.xsd#ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_BCC6BCA06ED150C58309C5AAC2CEA14B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_C22F1417293C567FB98B850621DFBA9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_BCC6BCA06ED150C58309C5AAC2CEA14B" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_C22F1417293C567FB98B850621DFBA9E" 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_3F63979FD170504BB1012236BA9BB9D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_C22F1417293C567FB98B850621DFBA9E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_3F63979FD170504BB1012236BA9BB9D8" 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_C24B8EC6739C3D0E37E8FB3FEAABCA02_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_3F63979FD170504BB1012236BA9BB9D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_C24B8EC6739C3D0E37E8FB3FEAABCA02_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" 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_BDE693215CC05E61B62369529F72CB43" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_3F63979FD170504BB1012236BA9BB9D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_BDE693215CC05E61B62369529F72CB43" 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_3556431480FF5F37BA0CCCEBB72EFD2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_BDE693215CC05E61B62369529F72CB43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DatabasesMember_3556431480FF5F37BA0CCCEBB72EFD2F" 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_624EEA74D9C559FEA6F77586D763339F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_BDE693215CC05E61B62369529F72CB43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_624EEA74D9C559FEA6F77586D763339F" 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_C3912EBAB5C355648A56D375BFF7A7E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_BDE693215CC05E61B62369529F72CB43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember_C3912EBAB5C355648A56D375BFF7A7E7" 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_1EC11013C684567FBFA5522FC485A85A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_BDE693215CC05E61B62369529F72CB43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_1EC11013C684567FBFA5522FC485A85A" 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_CA01AA9FE9385594AFFA76A358356229" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_BCC6BCA06ED150C58309C5AAC2CEA14B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_CA01AA9FE9385594AFFA76A358356229" 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_1F826B3327E65A429530909E627E9447" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_BCC6BCA06ED150C58309C5AAC2CEA14B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_1F826B3327E65A429530909E627E9447" 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_A2A113EB01875FA6AF9ABD3A2BFF0305" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_BCC6BCA06ED150C58309C5AAC2CEA14B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_A2A113EB01875FA6AF9ABD3A2BFF0305" 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_104B6D076E4F513CB409B811F7290006" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_BCC6BCA06ED150C58309C5AAC2CEA14B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedTradeNames_104B6D076E4F513CB409B811F7290006" 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_B4B569244C3055EDA5A6458A79CFCBB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_BCC6BCA06ED150C58309C5AAC2CEA14B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_B4B569244C3055EDA5A6458A79CFCBB8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsAnnualAmortizationExpenseDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsGoodwillDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_09A6756AA24D5D338C0F70B8701CC751" 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_AC01E052F7A051A4B6F67ED1BF6B7CCD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_09A6756AA24D5D338C0F70B8701CC751" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_AC01E052F7A051A4B6F67ED1BF6B7CCD" 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_CAEF3C8D6CA2579B813EA7E396A5D448" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_AC01E052F7A051A4B6F67ED1BF6B7CCD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_CAEF3C8D6CA2579B813EA7E396A5D448" 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_60AB5F63F7A4ABCC0F27FB3FEA9D5D17_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_CAEF3C8D6CA2579B813EA7E396A5D448" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_60AB5F63F7A4ABCC0F27FB3FEA9D5D17_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" 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_B638F837624D59AC86C53B44E8D29CA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_CAEF3C8D6CA2579B813EA7E396A5D448" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B638F837624D59AC86C53B44E8D29CA3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_1C3AF4D2AC4C5CF8A4751087A1F42E24" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B638F837624D59AC86C53B44E8D29CA3" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_1C3AF4D2AC4C5CF8A4751087A1F42E24" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember_3EC0E13D8C585228804F06E2EC04A631" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B638F837624D59AC86C53B44E8D29CA3" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember_3EC0E13D8C585228804F06E2EC04A631" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_OtherHumanCapitalManagementServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_OtherHumanCapitalManagementServicesMember_94A4B714397453EE93B96226B699934C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B638F837624D59AC86C53B44E8D29CA3" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_OtherHumanCapitalManagementServicesMember_94A4B714397453EE93B96226B699934C" 