<?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-20191231.xsd#Acquisitions" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsAdvantageDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#AcquisitionsAdvantageDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsAmericanPersonnelDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#AcquisitionsAmericanPersonnelDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#AcquisitionsAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsFairValueOfPurchasePriceDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#AcquisitionsFairValueOfPurchasePriceDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsProFormaDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#AcquisitionsProFormaDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#AcquisitionsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsUsResourcesHealthcareAndMediscanDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#AcquisitionsUsResourcesHealthcareAndMediscanDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/BalanceSheetDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#BalanceSheetDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/BalanceSheetDetailsDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#BalanceSheetDetailsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/BalanceSheetDetailsTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#BalanceSheetDetailsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveLossIncome" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveLossIncome" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/Contingencies" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#Contingencies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ContingenciesDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/Debt" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#Debt" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/Debt2016SeniorCreditFacilitiesDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#Debt2016SeniorCreditFacilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DebtAugust2017CreditFacilityDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#DebtAugust2017CreditFacilityDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DebtLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#DebtLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DebtOctober2019AblCreditAgreementDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#DebtOctober2019AblCreditAgreementDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DebtPrivatePlacementOfConvertibleNotesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#DebtPrivatePlacementOfConvertibleNotesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DebtTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#DebtTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/Derivatives" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#Derivatives" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DerivativesDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#DerivativesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EarningsPerShareAntidilutiveSecuritiesDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#EarningsPerShareAntidilutiveSecuritiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EarningsPerShareComponentsOfNumeratorAndDenominatorForComputationOfBasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#EarningsPerShareComponentsOfNumeratorAndDenominatorForComputationOfBasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlans" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#EmployeeBenefitPlans" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#EmployeeBenefitPlansDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsEstimatedFairValuesAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsEstimatedFairValuesAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFinancialInstrumentsThatWereNotMeasuredAtFairValueDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsFinancialInstrumentsThatWereNotMeasuredAtFairValueDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsScheduleOfReconciliationOfOpeningAndClosingBalancesForFairValueMeasurementsCategorizedWithinLevel3Details" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsScheduleOfReconciliationOfOpeningAndClosingBalancesForFairValueMeasurementsCategorizedWithinLevel3Details" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssets" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsAcquiredIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsAcquiredIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsChangesInCarryingAmountOfGoodwillBySegmentDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsChangesInCarryingAmountOfGoodwillBySegmentDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsEstimatedAnnualAmortizationExpenseDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsEstimatedAnnualAmortizationExpenseDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxesComponentsOfIncomeLossBeforeIncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#IncomeTaxesComponentsOfIncomeLossBeforeIncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxesComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#IncomeTaxesComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxesReconciliationOfBeginningAndEndingBalanceOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#IncomeTaxesReconciliationOfBeginningAndEndingBalanceOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxesReconciliationOfIncomeTaxComputedAtUSFederalStatutoryRateToIncomeTaxBenefitExpenseDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#IncomeTaxesReconciliationOfIncomeTaxComputedAtUSFederalStatutoryRateToIncomeTaxBenefitExpenseDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxesSignificantComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#IncomeTaxesSignificantComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#IncomeTaxesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/Leases" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#Leases" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/LeasesBalanceSheetInformationDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#LeasesBalanceSheetInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/LeasesFutureMinimumLeasePaymentsUnderTopic840Details" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#LeasesFutureMinimumLeasePaymentsUnderTopic840Details" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/LeasesOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#LeasesOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/LeasesOtherInformationDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#LeasesOtherInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/LeasesTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#LeasesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/OrganizationAndBasisOfPresentation" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#OrganizationAndBasisOfPresentation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/PropertyAndEquipment" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#PropertyAndEquipment" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/PropertyAndEquipmentDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#PropertyAndEquipmentDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/PropertyAndEquipmentTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#PropertyAndEquipmentTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnaudited" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#QuarterlyFinancialDataUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RevenueRecognition" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#RevenueRecognition" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RevenueRecognitionDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#RevenueRecognitionDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RevenueRecognitionTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#RevenueRecognitionTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ScheduleIiValuationAndQualifyingAccounts" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ScheduleIiValuationAndQualifyingAccounts" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ScheduleIiValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ScheduleIiValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SegmentData" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#SegmentData" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SegmentDataAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#SegmentDataAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SegmentDataOperatingSegmentsDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#SegmentDataOperatingSegmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SegmentDataTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#SegmentDataTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquity" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#StockholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquity1999StockOptionPlanAndEquityParticipationPlanDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#StockholdersEquity1999StockOptionPlanAndEquityParticipationPlanDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquity2017PlanDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#StockholdersEquity2017PlanDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquityNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#StockholdersEquityNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquityStockOptionsAndStockAppreciationRightsGrantedAndExercisedDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#StockholdersEquityStockOptionsAndStockAppreciationRightsGrantedAndExercisedDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquitySummaryOfCompanysShareOptionPlansActivitiesDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#StockholdersEquitySummaryOfCompanysShareOptionPlansActivitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquitySummaryOfRestrictedStockAwardActivityAndPerformanceStockAwardsDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#StockholdersEquitySummaryOfRestrictedStockAwardActivityAndPerformanceStockAwardsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquityTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#StockholdersEquityTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAsuAdoptionDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAsuAdoptionDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesReconciliationOfRestructuringLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesReconciliationOfRestructuringLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRevenueRecognitionDetails" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRevenueRecognitionDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.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/AcquisitionsAdvantageDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_AD60D4B8C20FC84D1357AB56355259C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_DF801777E274BF2562F2AB56354CC15B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_AD60D4B8C20FC84D1357AB56355259C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_DF801777E274BF2562F2AB56354CC15B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_679A53F280FF24E8EDF1AB56354D6C7E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_DF801777E274BF2562F2AB56354CC15B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_679A53F280FF24E8EDF1AB56354D6C7E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_07EE1508F289F27B1DDAAB56354D6628_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_679A53F280FF24E8EDF1AB56354D6C7E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_07EE1508F289F27B1DDAAB56354D6628_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_07EE1508F289F27B1DDAAB56354D6628" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_679A53F280FF24E8EDF1AB56354D6C7E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_07EE1508F289F27B1DDAAB56354D6628" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_3CED1DC61C846BB62847AB56354E244B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_07EE1508F289F27B1DDAAB56354D6628" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_3CED1DC61C846BB62847AB56354E244B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_87AC4AF4F6048542E06EAB56354E4C90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_07EE1508F289F27B1DDAAB56354D6628" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_87AC4AF4F6048542E06EAB56354E4C90" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DatabasesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DatabasesMember_611E461ABFDABBAE2A7FAB56354EB812" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_07EE1508F289F27B1DDAAB56354D6628" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DatabasesMember_611E461ABFDABBAE2A7FAB56354EB812" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember_E38807F2A5FEA745D481AB56354E8999" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_07EE1508F289F27B1DDAAB56354D6628" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember_E38807F2A5FEA745D481AB56354E8999" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_48ED36FBB91DF7220929AB56354FC691" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_DF801777E274BF2562F2AB56354CC15B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_48ED36FBB91DF7220929AB56354FC691" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_4BFEA3647B63BBD53089AB56354F23E8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_48ED36FBB91DF7220929AB56354FC691" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_4BFEA3647B63BBD53089AB56354F23E8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_4BFEA3647B63BBD53089AB56354F23E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_48ED36FBB91DF7220929AB56354FC691" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_4BFEA3647B63BBD53089AB56354F23E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_TermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_5103EDBD392EA104DE04AB56354F48BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_4BFEA3647B63BBD53089AB56354F23E8" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_5103EDBD392EA104DE04AB56354F48BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_B8A25D93ECA38C96BDEFAB56354F13A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_DF801777E274BF2562F2AB56354CC15B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_B8A25D93ECA38C96BDEFAB56354F13A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_31FE87A4DD3B417716F2AB563550BEDC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_B8A25D93ECA38C96BDEFAB56354F13A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_31FE87A4DD3B417716F2AB563550BEDC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_31FE87A4DD3B417716F2AB563550BEDC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_B8A25D93ECA38C96BDEFAB56354F13A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_31FE87A4DD3B417716F2AB563550BEDC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_CreditAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_CreditAgreementMember_E253FFADBF8828FCBF51AB56355092D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_31FE87A4DD3B417716F2AB563550BEDC" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_CreditAgreementMember_E253FFADBF8828FCBF51AB56355092D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_IncrementalTermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_IncrementalTermLoanMember_BD90049ACD8C335240BAAB563550D397" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_31FE87A4DD3B417716F2AB563550BEDC" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_IncrementalTermLoanMember_BD90049ACD8C335240BAAB563550D397" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis_CE4EFE193B9AED1EDA76AB56355092B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_DF801777E274BF2562F2AB56354CC15B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis_CE4EFE193B9AED1EDA76AB56355092B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_88DC5B06C7E074881C3FAB5635501AF9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis_CE4EFE193B9AED1EDA76AB56355092B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_88DC5B06C7E074881C3FAB5635501AF9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_88DC5B06C7E074881C3FAB5635501AF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis_CE4EFE193B9AED1EDA76AB56355092B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_88DC5B06C7E074881C3FAB5635501AF9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_DeferredConsiderationTransferredMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DeferredConsiderationTransferredMember_55F353DCF66FC93992C8AB563551B86F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_88DC5B06C7E074881C3FAB5635501AF9" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DeferredConsiderationTransferredMember_55F353DCF66FC93992C8AB563551B86F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_31A3985796E3D99EB153AB5635511078" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_DF801777E274BF2562F2AB56354CC15B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_31A3985796E3D99EB153AB5635511078" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_D6F86B247C648B04C373AB563551A4B0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_31A3985796E3D99EB153AB5635511078" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_D6F86B247C648B04C373AB563551A4B0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_D6F86B247C648B04C373AB563551A4B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_31A3985796E3D99EB153AB5635511078" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_D6F86B247C648B04C373AB563551A4B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_AdvantageRNLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_AdvantageRNLLCMember_00743CDC6DC8D1672EB0AB563551A696" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_D6F86B247C648B04C373AB563551A4B0" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_AdvantageRNLLCMember_00743CDC6DC8D1672EB0AB563551A696" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_FF3E52F9CBE54A719244AB56355230D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_AD60D4B8C20FC84D1357AB56355259C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_FF3E52F9CBE54A719244AB56355230D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAcquiredFromAcquisition" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAcquiredFromAcquisition_3BA6C53678DB013F3991AB5635526586" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_AD60D4B8C20FC84D1357AB56355259C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAcquiredFromAcquisition_3BA6C53678DB013F3991AB5635526586" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_4EBCB31C3648295C5D4BAB5635523E47" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_AD60D4B8C20FC84D1357AB56355259C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_4EBCB31C3648295C5D4BAB5635523E47" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredNetWorkingCapitalAdjustment" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredNetWorkingCapitalAdjustment_DA1DB2026F1A7B11FDBCAB563553FA8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_AD60D4B8C20FC84D1357AB56355259C5" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredNetWorkingCapitalAdjustment_DA1DB2026F1A7B11FDBCAB563553FA8F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredNetWorkingCapitalAdjustmentReimbursement" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredNetWorkingCapitalAdjustmentReimbursement_62F021567DC7C12FB594AB5635530DDC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_AD60D4B8C20FC84D1357AB56355259C5" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredNetWorkingCapitalAdjustmentReimbursement_62F021567DC7C12FB594AB5635530DDC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability_ACA511E0C1BE2910D457AB563553A881" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_AD60D4B8C20FC84D1357AB56355259C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability_ACA511E0C1BE2910D457AB563553A881" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationDeferredPeriod" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationDeferredPeriod_949DA5A2B5EE8B4F3495AB56355316D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_AD60D4B8C20FC84D1357AB56355259C5" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationDeferredPeriod_949DA5A2B5EE8B4F3495AB56355316D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1_49B0A03FC66142D291F4AB563553A50D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_AD60D4B8C20FC84D1357AB56355259C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1_49B0A03FC66142D291F4AB563553A50D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesEscrowPortionRelatedToTaxLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesEscrowPortionRelatedToTaxLiabilities_9C9BC8D133E82CF0B9A7AB563553D19F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_AD60D4B8C20FC84D1357AB56355259C5" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesEscrowPortionRelatedToTaxLiabilities_9C9BC8D133E82CF0B9A7AB563553D19F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesEscrowPortionRelatedToPostCloseLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesEscrowPortionRelatedToPostCloseLiabilities_84D7A2CA5AA07EC5F343AB5635541ABA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_AD60D4B8C20FC84D1357AB56355259C5" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesEscrowPortionRelatedToPostCloseLiabilities_84D7A2CA5AA07EC5F343AB5635541ABA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelease" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelease_970DB382E04EC742B6C8AB563554FDB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_AD60D4B8C20FC84D1357AB56355259C5" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelease_970DB382E04EC742B6C8AB563554FDB0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelatedToTaxLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelatedToTaxLiabilities_A8D118C063BC9476CEB7AB563554B0AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_AD60D4B8C20FC84D1357AB56355259C5" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelatedToTaxLiabilities_A8D118C063BC9476CEB7AB563554B0AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDisbursedToPayTaxes" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDisbursedToPayTaxes_2E34D6432D3E73E42508AB56381895BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_AD60D4B8C20FC84D1357AB56355259C5" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDisbursedToPayTaxes_2E34D6432D3E73E42508AB56381895BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelatedToPostCloseLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelatedToPostCloseLiabilities_6B922091E1DA15B7CADFAB563554BDE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_AD60D4B8C20FC84D1357AB56355259C5" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelatedToPostCloseLiabilities_6B922091E1DA15B7CADFAB563554BDE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredPortionFundedWithCashOnHand" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredPortionFundedWithCashOnHand_8FF8988DCA53E63EFCBDAB563554DD7E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_AD60D4B8C20FC84D1357AB56355259C5" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredPortionFundedWithCashOnHand_8FF8988DCA53E63EFCBDAB563554DD7E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_63B28EBAF9A783A08E25AB5635545B45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_AD60D4B8C20FC84D1357AB56355259C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_63B28EBAF9A783A08E25AB5635545B45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationRevenueOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationRevenueOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual_63C0DCB91BEB8A9E1213AB5635554946" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_AD60D4B8C20FC84D1357AB56355259C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationRevenueOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual_63C0DCB91BEB8A9E1213AB5635554946" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationEarningsOrLossOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationEarningsOrLossOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual_D1B0153A4FD8809FBDBBAB5635551EAB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_AD60D4B8C20FC84D1357AB56355259C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationEarningsOrLossOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual_D1B0153A4FD8809FBDBBAB5635551EAB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAcquired1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAcquired1_53542F6257C43E14FAAFAB5635559F65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_AD60D4B8C20FC84D1357AB56355259C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAcquired1_53542F6257C43E14FAAFAB5635559F65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife_ADDD7503EF8F2579D3B7AB563555FB3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_AD60D4B8C20FC84D1357AB56355259C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife_ADDD7503EF8F2579D3B7AB563555FB3F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillExpectedTaxDeductibleAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillExpectedTaxDeductibleAmount_14CB76AE00F608A23CF3AB56355523FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_AD60D4B8C20FC84D1357AB56355259C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillExpectedTaxDeductibleAmount_14CB76AE00F608A23CF3AB56355523FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_6DEE3BF1EDA8973705F0AB56355519E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_AD60D4B8C20FC84D1357AB56355259C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_6DEE3BF1EDA8973705F0AB56355519E9" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsAmericanPersonnelDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_AC11886889DCD5EA9D1682C1037C7DAE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_FA6A2427CAFAFF11BA3782C1037A987E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_AC11886889DCD5EA9D1682C1037C7DAE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_FA6A2427CAFAFF11BA3782C1037A987E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_DAD9E1495D0493FF2E8182C1037BDFAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_FA6A2427CAFAFF11BA3782C1037A987E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_DAD9E1495D0493FF2E8182C1037BDFAA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_F1885A7B19ECC4CE3BF482C1037BE6F2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_DAD9E1495D0493FF2E8182C1037BDFAA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_F1885A7B19ECC4CE3BF482C1037BE6F2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_F1885A7B19ECC4CE3BF482C1037BE6F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_DAD9E1495D0493FF2E8182C1037BDFAA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_F1885A7B19ECC4CE3BF482C1037BE6F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_AmericanPersonnelInc.Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_AmericanPersonnelInc.Member_A60BFB5188AF72CED41B82C1037BDF2B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_F1885A7B19ECC4CE3BF482C1037BE6F2" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_AmericanPersonnelInc.Member_A60BFB5188AF72CED41B82C1037BDF2B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_6D952A8344936AF74D5582C1037C482C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_AC11886889DCD5EA9D1682C1037C7DAE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_6D952A8344936AF74D5582C1037C482C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAcquired1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAcquired1_3546760C46C9E6AB8E7982C1037C8C6F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_AC11886889DCD5EA9D1682C1037C7DAE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAcquired1_3546760C46C9E6AB8E7982C1037C8C6F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife_B24E479D380300424BBC82C1037C0074" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_AC11886889DCD5EA9D1682C1037C7DAE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife_B24E479D380300424BBC82C1037C0074" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_74DDF04B58703A0BFAC682C1037D3CF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_AC11886889DCD5EA9D1682C1037C7DAE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_74DDF04B58703A0BFAC682C1037D3CF8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_9321B0E6970F3A8307D482C1037D679E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_AC11886889DCD5EA9D1682C1037C7DAE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_9321B0E6970F3A8307D482C1037D679E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BE322A1CDD49C384496882C10337C684" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_FEF962F36477B5686F2382C10335D479" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BE322A1CDD49C384496882C10337C684" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_FEF962F36477B5686F2382C10335D479" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_949297C1646E4B56D05082C103361AE9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_FEF962F36477B5686F2382C10335D479" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_949297C1646E4B56D05082C103361AE9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_F971A9509A737FE1D23C82C103367B81_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_949297C1646E4B56D05082C103361AE9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_F971A9509A737FE1D23C82C103367B81_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_F971A9509A737FE1D23C82C103367B81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_949297C1646E4B56D05082C103361AE9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_F971A9509A737FE1D23C82C103367B81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_AdvantageRNLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_AdvantageRNLLCMember_DDA7306186984F9E883B82C10337D774" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_F971A9509A737FE1D23C82C103367B81" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_AdvantageRNLLCMember_DDA7306186984F9E883B82C10337D774" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents_36BB38176EE713EA570D82C1033786B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BE322A1CDD49C384496882C10337C684" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents_36BB38176EE713EA570D82C1033786B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables_50CA5EEF4EF138F9C7F582C103375D50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BE322A1CDD49C384496882C10337C684" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables_50CA5EEF4EF138F9C7F582C103375D50" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsOther" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsOther_5E7A5D872AE4AE57C11A82C103370954" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BE322A1CDD49C384496882C10337C684" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsOther_5E7A5D872AE4AE57C11A82C103370954" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment_9F4F6D7C795B137583BE82C10338754A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BE322A1CDD49C384496882C10337C684" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment_9F4F6D7C795B137583BE82C10338754A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_9D9B3F239AAF435DA9C582C10338F729" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BE322A1CDD49C384496882C10337C684" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_9D9B3F239AAF435DA9C582C10338F729" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill_FBC11503B7D5674C6A1082C103381252" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BE322A1CDD49C384496882C10337C684" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill_FBC11503B7D5674C6A1082C103381252" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets_A409A19ECE69D16091DC82C103395236" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BE322A1CDD49C384496882C10337C684" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets_A409A19ECE69D16091DC82C103395236" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccountsPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccountsPayable_127CF556B27AB084EF2A82C103397EED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BE322A1CDD49C384496882C10337C684" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccountsPayable_127CF556B27AB084EF2A82C103397EED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedEmployeeLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedEmployeeLiabilities_72229B77FCE1C89E734682C1033981F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BE322A1CDD49C384496882C10337C684" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedEmployeeLiabilities_72229B77FCE1C89E734682C1033981F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesOther" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesOther_B00C4F063FDADC4ECE5682C10339B2DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BE322A1CDD49C384496882C10337C684" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesOther_B00C4F063FDADC4ECE5682C10339B2DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_81B781B8AEF76AF5CECB82C1033A94B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BE322A1CDD49C384496882C10337C684" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_81B781B8AEF76AF5CECB82C1033A94B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_6783E2AC755C686F80B282C1033A10C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BE322A1CDD49C384496882C10337C684" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_6783E2AC755C686F80B282C1033A10C7" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/AcquisitionsFairValueOfPurchasePriceDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8E63393284673C7D2ECC986E7BECAF9D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_B5DDEE5F24EAADC610D7986E7BEAAD3A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8E63393284673C7D2ECC986E7BECAF9D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_B5DDEE5F24EAADC610D7986E7BEAAD3A" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_544E00B87FB7916EB2F9986E7BEBC9A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_B5DDEE5F24EAADC610D7986E7BEAAD3A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_544E00B87FB7916EB2F9986E7BEBC9A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_7DACE56EEB8EBE5858CC986E7BEB3A48_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_544E00B87FB7916EB2F9986E7BEBC9A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_7DACE56EEB8EBE5858CC986E7BEB3A48_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_7DACE56EEB8EBE5858CC986E7BEB3A48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_544E00B87FB7916EB2F9986E7BEBC9A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_7DACE56EEB8EBE5858CC986E7BEB3A48" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_AdvantageRNLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_AdvantageRNLLCMember_79BBBF8FF08B67668D64986E7BECBD73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_7DACE56EEB8EBE5858CC986E7BEB3A48" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_AdvantageRNLLCMember_79BBBF8FF08B67668D64986E7BECBD73" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_F96BF53967BB0157B36C986E7BEC7309" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8E63393284673C7D2ECC986E7BECAF9D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_F96BF53967BB0157B36C986E7BEC7309" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_FF906340E1D63E537226986E7BECCAB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8E63393284673C7D2ECC986E7BECAF9D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_FF906340E1D63E537226986E7BECCAB4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAcquiredFromAcquisition" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAcquiredFromAcquisition_552C2BEBD56B9196A966986E7BED1481" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8E63393284673C7D2ECC986E7BECAF9D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAcquiredFromAcquisition_552C2BEBD56B9196A966986E7BED1481" 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/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentLineItems_B56A3750BE70C353F4BA83CD7D4E0934" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentsTable_36CE4F2C4335FA00F80883CD7D4DB163" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentLineItems_B56A3750BE70C353F4BA83CD7D4E0934" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentsTable_36CE4F2C4335FA00F80883CD7D4DB163" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentAxis_DCA239B67C96CF72730E83CD7D4D0FBB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentsTable_36CE4F2C4335FA00F80883CD7D4DB163" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentAxis_DCA239B67C96CF72730E83CD7D4D0FBB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentDomain_1586B7FF9255C943734683CD7D4E9AEF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentAxis_DCA239B67C96CF72730E83CD7D4D0FBB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentDomain_1586B7FF9255C943734683CD7D4E9AEF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentDomain_1586B7FF9255C943734683CD7D4E9AEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentAxis_DCA239B67C96CF72730E83CD7D4D0FBB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentDomain_1586B7FF9255C943734683CD7D4E9AEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AcquisitionRelatedCostsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AcquisitionRelatedCostsMember_3D72A9CA87AA66B36B9883CD7D4E71E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonrecurringAdjustmentDomain_1586B7FF9255C943734683CD7D4E9AEF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AcquisitionRelatedCostsMember_3D72A9CA87AA66B36B9883CD7D4E71E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_9C269BE19F2A3B3D90E283CD7D4E9FDB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentLineItems_B56A3750BE70C353F4BA83CD7D4E0934" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_9C269BE19F2A3B3D90E283CD7D4E9FDB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue_9B5BF88886B4B4DAF35683CD7D4F8246" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentLineItems_B56A3750BE70C353F4BA83CD7D4E0934" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue_9B5BF88886B4B4DAF35683CD7D4F8246" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaNetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaNetIncomeLoss_5F8A478A7ECF5327AB4F83CD7D4F30E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentLineItems_B56A3750BE70C353F4BA83CD7D4E0934" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaNetIncomeLoss_5F8A478A7ECF5327AB4F83CD7D4F30E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareBasic_B4E2957B2CCC0D7E060383CD7D4FAE67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentLineItems_B56A3750BE70C353F4BA83CD7D4E0934" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareBasic_B4E2957B2CCC0D7E060383CD7D4FAE67" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareDiluted_269649F0F47BD05FBB7D83CD7D4FEF32" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationNonrecurringAdjustmentLineItems_B56A3750BE70C353F4BA83CD7D4E0934" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareDiluted_269649F0F47BD05FBB7D83CD7D4FEF32" 