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_5D244936C78B59EFA2263CD33E0B127A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_09A6756AA24D5D338C0F70B8701CC751" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_5D244936C78B59EFA2263CD33E0B127A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/OrganizationAndBasisOfPresentation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RecentAccountingPronouncements" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RecentAccountingPronouncementsAdditionalInformationDetails" 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_E6A960FBB79B889C9649C07759F47F85" 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_AA7A2ED014AF3F34C120C07759F21028" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_E6A960FBB79B889C9649C07759F47F85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_AA7A2ED014AF3F34C120C07759F21028" 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_66287D8076B11802FD23C07759F24E69" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_AA7A2ED014AF3F34C120C07759F21028" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_66287D8076B11802FD23C07759F24E69" 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_9AC087FEC194EC980911C07759F3C9BB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_66287D8076B11802FD23C07759F24E69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_9AC087FEC194EC980911C07759F3C9BB_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_9AC087FEC194EC980911C07759F3C9BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_66287D8076B11802FD23C07759F24E69" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_9AC087FEC194EC980911C07759F3C9BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProFormaMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProFormaMember_2A5C6F20D70C350BF4C5C07759F33252" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_9AC087FEC194EC980911C07759F3C9BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProFormaMember_2A5C6F20D70C350BF4C5C07759F33252" xlink:type="arc" />
    <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_3AC71FC223F03F13EC0AC07759F357F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_AA7A2ED014AF3F34C120C07759F21028" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_3AC71FC223F03F13EC0AC07759F357F4" 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_57633F3AD95BC4D6DA5DC07759F386C1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_3AC71FC223F03F13EC0AC07759F357F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_57633F3AD95BC4D6DA5DC07759F386C1_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_57633F3AD95BC4D6DA5DC07759F386C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_3AC71FC223F03F13EC0AC07759F357F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_57633F3AD95BC4D6DA5DC07759F386C1" 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_A9F016134D80409E6BC7C07759F456D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_57633F3AD95BC4D6DA5DC07759F386C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member_A9F016134D80409E6BC7C07759F456D2" 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_FF95488FC67823295E1AC085CB3664BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_E6A960FBB79B889C9649C07759F47F85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue_FF95488FC67823295E1AC085CB3664BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_6E3B3A8C8EE03FF04BBBC07759F412C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_E6A960FBB79B889C9649C07759F47F85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_6E3B3A8C8EE03FF04BBBC07759F412C4" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <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_26156CC8DDB95BA79ACAAF1B4ED47D52" 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_E1603AE2A33A545984A0A27CEF2F2235" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_26156CC8DDB95BA79ACAAF1B4ED47D52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_E1603AE2A33A545984A0A27CEF2F2235" 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_73E8080BEAF45C43B09F2819260333B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_E1603AE2A33A545984A0A27CEF2F2235" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_73E8080BEAF45C43B09F2819260333B8" 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_A20D9CF0690B6B23F45CFB3FE8CAA048_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_73E8080BEAF45C43B09F2819260333B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_A20D9CF0690B6B23F45CFB3FE8CAA048_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" 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_1C4890813F1F5B9FB7BDDAB9815884F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_73E8080BEAF45C43B09F2819260333B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_1C4890813F1F5B9FB7BDDAB9815884F7" 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_0C94C2C45A6B5F6B8F3B2F3745482CC0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_1C4890813F1F5B9FB7BDDAB9815884F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateJointVentureMember_0C94C2C45A6B5F6B8F3B2F3745482CC0" 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_D912B24E2B0A5D71809B0198F72D5265" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_1C4890813F1F5B9FB7BDDAB9815884F7" xlink:to="loc_srt_AffiliatedEntityMember_D912B24E2B0A5D71809B0198F72D5265" 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_4E744834B0CB5340A247F53BA7BCD3E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_26156CC8DDB95BA79ACAAF1B4ED47D52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties_4E744834B0CB5340A247F53BA7BCD3E3" 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_0AE47FC0F50855EB86B137B5EE815F4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_26156CC8DDB95BA79ACAAF1B4ED47D52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedParties_0AE47FC0F50855EB86B137B5EE815F4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_JointVenturePercentOwnership" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_JointVenturePercentOwnership_16B36EFD9E12540E805C107EB6DCF658" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_26156CC8DDB95BA79ACAAF1B4ED47D52" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_JointVenturePercentOwnership_16B36EFD9E12540E805C107EB6DCF658" 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_A87F659F893C5A82B9956CFFE26B7C61" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_26156CC8DDB95BA79ACAAF1B4ED47D52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueFromJointVenturesCurrent_A87F659F893C5A82B9956CFFE26B7C61" 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_C8BB881CCBEA57C1B2E04AC3AB5AE20F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_26156CC8DDB95BA79ACAAF1B4ED47D52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrent_C8BB881CCBEA57C1B2E04AC3AB5AE20F" 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_C90F29F8EF8A5644A294634141B1992B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_26156CC8DDB95BA79ACAAF1B4ED47D52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRent_C90F29F8EF8A5644A294634141B1992B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RevenueRecognition" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RevenueRecognitionAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link: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_817C6C6CB82DB530662C9798AE204F1A" 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_9A3A9A934F160A52B2739798AE1CEB05" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_817C6C6CB82DB530662C9798AE204F1A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_9A3A9A934F160A52B2739798AE1CEB05" 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_14F9BEE3DA16DA7C61D39798AE1CB027" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_9A3A9A934F160A52B2739798AE1CEB05" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_14F9BEE3DA16DA7C61D39798AE1CB027" 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_53DD096A4F61FF88B1AF9798AE1D28EA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_14F9BEE3DA16DA7C61D39798AE1CB027" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_53DD096A4F61FF88B1AF9798AE1D28EA_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_53DD096A4F61FF88B1AF9798AE1D28EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_14F9BEE3DA16DA7C61D39798AE1CB027" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_53DD096A4F61FF88B1AF9798AE1D28EA" 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_C80A948D1431D7A565EA9798AE1D3845" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_53DD096A4F61FF88B1AF9798AE1D28EA" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_C80A948D1431D7A565EA9798AE1D3845" 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_9665D92130E232B1BD5B9798AE1DCE14" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_53DD096A4F61FF88B1AF9798AE1D28EA" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_9665D92130E232B1BD5B9798AE1DCE14" 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_243ED99656448D33C5019798AE1DE895" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_9A3A9A934F160A52B2739798AE1CEB05" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_243ED99656448D33C5019798AE1DE895" 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_5FC2A52E05907178925D9798AE1E3324_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_243ED99656448D33C5019798AE1DE895" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_5FC2A52E05907178925D9798AE1E3324_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_5FC2A52E05907178925D9798AE1E3324" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_243ED99656448D33C5019798AE1DE895" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_5FC2A52E05907178925D9798AE1E3324" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_TemporaryStaffingServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TemporaryStaffingServicesMember_3C07922D8D5168EFF8C39798AE1E5628" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_5FC2A52E05907178925D9798AE1E3324" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TemporaryStaffingServicesMember_3C07922D8D5168EFF8C39798AE1E5628" 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_CA7C955AA2975203E9759798AE1EFB4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_9A3A9A934F160A52B2739798AE1CEB05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_CA7C955AA2975203E9759798AE1EFB4B" 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_6EB37A3162CA4CC90BF79798AE1E51C6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_CA7C955AA2975203E9759798AE1EFB4B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_6EB37A3162CA4CC90BF79798AE1E51C6_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_6EB37A3162CA4CC90BF79798AE1E51C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_CA7C955AA2975203E9759798AE1EFB4B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_6EB37A3162CA4CC90BF79798AE1E51C6" 