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/AcquisitionsUsResourcesHealthcareAndMediscanDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_978C54CF383A758C6DFAAB565D58460B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_4277634AC9AEE4D9EEB2AB565D560EC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_978C54CF383A758C6DFAAB565D58460B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_4277634AC9AEE4D9EEB2AB565D560EC8" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis_08A0BD6DDCE09CFC7067AB565D56505A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_4277634AC9AEE4D9EEB2AB565D560EC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis_08A0BD6DDCE09CFC7067AB565D56505A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_049342E6D124720481BDAB565D562D8A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis_08A0BD6DDCE09CFC7067AB565D56505A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_049342E6D124720481BDAB565D562D8A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_049342E6D124720481BDAB565D562D8A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis_08A0BD6DDCE09CFC7067AB565D56505A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_049342E6D124720481BDAB565D562D8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_PotentialEarnoutAttainmentofSpecificPerformanceCriteriain2017Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PotentialEarnoutAttainmentofSpecificPerformanceCriteriain2017Member_427750ACFF07C7395F9FAB565D576D80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_049342E6D124720481BDAB565D562D8A" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PotentialEarnoutAttainmentofSpecificPerformanceCriteriain2017Member_427750ACFF07C7395F9FAB565D576D80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_AcquisitionRelatedContingentConsiderationMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_AcquisitionRelatedContingentConsiderationMember_9F27B693AF54751F78A9AB565D57071B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_049342E6D124720481BDAB565D562D8A" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_AcquisitionRelatedContingentConsiderationMember_9F27B693AF54751F78A9AB565D57071B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_PotentialEarnoutAttainmentofSpecificPerformanceCriteriain2016Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PotentialEarnoutAttainmentofSpecificPerformanceCriteriain2016Member_933E0ADEE76F5019A51AAB565D575B5B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_049342E6D124720481BDAB565D562D8A" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PotentialEarnoutAttainmentofSpecificPerformanceCriteriain2016Member_933E0ADEE76F5019A51AAB565D575B5B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_AssumedAdditionalContingentPurchasePriceLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_AssumedAdditionalContingentPurchasePriceLiabilitiesMember_7AFAADF21CD84F73175CAB565D5716CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationTypeDomain_049342E6D124720481BDAB565D562D8A" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_AssumedAdditionalContingentPurchasePriceLiabilitiesMember_7AFAADF21CD84F73175CAB565D5716CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_081424663F186A1A7FB4AB565D57FB19" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_4277634AC9AEE4D9EEB2AB565D560EC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_081424663F186A1A7FB4AB565D57FB19" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_D568F8CAB5030878201EAB565D5742F1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_081424663F186A1A7FB4AB565D57FB19" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_D568F8CAB5030878201EAB565D5742F1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_D568F8CAB5030878201EAB565D5742F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_081424663F186A1A7FB4AB565D57FB19" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_D568F8CAB5030878201EAB565D5742F1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_USResourcesHealthcareLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_USResourcesHealthcareLLCMember_217B6D882BDB6234C155AB565D58241E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_D568F8CAB5030878201EAB565D5742F1" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_USResourcesHealthcareLLCMember_217B6D882BDB6234C155AB565D58241E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_MediscanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_MediscanMember_9E2D0301E33680AB0E15AB565D589C8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_D568F8CAB5030878201EAB565D5742F1" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_MediscanMember_9E2D0301E33680AB0E15AB565D589C8E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1_0101F6FF0F3611DB2C22ABF782790809" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_978C54CF383A758C6DFAAB565D58460B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1_0101F6FF0F3611DB2C22ABF782790809" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelease" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelease_99A071E2FA6E30FF1F9BAB565D5984A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_978C54CF383A758C6DFAAB565D58460B" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationEscrowDepositRelease_99A071E2FA6E30FF1F9BAB565D5984A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsRangeOfOutcomesValueHigh" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsRangeOfOutcomesValueHigh_23F489595161981F6331AB565D59526D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_978C54CF383A758C6DFAAB565D58460B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsRangeOfOutcomesValueHigh_23F489595161981F6331AB565D59526D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForPreviousAcquisition" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForPreviousAcquisition_F2CBBCA4B7091E33C371AB57F8E960FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_978C54CF383A758C6DFAAB565D58460B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForPreviousAcquisition_F2CBBCA4B7091E33C371AB57F8E960FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability_FE8BA4E0B8B92CF775FDAB565D59C73D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_978C54CF383A758C6DFAAB565D58460B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability_FE8BA4E0B8B92CF775FDAB565D59C73D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/BalanceSheetDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/BalanceSheetDetailsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/BalanceSheetDetailsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveLossIncome" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5FC5A97F5DD9A0115F7AA6C2CF0119CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_74FCD9665858A78FCDD2A6C2CEFF1A7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5FC5A97F5DD9A0115F7AA6C2CF0119CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_74FCD9665858A78FCDD2A6C2CEFF1A7A" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_F0F3A865E85B9A9DEAACA6C2CEFFACA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_74FCD9665858A78FCDD2A6C2CEFF1A7A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_F0F3A865E85B9A9DEAACA6C2CEFFACA9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_AC0FA35F4218AE4AE464A6C2CF009769_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_F0F3A865E85B9A9DEAACA6C2CEFFACA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_AC0FA35F4218AE4AE464A6C2CF009769_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_AC0FA35F4218AE4AE464A6C2CF009769" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_F0F3A865E85B9A9DEAACA6C2CEFFACA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_AC0FA35F4218AE4AE464A6C2CF009769" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_CFD0C7E4436B743341C7A6C2CF008FB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_AC0FA35F4218AE4AE464A6C2CF009769" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_CFD0C7E4436B743341C7A6C2CF008FB0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_39B2DB90AEDF8D7989B3A6C2CF008111" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_AC0FA35F4218AE4AE464A6C2CF009769" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_39B2DB90AEDF8D7989B3A6C2CF008111" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_35CA91C8E5D18D923CD8A6C2CF00B5DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_AC0FA35F4218AE4AE464A6C2CF009769" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_35CA91C8E5D18D923CD8A6C2CF00B5DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_EA8D543A2CEF95ECB116A6C2CF01C2B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_AC0FA35F4218AE4AE464A6C2CF009769" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_EA8D543A2CEF95ECB116A6C2CF01C2B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_DE8C0F7CF3453302861AA6C2CF01DA75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_AC0FA35F4218AE4AE464A6C2CF009769" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_DE8C0F7CF3453302861AA6C2CF01DA75" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_BFD63ABCF562D0F8E69CA6C2CF02834E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5FC5A97F5DD9A0115F7AA6C2CF0119CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_BFD63ABCF562D0F8E69CA6C2CF02834E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_E472197BFB3C06154CC6A6C2CF022CB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_BFD63ABCF562D0F8E69CA6C2CF02834E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_E472197BFB3C06154CC6A6C2CF022CB0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_50800FBDB852AB8B71F9A6C2CF025936" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_BFD63ABCF562D0F8E69CA6C2CF02834E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_50800FBDB852AB8B71F9A6C2CF025936" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_528B8EB756AAEA1C0E2AA6C2CF033935" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_BFD63ABCF562D0F8E69CA6C2CF02834E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_528B8EB756AAEA1C0E2AA6C2CF033935" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation_9843EA1D8D80701D0CCBA6C2CF0345F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_BFD63ABCF562D0F8E69CA6C2CF02834E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation_9843EA1D8D80701D0CCBA6C2CF0345F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation_692C8A7AC1BD408FAF20A6C2CF03AE57" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_BFD63ABCF562D0F8E69CA6C2CF02834E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation_692C8A7AC1BD408FAF20A6C2CF03AE57" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_16740D151E6A59246970A6C2CF03759B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_BFD63ABCF562D0F8E69CA6C2CF02834E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_16740D151E6A59246970A6C2CF03759B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_B33D0D75E3DB094121AEA6C2CF045785" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_BFD63ABCF562D0F8E69CA6C2CF02834E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_B33D0D75E3DB094121AEA6C2CF045785" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_FD35B4A8C7E4302762C4A6C2CF04FF15" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_BFD63ABCF562D0F8E69CA6C2CF02834E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_FD35B4A8C7E4302762C4A6C2CF04FF15" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOnRetainedEarningsNetOfTax1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOnRetainedEarningsNetOfTax1_FBD1AA7621D06E3D5971A6C2CF04A2D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_BFD63ABCF562D0F8E69CA6C2CF02834E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOnRetainedEarningsNetOfTax1_FBD1AA7621D06E3D5971A6C2CF04A2D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax_E3E92F88B6D22C11029BA6C2CF042C3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_BFD63ABCF562D0F8E69CA6C2CF02834E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax_E3E92F88B6D22C11029BA6C2CF042C3E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_D03F099E3F2A2BF48DACA6C2CF05C606" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_BFD63ABCF562D0F8E69CA6C2CF02834E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_D03F099E3F2A2BF48DACA6C2CF05C606" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_8C4A625BE2587E9CDF9BA6C2CF055FA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_BFD63ABCF562D0F8E69CA6C2CF02834E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_8C4A625BE2587E9CDF9BA6C2CF055FA9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossAfterReclassificationAndTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossAfterReclassificationAndTax_FD699239F6CAB1E19575A6C2CF052928" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_BFD63ABCF562D0F8E69CA6C2CF02834E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossAfterReclassificationAndTax_FD699239F6CAB1E19575A6C2CF052928" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders_6C4EF570965B9D6EFFBAA6C2CF05A5AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_BFD63ABCF562D0F8E69CA6C2CF02834E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders_6C4EF570965B9D6EFFBAA6C2CF05A5AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_5B0900F178CA7F5E4F04A6C2CF06F5FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_BFD63ABCF562D0F8E69CA6C2CF02834E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_5B0900F178CA7F5E4F04A6C2CF06F5FC" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/Contingencies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ContingenciesDetails" 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/Debt2016SeniorCreditFacilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_F17CE9D0F05AEBF1FD35A6EF99F4FC5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_5E7B1A742BE21F2EC782A6EF99EFE437" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_F17CE9D0F05AEBF1FD35A6EF99F4FC5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_5E7B1A742BE21F2EC782A6EF99EFE437" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsAxis" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsAxis_B312644DB5A0426A4BC9A6EF99EFE025" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_5E7B1A742BE21F2EC782A6EF99EFE437" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsAxis_B312644DB5A0426A4BC9A6EF99EFE025" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain_353303DF2DFCD83187C4A6EF99F09D08_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsAxis_B312644DB5A0426A4BC9A6EF99EFE025" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain_353303DF2DFCD83187C4A6EF99F09D08_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain_353303DF2DFCD83187C4A6EF99F09D08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsAxis_B312644DB5A0426A4BC9A6EF99EFE025" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain_353303DF2DFCD83187C4A6EF99F09D08" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_CovenantTerm3Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_CovenantTerm3Member_90EC707CAE6C7349D98FA6EF99F0F82D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantTermsDomain_353303DF2DFCD83187C4A6EF99F09D08" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_CovenantTerm3Member_90EC707CAE6C7349D98FA6EF99F0F82D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_D3EEE5B3741E771F5F12A6EF99F089D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_5E7B1A742BE21F2EC782A6EF99EFE437" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_D3EEE5B3741E771F5F12A6EF99F089D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_7B8C5278D55E199E2310A6EF99F0DB5B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_D3EEE5B3741E771F5F12A6EF99F089D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_7B8C5278D55E199E2310A6EF99F0DB5B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_7B8C5278D55E199E2310A6EF99F0DB5B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_D3EEE5B3741E771F5F12A6EF99F089D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_7B8C5278D55E199E2310A6EF99F0DB5B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_2A88D3567028D6AA1F69A6EF99F1192F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_7B8C5278D55E199E2310A6EF99F0DB5B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_2A88D3567028D6AA1F69A6EF99F1192F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_36A8B58190BFE97D4BC3A6EF99F199CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_5E7B1A742BE21F2EC782A6EF99EFE437" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_36A8B58190BFE97D4BC3A6EF99F199CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_EFCDC55AB2FDCC7E7A03A6EF99F176CC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_36A8B58190BFE97D4BC3A6EF99F199CD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_EFCDC55AB2FDCC7E7A03A6EF99F176CC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_EFCDC55AB2FDCC7E7A03A6EF99F176CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_36A8B58190BFE97D4BC3A6EF99F199CD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_EFCDC55AB2FDCC7E7A03A6EF99F176CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorDebtObligationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorDebtObligationsMember_6BD6EA3A1F7057625345A6EF99F16858" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_EFCDC55AB2FDCC7E7A03A6EF99F176CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorDebtObligationsMember_6BD6EA3A1F7057625345A6EF99F16858" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubordinatedDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubordinatedDebtMember_57273254B308FB571A96A6EF99F209F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_EFCDC55AB2FDCC7E7A03A6EF99F176CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubordinatedDebtMember_57273254B308FB571A96A6EF99F209F1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_TermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_1CBE4B5219A7D96600A2A6EF99F2DE0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_EFCDC55AB2FDCC7E7A03A6EF99F176CC" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_1CBE4B5219A7D96600A2A6EF99F2DE0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_1F23C03F165D243C56CFA6EF99F287C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_5E7B1A742BE21F2EC782A6EF99EFE437" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_1F23C03F165D243C56CFA6EF99F287C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_A592754CE29BCF9C5392A6EF99F2EEE9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_1F23C03F165D243C56CFA6EF99F287C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_A592754CE29BCF9C5392A6EF99F2EEE9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_A592754CE29BCF9C5392A6EF99F2EEE9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_1F23C03F165D243C56CFA6EF99F287C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_A592754CE29BCF9C5392A6EF99F2EEE9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_CreditAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_CreditAgreementMember_A79D79B65035E6AAA661A6EF99F2C41D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_A592754CE29BCF9C5392A6EF99F2EEE9" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_CreditAgreementMember_A79D79B65035E6AAA661A6EF99F2C41D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_SecondLienTermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SecondLienTermLoanMember_79A0EA4A0B16436FDB09A6EF99F36153" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_A592754CE29BCF9C5392A6EF99F2EEE9" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SecondLienTermLoanMember_79A0EA4A0B16436FDB09A6EF99F36153" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_IncrementalTermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_IncrementalTermLoanMember_6C8F55F62FAF7CF4EF70A6EF99F32C4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_A592754CE29BCF9C5392A6EF99F2EEE9" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_IncrementalTermLoanMember_6C8F55F62FAF7CF4EF70A6EF99F32C4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_14E6522F8BDBBA8DEF82A6EF99F3CCC0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_5E7B1A742BE21F2EC782A6EF99EFE437" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_14E6522F8BDBBA8DEF82A6EF99F3CCC0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_665059738A9D20DB5A72A6EF99F3C10E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_14E6522F8BDBBA8DEF82A6EF99F3CCC0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_665059738A9D20DB5A72A6EF99F3C10E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_665059738A9D20DB5A72A6EF99F3C10E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_14E6522F8BDBBA8DEF82A6EF99F3CCC0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_665059738A9D20DB5A72A6EF99F3C10E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_04388CE36BDB85577543A6EF99F40426" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_665059738A9D20DB5A72A6EF99F3C10E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_04388CE36BDB85577543A6EF99F40426" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EurodollarMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EurodollarMember_90793926E6B547F57A14A6EF99F4A7E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_665059738A9D20DB5A72A6EF99F3C10E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EurodollarMember_90793926E6B547F57A14A6EF99F4A7E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BaseRateMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BaseRateMember_FBC5C3F98042FA0666F0A6EF99F47BFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_665059738A9D20DB5A72A6EF99F3C10E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BaseRateMember_FBC5C3F98042FA0666F0A6EF99F47BFE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_148682F66CC6EFDC29CFA6EF99F45953" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_F17CE9D0F05AEBF1FD35A6EF99F4FC5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_148682F66CC6EFDC29CFA6EF99F45953" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_DebtInstrumentPrepaymentPenalty" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtInstrumentPrepaymentPenalty_8A826C13300EED65CD76A6EF99F5D1C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_F17CE9D0F05AEBF1FD35A6EF99F4FC5F" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtInstrumentPrepaymentPenalty_8A826C13300EED65CD76A6EF99F5D1C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_017C1049E4FFA8E92DE2A6EF99F52D96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_F17CE9D0F05AEBF1FD35A6EF99F4FC5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_017C1049E4FFA8E92DE2A6EF99F52D96" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage_C159325151812FA4854DA6EF99F556B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_F17CE9D0F05AEBF1FD35A6EF99F4FC5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage_C159325151812FA4854DA6EF99F556B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_058C7D28DB845F6AB253A6EF99F50FF7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_F17CE9D0F05AEBF1FD35A6EF99F4FC5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_058C7D28DB845F6AB253A6EF99F50FF7" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DebtAugust2017CreditFacilityDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_47D34915ADD3FF7C70C7A743BA8F53B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_3B2DB66D826CF977B68EA743BA8BBB1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_47D34915ADD3FF7C70C7A743BA8F53B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_3B2DB66D826CF977B68EA743BA8BBB1B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_C812FD1DFC1BB6B42D11A743BA8C4001" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_3B2DB66D826CF977B68EA743BA8BBB1B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_C812FD1DFC1BB6B42D11A743BA8C4001" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_A3DD3ED0C06C1F856598A743BA8C8F48_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_C812FD1DFC1BB6B42D11A743BA8C4001" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_A3DD3ED0C06C1F856598A743BA8C8F48_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_A3DD3ED0C06C1F856598A743BA8C8F48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_C812FD1DFC1BB6B42D11A743BA8C4001" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_A3DD3ED0C06C1F856598A743BA8C8F48" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_18B337055C602D09718EA743BA8C2D3B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_A3DD3ED0C06C1F856598A743BA8C8F48" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_18B337055C602D09718EA743BA8C2D3B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_DA626C198D24798FE02FA743BA8D4C04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_3B2DB66D826CF977B68EA743BA8BBB1B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_DA626C198D24798FE02FA743BA8D4C04" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_E4DADF5B4952DFBA99A5A743BA8D555A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_DA626C198D24798FE02FA743BA8D4C04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_E4DADF5B4952DFBA99A5A743BA8D555A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_E4DADF5B4952DFBA99A5A743BA8D555A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_DA626C198D24798FE02FA743BA8D4C04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_E4DADF5B4952DFBA99A5A743BA8D555A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_TermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_761CCC8FA17DE164C2A5A743BA8DE7F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_E4DADF5B4952DFBA99A5A743BA8D555A" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_761CCC8FA17DE164C2A5A743BA8DE7F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_97B605A559A3A71E2BD8A743BA8D6AA7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_E4DADF5B4952DFBA99A5A743BA8D555A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_97B605A559A3A71E2BD8A743BA8D6AA7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_0EEC7C8617872205FD85A743BA8E7028" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_3B2DB66D826CF977B68EA743BA8BBB1B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_0EEC7C8617872205FD85A743BA8E7028" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_056AABB480DCA2B958B9A743BA8EF3DD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_0EEC7C8617872205FD85A743BA8E7028" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_056AABB480DCA2B958B9A743BA8EF3DD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_056AABB480DCA2B958B9A743BA8EF3DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_0EEC7C8617872205FD85A743BA8E7028" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_056AABB480DCA2B958B9A743BA8EF3DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_AmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_AmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember_244A79E1E0D39712E64CA743BA8E3E7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_056AABB480DCA2B958B9A743BA8EF3DD" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_AmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember_244A79E1E0D39712E64CA743BA8E3E7A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_SecondAmendmentAmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SecondAmendmentAmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember_8191F68B54D69E4B9CB7A743BA8E53BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_056AABB480DCA2B958B9A743BA8EF3DD" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SecondAmendmentAmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember_8191F68B54D69E4B9CB7A743BA8E53BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_FirstAmendmentAmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FirstAmendmentAmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember_399837690FCD49525D93A743BA8F5A0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_056AABB480DCA2B958B9A743BA8EF3DD" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_FirstAmendmentAmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember_399837690FCD49525D93A743BA8F5A0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_SecondAndThirdAmendmentAmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SecondAndThirdAmendmentAmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember_39763165C74D42CBF19DA743BA8F8771" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_056AABB480DCA2B958B9A743BA8EF3DD" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SecondAndThirdAmendmentAmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember_39763165C74D42CBF19DA743BA8F8771" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_DE8751EEC45CC54C7CE8A743BA8F1427" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_47D34915ADD3FF7C70C7A743BA8F53B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_DE8751EEC45CC54C7CE8A743BA8F1427" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_F25F61A7DC05E5B56158A743BA8F33C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_47D34915ADD3FF7C70C7A743BA8F53B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_F25F61A7DC05E5B56158A743BA8F33C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilitySubFacilityForSwinglineLoans" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilitySubFacilityForSwinglineLoans_14463A09D2149FCC7B52A743BA8F01D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_47D34915ADD3FF7C70C7A743BA8F53B7" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilitySubFacilityForSwinglineLoans_14463A09D2149FCC7B52A743BA8F01D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilitySubLimitForLettersOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilitySubLimitForLettersOfCredit_7F0EE32CEFE9EFE8BBB4A743BA90EE94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_47D34915ADD3FF7C70C7A743BA8F53B7" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditFacilitySubLimitForLettersOfCredit_7F0EE32CEFE9EFE8BBB4A743BA90EE94" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_28FEA6E2F278C6B592AEA743BA90685C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_47D34915ADD3FF7C70C7A743BA8F53B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_28FEA6E2F278C6B592AEA743BA90685C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_PaymentForDebtPrepayment" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PaymentForDebtPrepayment_03AD997EBA3641BAE060A743BA9036F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_47D34915ADD3FF7C70C7A743BA8F53B7" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PaymentForDebtPrepayment_03AD997EBA3641BAE060A743BA9036F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_NumberofFinancialCovenants" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_NumberofFinancialCovenants_3DC2C14D6BE2E10F10D7A743BA90AC3B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_47D34915ADD3FF7C70C7A743BA8F53B7" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_NumberofFinancialCovenants_3DC2C14D6BE2E10F10D7A743BA90AC3B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_DebtCovenantConsolidatedFixedChargeCoverageRatio" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantConsolidatedFixedChargeCoverageRatio_F31AF15559B8E3BBB296A743BA90F8C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_47D34915ADD3FF7C70C7A743BA8F53B7" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantConsolidatedFixedChargeCoverageRatio_F31AF15559B8E3BBB296A743BA90F8C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityIncreaseDecreaseForPeriodNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityIncreaseDecreaseForPeriodNet_698C85A12BA2B866EE93A743BA9013D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_47D34915ADD3FF7C70C7A743BA8F53B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityIncreaseDecreaseForPeriodNet_698C85A12BA2B866EE93A743BA9013D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_DebtCovenantConsolidatedAssetCoverageRatio" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantConsolidatedAssetCoverageRatio_2DD4446139A3E83804FAA743BA914D07" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_47D34915ADD3FF7C70C7A743BA8F53B7" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtCovenantConsolidatedAssetCoverageRatio_2DD4446139A3E83804FAA743BA914D07" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_ConsolidatedNetLeverageRatio" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ConsolidatedNetLeverageRatio_13BDA9B52E5579326C0CA743BA91F458" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_47D34915ADD3FF7C70C7A743BA8F53B7" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ConsolidatedNetLeverageRatio_13BDA9B52E5579326C0CA743BA91F458" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_348A093F02153E803B13A743BA96C2A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_47D34915ADD3FF7C70C7A743BA8F53B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_348A093F02153E803B13A743BA96C2A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost_6B277DC8BE4C079D9F43A743BA962DF3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_47D34915ADD3FF7C70C7A743BA8F53B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost_6B277DC8BE4C079D9F43A743BA962DF3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DebtLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_238DE47737401EA86FF1AB565D00FEDB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_2E180239B2207A7AFCBCAB565CFD287C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_238DE47737401EA86FF1AB565D00FEDB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_2E180239B2207A7AFCBCAB565CFD287C" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_9885992F2BB4399402DBAB565CFDC049" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_2E180239B2207A7AFCBCAB565CFD287C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_9885992F2BB4399402DBAB565CFDC049" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2227C02584BFD800046CAB565CFE9B2E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_9885992F2BB4399402DBAB565CFDC049" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2227C02584BFD800046CAB565CFE9B2E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2227C02584BFD800046CAB565CFE9B2E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_9885992F2BB4399402DBAB565CFDC049" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2227C02584BFD800046CAB565CFE9B2E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorDebtObligationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorDebtObligationsMember_1C3EC15E27F5FA945411AB565CFEAD10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2227C02584BFD800046CAB565CFE9B2E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorDebtObligationsMember_1C3EC15E27F5FA945411AB565CFEAD10" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_F49CDDD0D94DDBEAA646AB565CFE6197" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_2E180239B2207A7AFCBCAB565CFD287C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_F49CDDD0D94DDBEAA646AB565CFE6197" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_37F4437B16D55726739FAB565CFFC0F2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_F49CDDD0D94DDBEAA646AB565CFE6197" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_37F4437B16D55726739FAB565CFFC0F2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_37F4437B16D55726739FAB565CFFC0F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_F49CDDD0D94DDBEAA646AB565CFE6197" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_37F4437B16D55726739FAB565CFFC0F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_SeniorSecuredAssetBasedLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SeniorSecuredAssetBasedLoanMember_96C0C5AB3571FE08EF17AB565CFF9982" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_37F4437B16D55726739FAB565CFFC0F2" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SeniorSecuredAssetBasedLoanMember_96C0C5AB3571FE08EF17AB565CFF9982" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_BEAA335808C506F7AC34AB565CFFABAC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_2E180239B2207A7AFCBCAB565CFD287C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_BEAA335808C506F7AC34AB565CFFABAC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_DED1A70A65AF42CD1820AB565CFF1728_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_BEAA335808C506F7AC34AB565CFFABAC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_DED1A70A65AF42CD1820AB565CFF1728_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_DED1A70A65AF42CD1820AB565CFF1728" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_BEAA335808C506F7AC34AB565CFFABAC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_DED1A70A65AF42CD1820AB565CFF1728" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_SeniorSecuredAssetBasedLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SeniorSecuredAssetBasedLoanMember_F854398FA4B3F7980D1BAB565CFF80DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_DED1A70A65AF42CD1820AB565CFF1728" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SeniorSecuredAssetBasedLoanMember_F854398FA4B3F7980D1BAB565CFF80DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_TermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_D5A64D003DD4D5952CEAAB565D0025C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_DED1A70A65AF42CD1820AB565CFF1728" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_D5A64D003DD4D5952CEAAB565D0025C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_8AF5F72FC818EF67ACBFAB565D01CA82" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_238DE47737401EA86FF1AB565D00FEDB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_8AF5F72FC818EF67ACBFAB565D01CA82" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_E1B53AB953C3D6482DE8AB565D0127DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_238DE47737401EA86FF1AB565D00FEDB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_E1B53AB953C3D6482DE8AB565D0127DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_D8BB34E64C24A92043FFAB7F1CE507CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_238DE47737401EA86FF1AB565D00FEDB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_D8BB34E64C24A92043FFAB7F1CE507CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_8C53E8610D90C963BD0CAB565D013997" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_238DE47737401EA86FF1AB565D00FEDB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_8C53E8610D90C963BD0CAB565D013997" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount_3DFE0466E84150D8165EAB565D0124EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_238DE47737401EA86FF1AB565D00FEDB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount_3DFE0466E84150D8165EAB565D0124EC" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DebtOctober2019AblCreditAgreementDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_7F1C0BDA62349C746E08AB565CC76C3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_938B00A9FFCFEA7F9676AB565CC3AAFF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_7F1C0BDA62349C746E08AB565CC76C3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_938B00A9FFCFEA7F9676AB565CC3AAFF" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_31D1D04ED197E6E01492AB565CC396B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_938B00A9FFCFEA7F9676AB565CC3AAFF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_31D1D04ED197E6E01492AB565CC396B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_AC2D04AE5EA6F76995F8AB565CC45C32_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