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_6C35A1F7548DFAC8BD9A9798AE1FDE6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_6EB37A3162CA4CC90BF79798AE1E51C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductConcentrationRiskMember_6C35A1F7548DFAC8BD9A9798AE1FDE6E" 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_1CEA6E37F4E1D9CA20499798AE1F01CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_9A3A9A934F160A52B2739798AE1CEB05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_1CEA6E37F4E1D9CA20499798AE1F01CE" 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_705B6995F86D518F64209798AE1F9D16_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_1CEA6E37F4E1D9CA20499798AE1F01CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_705B6995F86D518F64209798AE1F9D16_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_705B6995F86D518F64209798AE1F9D16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_1CEA6E37F4E1D9CA20499798AE1F01CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_705B6995F86D518F64209798AE1F9D16" 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_C9A87261C7A838FCB1739798AE1FC06A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_705B6995F86D518F64209798AE1F9D16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember_C9A87261C7A838FCB1739798AE1FC06A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_ContractReceivablesPaymentTerm" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ContractReceivablesPaymentTerm_052F4E7F4EE7EE226C809798AE20E8C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_817C6C6CB82DB530662C9798AE204F1A" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ContractReceivablesPaymentTerm_052F4E7F4EE7EE226C809798AE20E8C7" 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_647F729E2EF2502AFC739798AE20BD66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_817C6C6CB82DB530662C9798AE204F1A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnbilledContractsReceivable_647F729E2EF2502AFC739798AE20BD66" 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_A7C4FC02B7A7A49E67B19798AE208CBA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_817C6C6CB82DB530662C9798AE204F1A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_A7C4FC02B7A7A49E67B19798AE208CBA" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <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_139026048A1E5FA4B38D7D4C481A0316" 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_4551C626EC825600A1F5341317A61CF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_139026048A1E5FA4B38D7D4C481A0316" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_4551C626EC825600A1F5341317A61CF9" 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_5ACC4B46766E506A9AFA9FBE94A6220D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_4551C626EC825600A1F5341317A61CF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_5ACC4B46766E506A9AFA9FBE94A6220D" 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_24DEF6E28D26883BEEE8FB3FEAE96E00_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_5ACC4B46766E506A9AFA9FBE94A6220D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_24DEF6E28D26883BEEE8FB3FEAE96E00_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" 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_C1A0B6130F4A5C2ABA72108FA7FCB4A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_5ACC4B46766E506A9AFA9FBE94A6220D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_C1A0B6130F4A5C2ABA72108FA7FCB4A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_0AB6B07D4F2E5F46B88B3EED153FB489" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_C1A0B6130F4A5C2ABA72108FA7FCB4A0" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_0AB6B07D4F2E5F46B88B3EED153FB489" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember_AF08C90E287657989272D14C4A905A57" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_C1A0B6130F4A5C2ABA72108FA7FCB4A0" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember_AF08C90E287657989272D14C4A905A57" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_OtherHumanCapitalManagementServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_OtherHumanCapitalManagementServicesMember_AFFADF2CF77B543386A85DBC05C83C03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_C1A0B6130F4A5C2ABA72108FA7FCB4A0" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_OtherHumanCapitalManagementServicesMember_AFFADF2CF77B543386A85DBC05C83C03" 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_446447D09EBF5DA1929BAF3CC8004C56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_4551C626EC825600A1F5341317A61CF9" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_446447D09EBF5DA1929BAF3CC8004C56" 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_CE7BD9E7065E403CB3C2FB3FEAEA6F23_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_446447D09EBF5DA1929BAF3CC8004C56" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_CE7BD9E7065E403CB3C2FB3FEAEA6F23_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" 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_2283B4FB1A8D5EE8A4C80464F96F408C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_446447D09EBF5DA1929BAF3CC8004C56" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_2283B4FB1A8D5EE8A4C80464F96F408C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_TemporaryStaffingServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TemporaryStaffingServicesMember_A4FDAD4ACFF75C069D554B32EB4F1DBB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_2283B4FB1A8D5EE8A4C80464F96F408C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TemporaryStaffingServicesMember_A4FDAD4ACFF75C069D554B32EB4F1DBB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_OtherServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_OtherServicesMember_355D7B6EEB405E1094632F417097263B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_2283B4FB1A8D5EE8A4C80464F96F408C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_OtherServicesMember_355D7B6EEB405E1094632F417097263B" 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_51B5DA9B522559AB828948CAA3D826CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_139026048A1E5FA4B38D7D4C481A0316" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_51B5DA9B522559AB828948CAA3D826CE" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RevenueRecognitionTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SegmentData" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SegmentDataInformationOnOperatingSegmentsAndReconciliationToLossFromOperationsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_EE52A15992A35B7C8F6316184492B8E4" 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_76B9B503B4C255DF820FC2C7F758C65C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_EE52A15992A35B7C8F6316184492B8E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable_76B9B503B4C255DF820FC2C7F758C65C" 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_5F1A9B374028560EBE1A8DF9683EF6EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable_76B9B503B4C255DF820FC2C7F758C65C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_5F1A9B374028560EBE1A8DF9683EF6EF" 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_CCA59A3A30E6ED15749CFB3FE929BCA3_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_5F1A9B374028560EBE1A8DF9683EF6EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_CCA59A3A30E6ED15749CFB3FE929BCA3_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" 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_2EB7CF9C760A56D19EBCF55F23014C84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_5F1A9B374028560EBE1A8DF9683EF6EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2EB7CF9C760A56D19EBCF55F23014C84" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_5BEFAD887BB85F8F9D44A45C219EF23A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2EB7CF9C760A56D19EBCF55F23014C84" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_5BEFAD887BB85F8F9D44A45C219EF23A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember_888F33AB5C885819B0CC6867846E0B5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2EB7CF9C760A56D19EBCF55F23014C84" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember_888F33AB5C885819B0CC6867846E0B5F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_OtherHumanCapitalManagementServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_OtherHumanCapitalManagementServicesMember_B1C2DFE1497E5B55BC25C6199140BC18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2EB7CF9C760A56D19EBCF55F23014C84" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_OtherHumanCapitalManagementServicesMember_B1C2DFE1497E5B55BC25C6199140BC18" 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_022D619437A25EE1ACCD11A84B9DF0B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_EE52A15992A35B7C8F6316184492B8E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_022D619437A25EE1ACCD11A84B9DF0B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_OperatingIncomeLossBeforeDepreciationAmortizationAcquisitionandIntegrationCostContingentConsiderationRestructuringCostsAndCorporateExpenses" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_OperatingIncomeLossBeforeDepreciationAmortizationAcquisitionandIntegrationCostContingentConsiderationRestructuringCostsAndCorporateExpenses_059E22CEC4E459E2BF2256DFDA6A330D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_EE52A15992A35B7C8F6316184492B8E4" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_OperatingIncomeLossBeforeDepreciationAmortizationAcquisitionandIntegrationCostContingentConsiderationRestructuringCostsAndCorporateExpenses_059E22CEC4E459E2BF2256DFDA6A330D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_SegmentReportingUnallocatedCorporateExpenses" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SegmentReportingUnallocatedCorporateExpenses_926F1BFDB5A95BC98188890A476898C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_EE52A15992A35B7C8F6316184492B8E4" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SegmentReportingUnallocatedCorporateExpenses_926F1BFDB5A95BC98188890A476898C4" 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_3A166E414FB85525B4E1DF61B937F5BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_EE52A15992A35B7C8F6316184492B8E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_3A166E414FB85525B4E1DF61B937F5BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsExpense" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsExpense_DB4439231C965448B1F460707EB9325D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_EE52A15992A35B7C8F6316184492B8E4" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsExpense_DB4439231C965448B1F460707EB9325D" 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_A0689132AE295CA5B3F5FD8F8D8F09F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_EE52A15992A35B7C8F6316184492B8E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_A0689132AE295CA5B3F5FD8F8D8F09F1" 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_4CBFA4D3ECEF501EA1843943427EF578" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_EE52A15992A35B7C8F6316184492B8E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_4CBFA4D3ECEF501EA1843943427EF578" 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_A55F5D76D3D3527D85E83B8B2803F800" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_EE52A15992A35B7C8F6316184492B8E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_A55F5D76D3D3527D85E83B8B2803F800" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SegmentDataNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SegmentDataTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquity" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquityNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_4509B42A7B3E7FD832099798AD53B710" 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_24638A5366553B525BE69798AD4FB2FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_4509B42A7B3E7FD832099798AD53B710" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_24638A5366553B525BE69798AD4FB2FE" 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_9B17469D3BA8D1979B299798AD4FA0D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_24638A5366553B525BE69798AD4FB2FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_9B17469D3BA8D1979B299798AD4FA0D5" 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_9221E17B853E88DDB0709798AD504B89_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_9B17469D3BA8D1979B299798AD4FA0D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_9221E17B853E88DDB0709798AD504B89_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_9221E17B853E88DDB0709798AD504B89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_9B17469D3BA8D1979B299798AD4FA0D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_9221E17B853E88DDB0709798AD504B89" 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_336E1507D11666212E1C9798AD50B0B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_9221E17B853E88DDB0709798AD504B89" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_336E1507D11666212E1C9798AD50B0B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <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_4A4B7EE2C2817977A0B99798AD506971" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_24638A5366553B525BE69798AD4FB2FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_4A4B7EE2C2817977A0B99798AD506971" 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_B646208DC1D8354591009798AD504EC9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_4A4B7EE2C2817977A0B99798AD506971" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_B646208DC1D8354591009798AD504EC9_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_B646208DC1D8354591009798AD504EC9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_4A4B7EE2C2817977A0B99798AD506971" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_B646208DC1D8354591009798AD504EC9" 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_60617EC26A07E06BF3BC9798AD51D367" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_B646208DC1D8354591009798AD504EC9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_60617EC26A07E06BF3BC9798AD51D367" 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_00BF2EE2F44781F10EDD9798AD51BAD7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_24638A5366553B525BE69798AD4FB2FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_00BF2EE2F44781F10EDD9798AD51BAD7" 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_355CEDE476CB8E2E0E4D9798AD518A44_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_00BF2EE2F44781F10EDD9798AD51BAD7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_355CEDE476CB8E2E0E4D9798AD518A44_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_355CEDE476CB8E2E0E4D9798AD518A44" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_00BF2EE2F44781F10EDD9798AD51BAD7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_355CEDE476CB8E2E0E4D9798AD518A44" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_A2014OmnibusIncentivePlanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_A2014OmnibusIncentivePlanMember_FF812FC768BDA299F1459798AD5241F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_355CEDE476CB8E2E0E4D9798AD518A44" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_A2014OmnibusIncentivePlanMember_FF812FC768BDA299F1459798AD5241F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_4EAD4A27B173C06D42279798AD5213D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_24638A5366553B525BE69798AD4FB2FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_4EAD4A27B173C06D42279798AD5213D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_9D9D3E48D17776B667389798AD5235A8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_4EAD4A27B173C06D42279798AD5213D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_9D9D3E48D17776B667389798AD5235A8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_9D9D3E48D17776B667389798AD5235A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_4EAD4A27B173C06D42279798AD5213D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_9D9D3E48D17776B667389798AD5235A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember_D8B04F3FEDAC808AB4C39798AD52C048" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_9D9D3E48D17776B667389798AD5235A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember_D8B04F3FEDAC808AB4C39798AD52C048" 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_842C147B0316238B1C649798AD5300E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_4509B42A7B3E7FD832099798AD53B710" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_842C147B0316238B1C649798AD5300E1" 