_31D1D04ED197E6E01492AB565CC396B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_AC2D04AE5EA6F76995F8AB565CC45C32_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_AC2D04AE5EA6F76995F8AB565CC45C32" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_31D1D04ED197E6E01492AB565CC396B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_AC2D04AE5EA6F76995F8AB565CC45C32" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_A117B46470A2D45D2EF2AB565CC434A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_AC2D04AE5EA6F76995F8AB565CC45C32" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_A117B46470A2D45D2EF2AB565CC434A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BaseRateMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BaseRateMember_6CB4A3CAC1025CBD007CAB565CC41885" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_AC2D04AE5EA6F76995F8AB565CC45C32" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BaseRateMember_6CB4A3CAC1025CBD007CAB565CC41885" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_2A164E08233B0DEF00FBAB565CC57552" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_938B00A9FFCFEA7F9676AB565CC3AAFF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_2A164E08233B0DEF00FBAB565CC57552" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_81FFE6660B0F3E64FF04AB565CC5D20D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_2A164E08233B0DEF00FBAB565CC57552" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_81FFE6660B0F3E64FF04AB565CC5D20D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_81FFE6660B0F3E64FF04AB565CC5D20D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_2A164E08233B0DEF00FBAB565CC57552" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_81FFE6660B0F3E64FF04AB565CC5D20D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_AmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_AmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember_A7875B782B35EE374F0AAB565CC5DAF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_81FFE6660B0F3E64FF04AB565CC5D20D" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_AmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember_A7875B782B35EE374F0AAB565CC5DAF5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_LineOfCreditSublimitAxis" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditSublimitAxis_34D586A1B67411519FBCAB565CC5BA42" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_938B00A9FFCFEA7F9676AB565CC3AAFF" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditSublimitAxis_34D586A1B67411519FBCAB565CC5BA42" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_LineOfCreditSublimitDomain" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditSublimitDomain_1E33829A287FD8CB2912AB565CC554A7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditSublimitAxis_34D586A1B67411519FBCAB565CC5BA42" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditSublimitDomain_1E33829A287FD8CB2912AB565CC554A7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_LineOfCreditSublimitDomain" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditSublimitDomain_1E33829A287FD8CB2912AB565CC554A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditSublimitAxis_34D586A1B67411519FBCAB565CC5BA42" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditSublimitDomain_1E33829A287FD8CB2912AB565CC554A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_SwingLoansSublimitMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SwingLoansSublimitMember_AEDAF778526980791150AB565CC62434" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditSublimitDomain_1E33829A287FD8CB2912AB565CC554A7" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SwingLoansSublimitMember_AEDAF778526980791150AB565CC62434" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_StandbyLettersOfCreditSublimitMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_StandbyLettersOfCreditSublimitMember_D438C342E343ED890318AB565CC60993" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditSublimitDomain_1E33829A287FD8CB2912AB565CC554A7" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_StandbyLettersOfCreditSublimitMember_D438C342E343ED890318AB565CC60993" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_A159968E7AC9985D8197AB565CC66047" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_938B00A9FFCFEA7F9676AB565CC3AAFF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_A159968E7AC9985D8197AB565CC66047" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_B83D3831CC4D1EC5D112AB565CC6AD1A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_A159968E7AC9985D8197AB565CC66047" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_B83D3831CC4D1EC5D112AB565CC6AD1A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_B83D3831CC4D1EC5D112AB565CC6AD1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_A159968E7AC9985D8197AB565CC66047" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_B83D3831CC4D1EC5D112AB565CC6AD1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_SeniorSecuredAssetBasedLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SeniorSecuredAssetBasedLoanMember_FB11F10DD72AD83A6B2AAB565CC7D5BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_B83D3831CC4D1EC5D112AB565CC6AD1A" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SeniorSecuredAssetBasedLoanMember_FB11F10DD72AD83A6B2AAB565CC7D5BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_SeniorSecuredAssetBasedLoanSupplementalActivitiesLendingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SeniorSecuredAssetBasedLoanSupplementalActivitiesLendingMember_8C4BD9057E1B56BFC53AAB565CC78D13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_B83D3831CC4D1EC5D112AB565CC6AD1A" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SeniorSecuredAssetBasedLoanSupplementalActivitiesLendingMember_8C4BD9057E1B56BFC53AAB565CC78D13" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationPeriod_A1031BF5EE66FEFD3797AB565CC799DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_7F1C0BDA62349C746E08AB565CC76C3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationPeriod_A1031BF5EE66FEFD3797AB565CC799DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_D63BA0A3BEFD2FD4677AAB565CC7436F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_7F1C0BDA62349C746E08AB565CC76C3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_D63BA0A3BEFD2FD4677AAB565CC7436F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_LineOfCreditBorrowingBasePercentageOfAssets" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditBorrowingBasePercentageOfAssets_8F0399897D0834F768FAAB565CC83EB9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_7F1C0BDA62349C746E08AB565CC76C3D" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditBorrowingBasePercentageOfAssets_8F0399897D0834F768FAAB565CC83EB9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_LineOfCreditSupplementalAvailability" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditSupplementalAvailability_F0DED1BC2FA7D50AC9B5AB565CC8A5DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_7F1C0BDA62349C746E08AB565CC76C3D" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditSupplementalAvailability_F0DED1BC2FA7D50AC9B5AB565CC8A5DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_LineOfCreditUncommittedAccordionProvision" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditUncommittedAccordionProvision_1E6D7663465ABD0FD31EAB565CC841C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_7F1C0BDA62349C746E08AB565CC76C3D" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LineOfCreditUncommittedAccordionProvision_1E6D7663465ABD0FD31EAB565CC841C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_3D59681F78449A551F38AB565CC86EF1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_7F1C0BDA62349C746E08AB565CC76C3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_3D59681F78449A551F38AB565CC86EF1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_7D3629AD82A821C988ECAB631E6CD9FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_7F1C0BDA62349C746E08AB565CC76C3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_7D3629AD82A821C988ECAB631E6CD9FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_B17F0F6D6C40C7B91B4DAB565CC83B5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_7F1C0BDA62349C746E08AB565CC76C3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_B17F0F6D6C40C7B91B4DAB565CC83B5D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_ED23E58D42140FBF7158AB565CC8152E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_7F1C0BDA62349C746E08AB565CC76C3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_ED23E58D42140FBF7158AB565CC8152E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_4113C62F51B0EB5B5D95AB565CC9282C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_7F1C0BDA62349C746E08AB565CC76C3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_4113C62F51B0EB5B5D95AB565CC9282C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost_46935B935D3B0F54D6C6AB565CC9C3E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_7F1C0BDA62349C746E08AB565CC76C3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost_46935B935D3B0F54D6C6AB565CC9C3E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_6DB2A8A30CF0CEE71E14AB565CC990D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_7F1C0BDA62349C746E08AB565CC76C3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_6DB2A8A30CF0CEE71E14AB565CC990D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage_531F6873DFB349FD5E9CAB565CC98C40" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_7F1C0BDA62349C746E08AB565CC76C3D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage_531F6873DFB349FD5E9CAB565CC98C40" 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/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AC3D0A4645526DDB8722A6EF99E4A362" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_1E82D3F7B7E9EBA75EA7A6EF99E1AAA1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AC3D0A4645526DDB8722A6EF99E4A362" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_1E82D3F7B7E9EBA75EA7A6EF99E1AAA1" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_553EA317E6446315A1DCA6EF99E10808" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_1E82D3F7B7E9EBA75EA7A6EF99E1AAA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_553EA317E6446315A1DCA6EF99E10808" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_C9458031D428089AD0F2A6EF99E2608B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_553EA317E6446315A1DCA6EF99E10808" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_C9458031D428089AD0F2A6EF99E2608B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_C9458031D428089AD0F2A6EF99E2608B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_553EA317E6446315A1DCA6EF99E10808" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_C9458031D428089AD0F2A6EF99E2608B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_A8ConvertibleNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_A8ConvertibleNotesMember_EC06CF9EDE2BCBF51C08A6EF99E230D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_C9458031D428089AD0F2A6EF99E2608B" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_A8ConvertibleNotesMember_EC06CF9EDE2BCBF51C08A6EF99E230D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_ConvertibleNoteDerivativeLiabilityMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ConvertibleNoteDerivativeLiabilityMember_CE8BAFD91D373BCFE969A6EF99E27F71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_C9458031D428089AD0F2A6EF99E2608B" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ConvertibleNoteDerivativeLiabilityMember_CE8BAFD91D373BCFE969A6EF99E27F71" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_47635F47BC1599F62765A6EF99E28EDE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_1E82D3F7B7E9EBA75EA7A6EF99E1AAA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_47635F47BC1599F62765A6EF99E28EDE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_CD619246D547830F9DD7A6EF99E3A4C9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_47635F47BC1599F62765A6EF99E28EDE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_CD619246D547830F9DD7A6EF99E3A4C9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_CD619246D547830F9DD7A6EF99E3A4C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_47635F47BC1599F62765A6EF99E28EDE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_CD619246D547830F9DD7A6EF99E3A4C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_4230B8C8775787BE471FA6EF99E3864C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_CD619246D547830F9DD7A6EF99E3A4C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_4230B8C8775787BE471FA6EF99E3864C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_FFDC537C770D64A28123A6EF99E37DC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_1E82D3F7B7E9EBA75EA7A6EF99E1AAA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_FFDC537C770D64A28123A6EF99E37DC3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_881DC51728B7B1D8DBF4A6EF99E3664D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_FFDC537C770D64A28123A6EF99E37DC3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_881DC51728B7B1D8DBF4A6EF99E3664D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_881DC51728B7B1D8DBF4A6EF99E3664D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_FFDC537C770D64A28123A6EF99E37DC3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_881DC51728B7B1D8DBF4A6EF99E3664D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember_26489D6588B421C43556A6EF99E450F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_881DC51728B7B1D8DBF4A6EF99E3664D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember_26489D6588B421C43556A6EF99E450F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_BF51671803CA6C85A812A6EF99E41580" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AC3D0A4645526DDB8722A6EF99E4A362" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_BF51671803CA6C85A812A6EF99E41580" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1_C4ABD4C7C52F6FB77E36A6EF99E46ACB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AC3D0A4645526DDB8722A6EF99E4A362" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1_C4ABD4C7C52F6FB77E36A6EF99E46ACB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_C8B88210DBB26F34F807A6EF99E5A423" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AC3D0A4645526DDB8722A6EF99E4A362" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_C8B88210DBB26F34F807A6EF99E5A423" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_PaymentsForDebtExtinguishmentCostsAndRepaymentOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PaymentsForDebtExtinguishmentCostsAndRepaymentOfLongTermDebt_130D071FB0887199A3EAA6EF99E51628" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AC3D0A4645526DDB8722A6EF99E4A362" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PaymentsForDebtExtinguishmentCostsAndRepaymentOfLongTermDebt_130D071FB0887199A3EAA6EF99E51628" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_A17330B97F2F2889EC7CA6EF99E575B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AC3D0A4645526DDB8722A6EF99E4A362" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_A17330B97F2F2889EC7CA6EF99E575B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts_0A43748397B6235DCB5EA6EF99E5AE4A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AC3D0A4645526DDB8722A6EF99E4A362" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts_0A43748397B6235DCB5EA6EF99E5AE4A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtConversionOriginalDebtAmount1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtConversionOriginalDebtAmount1_5453DDE7F2DCB2B78DCFA6EF99E5D1A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AC3D0A4645526DDB8722A6EF99E4A362" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtConversionOriginalDebtAmount1_5453DDE7F2DCB2B78DCFA6EF99E5D1A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_F66A91F62269CE048879A6EF99E649A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AC3D0A4645526DDB8722A6EF99E4A362" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_F66A91F62269CE048879A6EF99E649A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentAmount1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentAmount1_2C7936BA86F6C9922BA4A6EF99E60349" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AC3D0A4645526DDB8722A6EF99E4A362" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentAmount1_2C7936BA86F6C9922BA4A6EF99E60349" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1_4CF7CF8F83413ECF9E1EA6EF99E615A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AC3D0A4645526DDB8722A6EF99E4A362" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1_4CF7CF8F83413ECF9E1EA6EF99E615A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleNumberOfEquityInstruments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleNumberOfEquityInstruments_3868A0BD914386263A70A6EF99E6C0BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AC3D0A4645526DDB8722A6EF99E4A362" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleNumberOfEquityInstruments_3868A0BD914386263A70A6EF99E6C0BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdPeriodFollowingIssuanceDate" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdPeriodFollowingIssuanceDate_388DFC2814EF3743764EA6EF99E6E9F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AC3D0A4645526DDB8722A6EF99E4A362" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdPeriodFollowingIssuanceDate_388DFC2814EF3743764EA6EF99E6E9F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdPercentageOfStockPriceTrigger" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdPercentageOfStockPriceTrigger_53C04BB75DCC371CEEABA6EF99E6DE2C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AC3D0A4645526DDB8722A6EF99E4A362" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdPercentageOfStockPriceTrigger_53C04BB75DCC371CEEABA6EF99E6DE2C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdTradingDays" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdTradingDays_9432BD3FAD6E6EBB3966A6EF99E755BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AC3D0A4645526DDB8722A6EF99E4A362" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdTradingDays_9432BD3FAD6E6EBB3966A6EF99E755BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdConsecutiveTradingDays1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdConsecutiveTradingDays1_3402698BFC2FB3C104A7A6EF99E7F30D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AC3D0A4645526DDB8722A6EF99E4A362" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdConsecutiveTradingDays1_3402698BFC2FB3C104A7A6EF99E7F30D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_DD38A46E26034647BBB7A6EF99E78956" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_AC3D0A4645526DDB8722A6EF99E4A362" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_DD38A46E26034647BBB7A6EF99E78956" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DebtTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/Derivatives" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DerivativesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_B20597D3EDE75CFE13ABAB565C939D9D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_D4E0CFC0BA9CA203C8CFAB565C905831" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_B20597D3EDE75CFE13ABAB565C939D9D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_D4E0CFC0BA9CA203C8CFAB565C905831" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_2B99133C5145262AEA84AB565C902BA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_D4E0CFC0BA9CA203C8CFAB565C905831" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_2B99133C5145262AEA84AB565C902BA2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_BFE7F0A6BB0EF28CEDF9AB565C91AB79_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_2B99133C5145262AEA84AB565C902BA2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_BFE7F0A6BB0EF28CEDF9AB565C91AB79_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_BFE7F0A6BB0EF28CEDF9AB565C91AB79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_2B99133C5145262AEA84AB565C902BA2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_BFE7F0A6BB0EF28CEDF9AB565C91AB79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_TermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_2863174849D9015036D8AB565C917CF1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_BFE7F0A6BB0EF28CEDF9AB565C91AB79" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_2863174849D9015036D8AB565C917CF1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_7FF42133B430E5E36894AB565C91D469" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_D4E0CFC0BA9CA203C8CFAB565C905831" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_7FF42133B430E5E36894AB565C91D469" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_C106A63065A9EACE8309AB565C91BECB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_7FF42133B430E5E36894AB565C91D469" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_C106A63065A9EACE8309AB565C91BECB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_C106A63065A9EACE8309AB565C91BECB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis_7FF42133B430E5E36894AB565C91D469" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_C106A63065A9EACE8309AB565C91BECB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember_43F1577E6340B99A92E7AB565C927B40" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_C106A63065A9EACE8309AB565C91BECB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember_43F1577E6340B99A92E7AB565C927B40" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_2C067249C750D6FC791DAB565C925CD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_D4E0CFC0BA9CA203C8CFAB565C905831" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_2C067249C750D6FC791DAB565C925CD1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_63073A9FFC238E70D34BAB565C92AA94_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_2C067249C750D6FC791DAB565C925CD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_63073A9FFC238E70D34BAB565C92AA94_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_63073A9FFC238E70D34BAB565C92AA94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_2C067249C750D6FC791DAB565C925CD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_63073A9FFC238E70D34BAB565C92AA94" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorDebtObligationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeniorDebtObligationsMember_807233D778DC48FC1290AB565C92E36D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_63073A9FFC238E70D34BAB565C92AA94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeniorDebtObligationsMember_807233D778DC48FC1290AB565C92E36D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_00C18EC30EDD200C5758AB565C93D635" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_D4E0CFC0BA9CA203C8CFAB565C905831" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_00C18EC30EDD200C5758AB565C93D635" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_350F38AD1019F635A474AB565C93E900_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_00C18EC30EDD200C5758AB565C93D635" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_350F38AD1019F635A474AB565C93E900_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_350F38AD1019F635A474AB565C93E900" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_00C18EC30EDD200C5758AB565C93D635" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_350F38AD1019F635A474AB565C93E900" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_7F6A2704CE54953DB672AB565C93A447" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_350F38AD1019F635A474AB565C93E900" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_7F6A2704CE54953DB672AB565C93A447" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate_A914FC7693F74BFB3FB2AB565C9377F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_B20597D3EDE75CFE13ABAB565C939D9D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate_A914FC7693F74BFB3FB2AB565C9377F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount_5173A0171A608C4224DBAB565C94F876" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_B20597D3EDE75CFE13ABAB565C939D9D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount_5173A0171A608C4224DBAB565C94F876" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate_D1A0A6EBEAAA0076A56AAB565C9457EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_B20597D3EDE75CFE13ABAB565C939D9D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate_D1A0A6EBEAAA0076A56AAB565C9457EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_5702B262897CFBE052FBAB565C94C783" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_B20597D3EDE75CFE13ABAB565C939D9D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_5702B262897CFBE052FBAB565C94C783" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossOnContractTermination" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossOnContractTermination_C4D01A0C001EED165BCFABEE001B77DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_B20597D3EDE75CFE13ABAB565C939D9D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossOnContractTermination_C4D01A0C001EED165BCFABEE001B77DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_16B2AD066D2164CAC5A6AB565C94125C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_B20597D3EDE75CFE13ABAB565C939D9D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_16B2AD066D2164CAC5A6AB565C94125C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EarningsPerShareAntidilutiveSecuritiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_A5C96089AC2A2256F9A5D502C8B296D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_FA5677A3AA9534466414D502C8B1BB9F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_A5C96089AC2A2256F9A5D502C8B296D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_FA5677A3AA9534466414D502C8B1BB9F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_621B432C0F33B9521CD9D502C8B1731C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_FA5677A3AA9534466414D502C8B1BB9F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_621B432C0F33B9521CD9D502C8B1731C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_A89674DC3BFC2E274F41D502C8B2D17D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_621B432C0F33B9521CD9D502C8B1731C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_A89674DC3BFC2E274F41D502C8B2D17D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_A89674DC3BFC2E274F41D502C8B2D17D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_621B432C0F33B9521CD9D502C8B1731C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_A89674DC3BFC2E274F41D502C8B2D17D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_ConvertibleNotesandSharebasedPaymentAwardsMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ConvertibleNotesandSharebasedPaymentAwardsMember_0906CF08CDF2F3D90DD5D502C8B2D526" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_A89674DC3BFC2E274F41D502C8B2D17D" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ConvertibleNotesandSharebasedPaymentAwardsMember_0906CF08CDF2F3D90DD5D502C8B2D526" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_9E20F479B87B46622BF9D502C8B35E02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_A5C96089AC2A2256F9A5D502C8B296D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_9E20F479B87B46622BF9D502C8B35E02" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EarningsPerShareComponentsOfNumeratorAndDenominatorForComputationOfBasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlans" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsEstimatedFairValuesAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_F9F092F09E7AD8A837F7979BEFB96BB7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_1DDAD7277A33AAFFE8D8979BEFB774F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_F9F092F09E7AD8A837F7979BEFB96BB7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_1DDAD7277A33AAFFE8D8979BEFB774F9" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_0C96764620FF283D1549979BEFB7FC6B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_1DDAD7277A33AAFFE8D8979BEFB774F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_0C96764620FF283D1549979BEFB7FC6B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_61847D76478834BB5075979BEFB783FB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_0C96764620FF283D1549979BEFB7FC6B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_61847D76478834BB5075979BEFB783FB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_61847D76478834BB5075979BEFB783FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_0C96764620FF283D1549979BEFB7FC6B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_61847D76478834BB5075979BEFB783FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_7F29C28CF7690C5478AC979BEFB76F18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_61847D76478834BB5075979BEFB783FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_7F29C28CF7690C5478AC979BEFB76F18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_48FEB730C468CC903137979BEFB8C43F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_1DDAD7277A33AAFFE8D8979BEFB774F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_48FEB730C468CC903137979BEFB8C43F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_5E3142DDE37FD8866E76979BEFB81553_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_48FEB730C468CC903137979BEFB8C43F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_5E3142DDE37FD8866E76979BEFB81553_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_5E3142DDE37FD8866E76979BEFB81553" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_48FEB730C468CC903137979BEFB8C43F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_5E3142DDE37FD8866E76979BEFB81553" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_DeferredCompensationMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_DeferredCompensationMember_47A28B1FE8EE50A430D9979BEFB8275C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_5E3142DDE37FD8866E76979BEFB81553" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_DeferredCompensationMember_47A28B1FE8EE50A430D9979BEFB8275C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_8110D3168DC5630B40D2979BEFB83311" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_1DDAD7277A33AAFFE8D8979BEFB774F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_8110D3168DC5630B40D2979BEFB83311" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_44787CD92892C12AF8F4979BEFB904AC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_8110D3168DC5630B40D2979BEFB83311" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_44787CD92892C12AF8F4979BEFB904AC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_44787CD92892C12AF8F4979BEFB904AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_8110D3168DC5630B40D2979BEFB83311" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_44787CD92892C12AF8F4979BEFB904AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_921A4C572AA839E72CA8979BEFB919F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_44787CD92892C12AF8F4979BEFB904AC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_921A4C572AA839E72CA8979BEFB919F1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_1BF4629A0B1AF8445988979BEFB9E6E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_44787CD92892C12AF8F4979BEFB904AC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_1BF4629A0B1AF8445988979BEFB9E6E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_2F94C2A4C6B2B269E773979BEFB9AB28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_44787CD92892C12AF8F4979BEFB904AC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_2F94C2A4C6B2B269E773979BEFB9AB28" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_D9F7D19E79930A6EC59B97B1820A0C09" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_F9F092F09E7AD8A837F7979BEFB96BB7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_D9F7D19E79930A6EC59B97B1820A0C09" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisObligations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisObligations_21CF6E4DFFE0237E2BE8979BEFBA3823" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_F9F092F09E7AD8A837F7979BEFB96BB7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisObligations_21CF6E4DFFE0237E2BE8979BEFBA3823" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_DBBBC8751307453F36F1979BEFBA17B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_F9F092F09E7AD8A837F7979BEFB96BB7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_DBBBC8751307453F36F1979BEFBA17B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability_00B8E5CB93087A66F12D979BEFBA011E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_F9F092F09E7AD8A837F7979BEFB96BB7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability_00B8E5CB93087A66F12D979BEFBA011E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFinancialInstrumentsThatWereNotMeasuredAtFairValueDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems_E7983B46E7625F1B13B1A6EF99935905" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable_9CF1E5FF088010615678A6EF998E5C60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems_E7983B46E7625F1B13B1A6EF99935905" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable_9CF1E5FF088010615678A6EF998E5C60" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_39DCE2A1250A4A6B2248A6EF998FDF1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable_9CF1E5FF088010615678A6EF998E5C60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_39DCE2A1250A4A6B2248A6EF998FDF1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_70F0BE445829CB5A1BF8A6EF998F5ECF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_39DCE2A1250A4A6B2248A6EF998FDF1A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_70F0BE445829CB5A1BF8A6EF998F5ECF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_70F0BE445829CB5A1BF8A6EF998F5ECF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_39DCE2A1250A4A6B2248A6EF998FDF1A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_70F0BE445829CB5A1BF8A6EF998F5ECF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_SecondLienTermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SecondLienTermLoanMember_CFB2F5ADFDB97D31D4DAA6EF998F06FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_70F0BE445829CB5A1BF8A6EF998F5ECF" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SecondLienTermLoanMember_CFB2F5ADFDB97D31D4DAA6EF998F06FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_SeniorSecuredAssetBasedLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SeniorSecuredAssetBasedLoanMember_C0B946AE1E6F118C817AA6EF99901885" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_70F0BE445829CB5A1BF8A6EF998F5ECF" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SeniorSecuredAssetBasedLoanMember_C0B946AE1E6F118C817AA6EF99901885" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_199B86070BD362221F40A6EF9990A7B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable_9CF1E5FF088010615678A6EF998E5C60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_199B86070BD362221F40A6EF9990A7B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_FDAFEF0EC11D8CA9770EA6EF9990D782_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_199B86070BD362221F40A6EF9990A7B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_FDAFEF0EC11D8CA9770EA6EF9990D782_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_FDAFEF0EC11D8CA9770EA6EF9990D782" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_199B86070BD362221F40A6EF9990A7B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_FDAFEF0EC11D8CA9770EA6EF9990D782" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_TermLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_120EF8C224A5FC8B2ACFA6EF9990CCCA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_FDAFEF0EC11D8CA9770EA6EF9990D782" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TermLoanMember_120EF8C224A5FC8B2ACFA6EF9990CCCA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_44A0591679E3D404966EA6EF999014E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable_9CF1E5FF088010615678A6EF998E5C60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_44A0591679E3D404966EA6EF999014E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_3C1B5BC89039E191CC90A6EF999085D4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_44A0591679E3D404966EA6EF999014E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_3C1B5BC89039E191CC90A6EF999085D4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_3C1B5BC89039E191CC90A6EF999085D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_44A0591679E3D404966EA6EF999014E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_3C1B5BC89039E191CC90A6EF999085D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_SeniorSecuredAssetBasedLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SeniorSecuredAssetBasedLoanMember_B0318CCFCD79A0F6F2D3A6EF99916A96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_3C1B5BC89039E191CC90A6EF999085D4" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SeniorSecuredAssetBasedLoanMember_B0318CCFCD79A0F6F2D3A6EF99916A96" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_4FB41A9AF8D6B76E3AE2A6EF9991D2DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable_9CF1E5FF088010615678A6EF998E5C60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_4FB41A9AF8D6B76E3AE2A6EF9991D2DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_04298CDBE0B68A20D6F4A6EF99918DF9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_4FB41A9AF8D6B76E3AE2A6EF9991D2DD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_04298CDBE0B68A20D6F4A6EF99918DF9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_04298CDBE0B68A20D6F4A6EF99918DF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_4FB41A9AF8D6B76E3AE2A6EF9991D2DD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_04298CDBE0B68A20D6F4A6EF99918DF9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_C99E3FA213109D42B224A6EF99929A48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_04298CDBE0B68A20D6F4A6EF99918DF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_C99E3FA213109D42B224A6EF99929A48" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_9DF862DA09B3DC9FF2F3A6EF99926593" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable_9CF1E5FF088010615678A6EF998E5C60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_9DF862DA09B3DC9FF2F3A6EF99926593" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_959C6494A3FC8168C73BA6EF9992D1D1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_9DF862DA09B3DC9FF2F3A6EF99926593" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_959C6494A3FC8168C73BA6EF9992D1D1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_F616BF9F60AC21F10504A6EF9992DC4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_9DF862DA09B3DC9FF2F3A6EF99926593" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_F616BF9F60AC21F10504A6EF9992DC4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_959C6494A3FC8168C73BA6EF9992D1D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_F616BF9F60AC21F10504A6EF9992DC4F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_959C6494A3FC8168C73BA6EF9992D1D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_25F654B52ADE6DCAD4FDA6EF99921FF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_959C6494A3FC8168C73BA6EF9992D1D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_25F654B52ADE6DCAD4FDA6EF99921FF8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_9023824EE91D90EE9CEAA6EF99933ECA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_959C6494A3FC8168C73BA6EF9992D1D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_9023824EE91D90EE9CEAA6EF99933ECA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_F897D5AE9754FD484932A82EB45BAD66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems_E7983B46E7625F1B13B1A6EF99935905" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_F897D5AE9754FD484932A82EB45BAD66" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue_D1922E2FB2CCAFD09D86A6EF999326CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems_E7983B46E7625F1B13B1A6EF99935905" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue_D1922E2FB2CCAFD09D86A6EF999326CC" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_59B91E8C51350310540B986E7B1FDF43" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_CB989D1FDFB837E07286986E7B1C1AE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_59B91E8C51350310540B986E7B1FDF43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_CB989D1FDFB837E07286986E7B1C1AE8" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_E4734618F9BA3BFBEFE5986E7B1C0BF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_CB989D1FDFB837E07286986E7B1C1AE8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_E4734618F9BA3BFBEFE5986E7B1C0BF5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2B19112C26DC73AEEC1D986E7B1CE632_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_E4734618F9BA3BFBEFE5986E7B1C0BF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2B19112C26DC73AEEC1D986E7B1CE632_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2B19112C26DC73AEEC1D986E7B1CE632" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_E4734618F9BA3BFBEFE5986E7B1C0BF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2B19112C26DC73AEEC1D986E7B1CE632" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_LeaseholdImprovementsPropertyAndEquipmentMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LeaseholdImprovementsPropertyAndEquipmentMember_D2D265880CA05168C7EB986E7B1DC774" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2B19112C26DC73AEEC1D986E7B1CE632" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LeaseholdImprovementsPropertyAndEquipmentMember_D2D265880CA05168C7EB986E7B1DC774" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_B073FCF17BB19E430BB1986E7B1DD3E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_CB989D1FDFB837E07286986E7B1C1AE8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_B073FCF17BB19E430BB1986E7B1DD3E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_870499D6E26483EEB881986E7B1DF6C0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_B073FCF17BB19E430BB1986E7B1DD3E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_870499D6E26483EEB881986E7B1DF6C0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_870499D6E26483EEB881986E7B1DF6C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_B073FCF17BB19E430BB1986E7B1DD3E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_870499D6E26483EEB881986E7B1DF6C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_93C640A0A54A5BF4F0E8986E7B1E014E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_870499D6E26483EEB881986E7B1DF6C0" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_93C640A0A54A5BF4F0E8986E7B1E014E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_FAC88E7BF97D5750FE17986E7B1E1BDB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_CB989D1FDFB837E07286986E7B1C1AE8" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_FAC88E7BF97D5750FE17986E7B1E1BDB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_EFADE2697F8DBF8AED09986E7B1EDB73_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_FAC88E7BF97D5750FE17986E7B1E1BDB" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_EFADE2697F8DBF8AED09986E7B1EDB73_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_EFADE2697F8DBF8AED09986E7B1EDB73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_FAC88E7BF97D5750FE17986E7B1E1BDB" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_EFADE2697F8DBF8AED09986E7B1EDB73" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_BD24F8A25627BF4E9488986E7B1EECFF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_EFADE2697F8DBF8AED09986E7B1EDB73" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_BD24F8A25627BF4E9488986E7B1EECFF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_0D4D167082E5F24DF992986E7B1E65B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_EFADE2697F8DBF8AED09986E7B1EDB73" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_0D4D167082E5F24DF992986E7B1E65B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent_E728BC3B5F9D4D691E9D986E7B1F5300" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_59B91E8C51350310540B986E7B1FDF43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityNoncurrent_E728BC3B5F9D4D691E9D986E7B1F5300" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityCurrent_A75D0E0EF7039BDDFD5F986E7B1F67FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_59B91E8C51350310540B986E7B1FDF43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityCurrent_A75D0E0EF7039BDDFD5F986E7B1F67FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill_89B2CB4B6BCB1B7C57DE986E7B1F0604" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_59B91E8C51350310540B986E7B1FDF43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill_89B2CB4B6BCB1B7C57DE986E7B1F0604" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseImpairmentLoss_428294BA52C450B8AAEA986E7B1F4FFA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_59B91E8C51350310540B986E7B1FDF43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseImpairmentLoss_428294BA52C450B8AAEA986E7B1F4FFA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TangibleAssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TangibleAssetImpairmentCharges_0491AA80E08F2E5B4E0A986E7B20EB1D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_59B91E8C51350310540B986E7B1FDF43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TangibleAssetImpairmentCharges_0491AA80E08F2E5B4E0A986E7B20EB1D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_61809466A44616754D3B986E7B200849" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_59B91E8C51350310540B986E7B1FDF43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_61809466A44616754D3B986E7B200849" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_ThresholdPeriodPastDueforPaymentofServicesProvided" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ThresholdPeriodPastDueforPaymentofServicesProvided_643CA58D835AB9D2B660986E7B20652B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_59B91E8C51350310540B986E7B1FDF43" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ThresholdPeriodPastDueforPaymentofServicesProvided_643CA58D835AB9D2B660986E7B20652B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsScheduleOfReconciliationOfOpeningAndClosingBalancesForFairValueMeasurementsCategorizedWithinLevel3Details" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_00C26E89B0FD085705EA986E7B0CC0AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_6496DFA1A4ECCE18EB05986E7B0A1F62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_00C26E89B0FD085705EA986E7B0CC0AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_6496DFA1A4ECCE18EB05986E7B0A1F62" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_7648801BCAD16CC8A462986E7B0B456A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_6496DFA1A4ECCE18EB05986E7B0A1F62" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_7648801BCAD16CC8A462986E7B0B456A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_E04CA27B0CFFBEC6ABF7986E7B0B36CA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_7648801BCAD16CC8A462986E7B0B456A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_E04CA27B0CFFBEC6ABF7986E7B0B36CA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_E04CA27B0CFFBEC6ABF7986E7B0B36CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_7648801BCAD16CC8A462986E7B0B456A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_E04CA27B0CFFBEC6ABF7986E7B0B36CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_ContingentConsiderationLiabilityMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ContingentConsiderationLiabilityMember_4ADA4F94234C4450247A986E7B0BFEA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_E04CA27B0CFFBEC6ABF7986E7B0B36CA" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ContingentConsiderationLiabilityMember_4ADA4F94234C4450247A986E7B0BFEA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_1FC100D9B4F01C3AF1D4986E7B0C80EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_00C26E89B0FD085705EA986E7B0CC0AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_1FC100D9B4F01C3AF1D4986E7B0C80EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue_EFF00F72397156415F00986E7B0C4FBA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_1FC100D9B4F01C3AF1D4986E7B0C80EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue_EFF00F72397156415F00986E7B0C4FBA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements_8F5AFD41650D099E80F8986E7B0DB751" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_1FC100D9B4F01C3AF1D4986E7B0C80EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements_8F5AFD41650D099E80F8986E7B0DB751" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_FairValueMeasurementwithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityAccretionExpense" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FairValueMeasurementwithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityAccretionExpense_C53A3972EF7100D45296986E7B0D9969" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_1FC100D9B4F01C3AF1D4986E7B0C80EE" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_FairValueMeasurementwithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityAccretionExpense_C53A3972EF7100D45296986E7B0D9969" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings_36CCE07D443BCDD8A0A5986E7B0D3F53" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_1FC100D9B4F01C3AF1D4986E7B0C80EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings_36CCE07D443BCDD8A0A5986E7B0D3F53" 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-20191231.xsd#ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_D51D033DC3827A9AC96183CD7D36C775" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_48E5F87E57BADB759FBB83CD7D34F09B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_D51D033DC3827A9AC96183CD7D36C775" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_48E5F87E57BADB759FBB83CD7D34F09B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_B2474EB15710389AE20483CD7D351001" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_48E5F87E57BADB759FBB83CD7D34F09B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_B2474EB15710389AE20483CD7D351001" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_AB082FC361A4947B10DD83CD7D352FB9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_B2474EB15710389AE20483CD7D351001" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_AB082FC361A4947B10DD83CD7D352FB9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_AB082FC361A4947B10DD83CD7D352FB9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_B2474EB15710389AE20483CD7D351001" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_AB082FC361A4947B10DD83CD7D352FB9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DatabasesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DatabasesMember_ADDE76A98322478778A083CD7D357B1D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_AB082FC361A4947B10DD83CD7D352FB9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DatabasesMember_ADDE76A98322478778A083CD7D357B1D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_F359A36CD208366BE24F83CD7D362235" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_AB082FC361A4947B10DD83CD7D352FB9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_F359A36CD208366BE24F83CD7D362235" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember_0B5B245A0521A99B157F83CD7D36506E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_AB082FC361A4947B10DD83CD7D352FB9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember_0B5B245A0521A99B157F83CD7D36506E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_5F78B7D1B5A8A5F3EA0983CD7D36555A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_AB082FC361A4947B10DD83CD7D352FB9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_5F78B7D1B5A8A5F3EA0983CD7D36555A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_F5B7D3F428B11DD8DDDE83CD7D36544B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_D51D033DC3827A9AC96183CD7D36C775" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_F5B7D3F428B11DD8DDDE83CD7D36544B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_35C4123034B23064C17383CD7D377E3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_D51D033DC3827A9AC96183CD7D36C775" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_35C4123034B23064C17383CD7D377E3E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_AA2BACAB2DDBB56E1DCE83CD7D37C172" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_D51D033DC3827A9AC96183CD7D36C775" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_AA2BACAB2DDBB56E1DCE83CD7D37C172" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedTradeNames" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedTradeNames_FA9E78E50348993D2B8583CD7D373340" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_FiniteLivedAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_D51D033DC3827A9AC96183CD7D36C775" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedTradeNames_FA9E78E50348993D2B8583CD7D373340" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsChangesInCarryingAmountOfGoodwillBySegmentDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_193F01D99E7821184D6AA6EF9A5FED90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_8141421C70DC05FCACFCA6EF9A5CEACC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_193F01D99E7821184D6AA6EF9A5FED90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_8141421C70DC05FCACFCA6EF9A5CEACC" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_09BCE594F3B3F6605C23A6EF9A5D3338" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_8141421C70DC05FCACFCA6EF9A5CEACC" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_09BCE594F3B3F6605C23A6EF9A5D3338" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_16558B403CE663893971A6EF9A5D8E45_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_09BCE594F3B3F6605C23A6EF9A5D3338" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_16558B403CE663893971A6EF9A5D8E45_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_16558B403CE663893971A6EF9A5D8E45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_09BCE594F3B3F6605C23A6EF9A5D3338" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_16558B403CE663893971A6EF9A5D8E45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_465915EA4290D61F3FA4A6EF9A5DA27C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_16558B403CE663893971A6EF9A5D8E45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_465915EA4290D61F3FA4A6EF9A5DA27C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_28DD894DAA1873C32ED0A6EF9A5D004E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_8141421C70DC05FCACFCA6EF9A5CEACC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_28DD894DAA1873C32ED0A6EF9A5D004E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1B33767E1CCAFB9B7AB8A6EF9A5EFFE9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_28DD894DAA1873C32ED0A6EF9A5D004E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1B33767E1CCAFB9B7AB8A6EF9A5EFFE9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1B33767E1CCAFB9B7AB8A6EF9A5EFFE9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_28DD894DAA1873C32ED0A6EF9A5D004E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1B33767E1CCAFB9B7AB8A6EF9A5EFFE9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_6C3F8C4008E1AA32B4B5A6EF9A5EBB19" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1B33767E1CCAFB9B7AB8A6EF9A5EFFE9" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_6C3F8C4008E1AA32B4B5A6EF9A5EBB19" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember_638F14F78805BF78E63DA6EF9A5E2C97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1B33767E1CCAFB9B7AB8A6EF9A5EFFE9" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember_638F14F78805BF78E63DA6EF9A5E2C97" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_SearchServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SearchServicesMember_6AC8C9D21D50482F4DFEA6EF9A5F081D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1B33767E1CCAFB9B7AB8A6EF9A5EFFE9" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SearchServicesMember_6AC8C9D21D50482F4DFEA6EF9A5F081D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_2FC044145D4DFE679E29A6EF9A5FDB8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_193F01D99E7821184D6AA6EF9A5FED90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_2FC044145D4DFE679E29A6EF9A5FDB8E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillGross_D13919D67AA7582865C2A6EF9A5F26C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_2FC044145D4DFE679E29A6EF9A5FDB8E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillGross_D13919D67AA7582865C2A6EF9A5F26C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_GoodwillWriteOffRelatedToSaleOfBusiness" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_GoodwillWriteOffRelatedToSaleOfBusiness_E36E3977ED49AF295971A6EF9A5F89A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_2FC044145D4DFE679E29A6EF9A5FDB8E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_GoodwillWriteOffRelatedToSaleOfBusiness_E36E3977ED49AF295971A6EF9A5F89A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss_F2395589DAFB16D4D430A6EF9A60D135" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_2FC044145D4DFE679E29A6EF9A5FDB8E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss_F2395589DAFB16D4D430A6EF9A60D135" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_8954F07D5964F56DF861A6EF9A606CCC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_2FC044145D4DFE679E29A6EF9A5FDB8E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_8954F07D5964F56DF861A6EF9A606CCC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillTranslationAndPurchaseAccountingAdjustmentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillTranslationAndPurchaseAccountingAdjustmentsAbstract_4763A53F157BBE36E57CA6EF9A60BC9D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_2FC044145D4DFE679E29A6EF9A5FDB8E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillTranslationAndPurchaseAccountingAdjustmentsAbstract_4763A53F157BBE36E57CA6EF9A60BC9D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod_DB43AB8C76C79620311EA6EF9A604C8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillTranslationAndPurchaseAccountingAdjustmentsAbstract_4763A53F157BBE36E57CA6EF9A60BC9D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod_DB43AB8C76C79620311EA6EF9A604C8F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillPeriodIncreaseDecrease_A0CEC35064B48D56955BA6EF9A618831" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillTranslationAndPurchaseAccountingAdjustmentsAbstract_4763A53F157BBE36E57CA6EF9A60BC9D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillPeriodIncreaseDecrease_A0CEC35064B48D56955BA6EF9A618831" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_88DACF1CD3113435AA9EA6EF9A6136C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillTranslationAndPurchaseAccountingAdjustmentsAbstract_4763A53F157BBE36E57CA6EF9A60BC9D