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_9D4E99BD1101D5BD3E429798AD533D1C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_4509B42A7B3E7FD832099798AD53B710" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_9D4E99BD1101D5BD3E429798AD533D1C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodPricePerShare" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodPricePerShare_67C24489257AFB42CC409798AD539B69" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_4509B42A7B3E7FD832099798AD53B710" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodPricePerShare_67C24489257AFB42CC409798AD539B69" 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_7F1A043249A62C20FF659798AD539D7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_4509B42A7B3E7FD832099798AD53B710" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingNumberOfSharesAuthorizedToBeRepurchased_7F1A043249A62C20FF659798AD539D7A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_D1A7C2065011DC8FC84C9798AD54662A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_4509B42A7B3E7FD832099798AD53B710" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_D1A7C2065011DC8FC84C9798AD54662A" 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_8C30CE479046DFBB3F549798AD54B8EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_4509B42A7B3E7FD832099798AD53B710" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1_8C30CE479046DFBB3F549798AD54B8EB" 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_0D97806FD136E089AB8D9798AD54418E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_4509B42A7B3E7FD832099798AD53B710" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_0D97806FD136E089AB8D9798AD54418E" 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_4FA5C0BBE2C3A7AD0EB89798AD54C0F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_4509B42A7B3E7FD832099798AD53B710" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_4FA5C0BBE2C3A7AD0EB89798AD54C0F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherthanOptionsVestedinPeriodNet" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherthanOptionsVestedinPeriodNet_19DE34F99363AA9799CC9798AD54BD2B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_4509B42A7B3E7FD832099798AD53B710" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherthanOptionsVestedinPeriodNet_19DE34F99363AA9799CC9798AD54BD2B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquitySummaryOfRestrictedStockAndPerformanceSharesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_49AFD8E2FC7F59DA87E1EA06540091DB" 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_0983940A7A4D50908FF5D080F0A78959" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_49AFD8E2FC7F59DA87E1EA06540091DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_0983940A7A4D50908FF5D080F0A78959" 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_E66559F811E456898FE9B59B9EB41CE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_0983940A7A4D50908FF5D080F0A78959" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_E66559F811E456898FE9B59B9EB41CE8" 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_398DB8BF253475315AAFFB3FE95F71EF_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_E66559F811E456898FE9B59B9EB41CE8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_398DB8BF253475315AAFFB3FE95F71EF_AF729E992C995A05B6A2CA7962458E01" 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_5E590958F2F25BD3AE89A93560803A18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_E66559F811E456898FE9B59B9EB41CE8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_5E590958F2F25BD3AE89A93560803A18" 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_E319EFCC15785F9E9E3A0FA231048CC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_5E590958F2F25BD3AE89A93560803A18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_E319EFCC15785F9E9E3A0FA231048CC4" 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_432F892C571D5342B740A7D175AAE18B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_5E590958F2F25BD3AE89A93560803A18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_432F892C571D5342B740A7D175AAE18B" 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_B626C10C12B15F1B8ED01AAB49AE67A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_49AFD8E2FC7F59DA87E1EA06540091DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_B626C10C12B15F1B8ED01AAB49AE67A0" 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_47215DFAB6245E12B2139271A89C1211" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_B626C10C12B15F1B8ED01AAB49AE67A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_47215DFAB6245E12B2139271A89C1211" 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_52BA19B8FC305B64A366AC4DC0B213D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_B626C10C12B15F1B8ED01AAB49AE67A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_52BA19B8FC305B64A366AC4DC0B213D9" 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_C6680ED303AE54C0B8477AD03E66AC8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_B626C10C12B15F1B8ED01AAB49AE67A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_C6680ED303AE54C0B8477AD03E66AC8F" 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_7A2A2378DAC6526DAE71CEC20984C68F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_B626C10C12B15F1B8ED01AAB49AE67A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_7A2A2378DAC6526DAE71CEC20984C68F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueAbstract_9672E19D25445645A44AADD7281D592E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_49AFD8E2FC7F59DA87E1EA06540091DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueAbstract_9672E19D25445645A44AADD7281D592E" 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_E02FB8D2A5745858BD0E6E9F8B4925E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueAbstract_9672E19D25445645A44AADD7281D592E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_E02FB8D2A5745858BD0E6E9F8B4925E3" 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_27B3B7B5BF45560FA64C2D828EF150C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueAbstract_9672E19D25445645A44AADD7281D592E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_27B3B7B5BF45560FA64C2D828EF150C7" 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_044A771C91275F6E95996DECDEDF1A57" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueAbstract_9672E19D25445645A44AADD7281D592E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_044A771C91275F6E95996DECDEDF1A57" 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_B11D6FE6668E5C86BCA4A5BC52A3D5F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueAbstract_9672E19D25445645A44AADD7281D592E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_B11D6FE6668E5C86BCA4A5BC52A3D5F2" 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/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRestructuringCostsDetails" 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_815475CA9AC844D4825AC0775BDF3EEB" 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_F611A377E27B61F0AF26C0775BDD463A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_815475CA9AC844D4825AC0775BDF3EEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_F611A377E27B61F0AF26C0775BDD463A" 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_01A589F45B66996C7851C0775BDDE26D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_F611A377E27B61F0AF26C0775BDD463A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis_01A589F45B66996C7851C0775BDDE26D" 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_C776FCBB86F1E31F9433C0775BDE1136_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis_01A589F45B66996C7851C0775BDDE26D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain_C776FCBB86F1E31F9433C0775BDE1136_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_C776FCBB86F1E31F9433C0775BDE1136" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis_01A589F45B66996C7851C0775BDDE26D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain_C776FCBB86F1E31F9433C0775BDE1136" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_CostOptimizationProjectMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_CostOptimizationProjectMember_B1C737D2197B59554D69C0775BDE9A79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain_C776FCBB86F1E31F9433C0775BDE1136" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_CostOptimizationProjectMember_B1C737D2197B59554D69C0775BDE9A79" 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_DE07E8AA38474360C878C0775BDEA1AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_F611A377E27B61F0AF26C0775BDD463A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_DE07E8AA38474360C878C0775BDEA1AB" 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_26692C66DEA137FC99C1C0775BDEEE2E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_DE07E8AA38474360C878C0775BDEA1AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_26692C66DEA137FC99C1C0775BDEEE2E_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_26692C66DEA137FC99C1C0775BDEEE2E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_DE07E8AA38474360C878C0775BDEA1AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_26692C66DEA137FC99C1C0775BDEEE2E" 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_E124832D72666344575EC0775BDFC732" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_26692C66DEA137FC99C1C0775BDEEE2E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember_E124832D72666344575EC0775BDFC732" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_ExitCostsMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ExitCostsMember_65CB19252E26613EC4EEC0775BDF877E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_26692C66DEA137FC99C1C0775BDEEE2E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ExitCostsMember_65CB19252E26613EC4EEC0775BDF877E" 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_AB6BB8CFC83F13AF080CC0775BDF74CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_815475CA9AC844D4825AC0775BDF3EEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_AB6BB8CFC83F13AF080CC0775BDF74CC" 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_5833BA6C28F150CE5F18C0775BE09F77" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_AB6BB8CFC83F13AF080CC0775BDF74CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserve_5833BA6C28F150CE5F18C0775BE09F77" 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_00D3A8AC9D33A088FF24C0775BE0B8E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_AB6BB8CFC83F13AF080CC0775BDF74CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_00D3A8AC9D33A088FF24C0775BE0B8E0" 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_338D41C416BC7964FDD8C0775BE0227F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_AB6BB8CFC83F13AF080CC0775BDF74CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring_338D41C416BC7964FDD8C0775BE0227F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20180930.xsd#ccrn_RestructuringChargesWriteOffRelatedToAbandonment" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_RestructuringChargesWriteOffRelatedToAbandonment_10CE8D8B6D5E6A2BE9A3C08190041833" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_815475CA9AC844D4825AC0775BDF3EEB" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_RestructuringChargesWriteOffRelatedToAbandonment_10CE8D8B6D5E6A2BE9A3C08190041833" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
</link:linkbase>