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_88DACF1CD3113435AA9EA6EF9A6136C0" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsEstimatedAnnualAmortizationExpenseDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems_53CB18ED522F2FBA8925AB565D347ACC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTable" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTable_BD101E858725CEB2160BAB565D2F8166" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems_53CB18ED522F2FBA8925AB565D347ACC" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTable_BD101E858725CEB2160BAB565D2F8166" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_TypeOfAmortizationAxis" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TypeOfAmortizationAxis_CAD9BABD75CDC8019BD0ABEF7FF7F948" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTable_BD101E858725CEB2160BAB565D2F8166" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TypeOfAmortizationAxis_CAD9BABD75CDC8019BD0ABEF7FF7F948" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_TypeOfAmortizationDomain" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TypeOfAmortizationDomain_63F03918450FCC69D827ABEF7FF8BFE6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_TypeOfAmortizationAxis_CAD9BABD75CDC8019BD0ABEF7FF7F948" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TypeOfAmortizationDomain_63F03918450FCC69D827ABEF7FF8BFE6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_TypeOfAmortizationDomain" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TypeOfAmortizationDomain_63F03918450FCC69D827ABEF7FF8BFE6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_TypeOfAmortizationAxis_CAD9BABD75CDC8019BD0ABEF7FF7F948" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TypeOfAmortizationDomain_63F03918450FCC69D827ABEF7FF8BFE6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_AcceleratedAmortizationMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_AcceleratedAmortizationMember_D9E9C1BA2DCB9483D3D3ABEFD93E1023" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_TypeOfAmortizationDomain_63F03918450FCC69D827ABEF7FF8BFE6" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_AcceleratedAmortizationMember_D9E9C1BA2DCB9483D3D3ABEFD93E1023" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_StatementScenarioAxis_A59E9B951B010A6BE168AB565D2FD4FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTable_BD101E858725CEB2160BAB565D2F8166" xlink:to="loc_srt_StatementScenarioAxis_A59E9B951B010A6BE168AB565D2FD4FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_C5DD050F87E333D902CFAB565D2FCF0D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_StatementScenarioAxis_A59E9B951B010A6BE168AB565D2FD4FE" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_C5DD050F87E333D902CFAB565D2FCF0D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_C5DD050F87E333D902CFAB565D2FCF0D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_StatementScenarioAxis_A59E9B951B010A6BE168AB565D2FD4FE" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_C5DD050F87E333D902CFAB565D2FCF0D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioForecastMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScenarioForecastMember_D4879436EA911333C3F0AB565D3094D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_C5DD050F87E333D902CFAB565D2FCF0D" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScenarioForecastMember_D4879436EA911333C3F0AB565D3094D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_38B46E408331824BC07CAB565D30F0A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTable_BD101E858725CEB2160BAB565D2F8166" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_38B46E408331824BC07CAB565D30F0A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_6D5CC80978B97916F245AB565D30C87E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_38B46E408331824BC07CAB565D30F0A8" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_6D5CC80978B97916F245AB565D30C87E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_6D5CC80978B97916F245AB565D30C87E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_38B46E408331824BC07CAB565D30F0A8" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_6D5CC80978B97916F245AB565D30C87E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_3ABC210D69F977F15E1EAB565D304EC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_6D5CC80978B97916F245AB565D30C87E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_3ABC210D69F977F15E1EAB565D304EC6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_0F58922283FA71A4B73AAB565D319D1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTable_BD101E858725CEB2160BAB565D2F8166" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_0F58922283FA71A4B73AAB565D319D1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_20B7C1B27B13AC842E63AB565D31DB03_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_0F58922283FA71A4B73AAB565D319D1F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_20B7C1B27B13AC842E63AB565D31DB03_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_20B7C1B27B13AC842E63AB565D31DB03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_0F58922283FA71A4B73AAB565D319D1F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_20B7C1B27B13AC842E63AB565D31DB03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_7DA5B6128B31440020BAAB565D3125D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_20B7C1B27B13AC842E63AB565D31DB03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_7DA5B6128B31440020BAAB565D3125D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_7116418B39219E67A9EDAB565D3105F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTable_BD101E858725CEB2160BAB565D2F8166" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_7116418B39219E67A9EDAB565D3105F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_1E49AA6149648F8BDA4DAB565D31924A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_7116418B39219E67A9EDAB565D3105F7" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_1E49AA6149648F8BDA4DAB565D31924A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_1E49AA6149648F8BDA4DAB565D31924A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_7116418B39219E67A9EDAB565D3105F7" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_1E49AA6149648F8BDA4DAB565D31924A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_6DF35E61CC68018D3E81AB565D32AE18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_1E49AA6149648F8BDA4DAB565D31924A" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_6DF35E61CC68018D3E81AB565D32AE18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_AAF2CC455203E7A63FD2AB565D32714A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTable_BD101E858725CEB2160BAB565D2F8166" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_AAF2CC455203E7A63FD2AB565D32714A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_8BCCA9AAB23FD89DA295AB565D32A2DF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_AAF2CC455203E7A63FD2AB565D32714A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_8BCCA9AAB23FD89DA295AB565D32A2DF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_8BCCA9AAB23FD89DA295AB565D32A2DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_AAF2CC455203E7A63FD2AB565D32714A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_8BCCA9AAB23FD89DA295AB565D32A2DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_C717A39A9FF6A0694015AB565D338A60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_8BCCA9AAB23FD89DA295AB565D32A2DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_C717A39A9FF6A0694015AB565D338A60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_D8F12B2C249BF68675AFAB565D3314DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTable_BD101E858725CEB2160BAB565D2F8166" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_D8F12B2C249BF68675AFAB565D3314DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5161523E629001BB56E5AB565D333044_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_D8F12B2C249BF68675AFAB565D3314DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5161523E629001BB56E5AB565D333044_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5161523E629001BB56E5AB565D333044" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_D8F12B2C249BF68675AFAB565D3314DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5161523E629001BB56E5AB565D333044" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_SearchServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SearchServicesMember_57F04BADCF6DC72B1A7EAB565D337F84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5161523E629001BB56E5AB565D333044" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SearchServicesMember_57F04BADCF6DC72B1A7EAB565D337F84" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_5E8218E8C54921127F53AB565D33C528" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5161523E629001BB56E5AB565D333044" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_5E8218E8C54921127F53AB565D33C528" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember_61F0BA77C734F9F2CB7BAB565D340DC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5161523E629001BB56E5AB565D333044" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember_61F0BA77C734F9F2CB7BAB565D340DC6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_AdditionalBrandMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_AdditionalBrandMember_188E86A9EA6A656E8AA1AB565D34744D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5161523E629001BB56E5AB565D333044" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_AdditionalBrandMember_188E86A9EA6A656E8AA1AB565D34744D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_SearchReportingUnitMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SearchReportingUnitMember_5D2130C7962ACE470541AB565D344C39" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5161523E629001BB56E5AB565D333044" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SearchReportingUnitMember_5D2130C7962ACE470541AB565D344C39" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillPeriodIncreaseDecrease_6AF48C9BB176DDF56947AB565D345CC9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems_53CB18ED522F2FBA8925AB565D347ACC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillPeriodIncreaseDecrease_6AF48C9BB176DDF56947AB565D345CC9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill_B0DFD805BF804A3267A4AB565D356D05" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems_53CB18ED522F2FBA8925AB565D347ACC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill_B0DFD805BF804A3267A4AB565D356D05" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_EE7AE5DF51E1DD026D1FAB565D35418F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems_53CB18ED522F2FBA8925AB565D347ACC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_EE7AE5DF51E1DD026D1FAB565D35418F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_ImpactOfAcceleratedAmortizationOnBasicEarningsPerShare" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ImpactOfAcceleratedAmortizationOnBasicEarningsPerShare_7E5AFF73A5200E760685AB565D358815" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems_53CB18ED522F2FBA8925AB565D347ACC" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ImpactOfAcceleratedAmortizationOnBasicEarningsPerShare_7E5AFF73A5200E760685AB565D358815" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_WeightedAverageAmortizationPeriodIfNotAccelerated" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_WeightedAverageAmortizationPeriodIfNotAccelerated_A2BF1E092CB7C8677BB6AB565D35D27B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems_53CB18ED522F2FBA8925AB565D347ACC" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_WeightedAverageAmortizationPeriodIfNotAccelerated_A2BF1E092CB7C8677BB6AB565D35D27B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReportingUnitPercentageOfFairValueInExcessOfCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReportingUnitPercentageOfFairValueInExcessOfCarryingAmount_580F90F94D94F3761623AB565D356DBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems_53CB18ED522F2FBA8925AB565D347ACC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReportingUnitPercentageOfFairValueInExcessOfCarryingAmount_580F90F94D94F3761623AB565D356DBC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_5E8A2C6E56B73738F85DAB565D35DA8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems_53CB18ED522F2FBA8925AB565D347ACC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_5E8A2C6E56B73738F85DAB565D35DA8E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_E1265A312C48969C6A08AB565D354433" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems_53CB18ED522F2FBA8925AB565D347ACC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_E1265A312C48969C6A08AB565D354433" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_D0CFEC9DF6A08A607BC7AB565D36B386" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureLineItems_53CB18ED522F2FBA8925AB565D347ACC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_D0CFEC9DF6A08A607BC7AB565D36B386" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/GoodwillTradeNamesAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxesComponentsOfIncomeLossBeforeIncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxesComponentsOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_5593A3B64148EC0FACF1AB565B587DC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable_15B493C086BF39B2525BAB565B553D01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_5593A3B64148EC0FACF1AB565B587DC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable_15B493C086BF39B2525BAB565B553D01" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceByDeferredTaxAssetAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceByDeferredTaxAssetAxis_E407C883654F1E47FBC2AB565B55F84C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable_15B493C086BF39B2525BAB565B553D01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceByDeferredTaxAssetAxis_E407C883654F1E47FBC2AB565B55F84C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetDomain_73EA73E723DE4C1A9273AB565B56A5EA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceByDeferredTaxAssetAxis_E407C883654F1E47FBC2AB565B55F84C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetDomain_73EA73E723DE4C1A9273AB565B56A5EA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetDomain_73EA73E723DE4C1A9273AB565B56A5EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceByDeferredTaxAssetAxis_E407C883654F1E47FBC2AB565B55F84C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetDomain_73EA73E723DE4C1A9273AB565B56A5EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_NetOperatingLossesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_NetOperatingLossesMember_43EC6FACD7318070A413AB565B565ADC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetDomain_73EA73E723DE4C1A9273AB565B56A5EA" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_NetOperatingLossesMember_43EC6FACD7318070A413AB565B565ADC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_OtherNetDeferredTaxAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_OtherNetDeferredTaxAssetsMember_84AB14F7AE38D2E880F0AB565B56B985" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetDomain_73EA73E723DE4C1A9273AB565B56A5EA" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_OtherNetDeferredTaxAssetsMember_84AB14F7AE38D2E880F0AB565B56B985" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_5B8DB163CBE7244DF5A4AB565B5638EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable_15B493C086BF39B2525BAB565B553D01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_5B8DB163CBE7244DF5A4AB565B5638EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_857AF93BC9517DFB7BC8AB565B57A581_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_5B8DB163CBE7244DF5A4AB565B5638EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_857AF93BC9517DFB7BC8AB565B57A581_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_857AF93BC9517DFB7BC8AB565B57A581" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_5B8DB163CBE7244DF5A4AB565B5638EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_857AF93BC9517DFB7BC8AB565B57A581" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember_87E936D4203A54DA4536AB565B5730C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_857AF93BC9517DFB7BC8AB565B57A581" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember_87E936D4203A54DA4536AB565B5730C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember_A2A9407556B35B4D893CAB565B571F2D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_857AF93BC9517DFB7BC8AB565B57A581" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember_A2A9407556B35B4D893CAB565B571F2D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_A5E4B0D165816D953E56AB565B5787FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable_15B493C086BF39B2525BAB565B553D01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_A5E4B0D165816D953E56AB565B5787FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_F8C9CBCE1193D6D499C5AB565B571880_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_A5E4B0D165816D953E56AB565B5787FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_F8C9CBCE1193D6D499C5AB565B571880_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_F8C9CBCE1193D6D499C5AB565B571880" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_A5E4B0D165816D953E56AB565B5787FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_F8C9CBCE1193D6D499C5AB565B571880" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember_7D35734E2405FC18D9C6AB565B58D0B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_F8C9CBCE1193D6D499C5AB565B571880" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember_7D35734E2405FC18D9C6AB565B58D0B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember_1ECE03DAE80014A763EEAB565B580A6D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_F8C9CBCE1193D6D499C5AB565B571880" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember_1ECE03DAE80014A763EEAB565B580A6D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_9B3C7E0FBA015454FE6EAB565B5D77AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_5593A3B64148EC0FACF1AB565B587DC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_9B3C7E0FBA015454FE6EAB565B5D77AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_D9ECE6DF35E7A361294BAB565B5E3607" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_5593A3B64148EC0FACF1AB565B587DC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_D9ECE6DF35E7A361294BAB565B5E3607" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOtherComprehensiveLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOtherComprehensiveLoss_15314B9DE91F838BC992AB565B5E3ACC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_5593A3B64148EC0FACF1AB565B587DC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOtherComprehensiveLoss_15314B9DE91F838BC992AB565B5E3ACC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount_3229AC43E59A7FA33FD1AB565B5E36CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_5593A3B64148EC0FACF1AB565B587DC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount_3229AC43E59A7FA33FD1AB565B5E36CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInEnactedTaxRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInEnactedTaxRate_E6904142E46D1A6CE257AB565B5E79F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_5593A3B64148EC0FACF1AB565B587DC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInEnactedTaxRate_E6904142E46D1A6CE257AB565B5E79F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards_E23D1EF0325A59B2F167AB565B5E9D94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_5593A3B64148EC0FACF1AB565B587DC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards_E23D1EF0325A59B2F167AB565B5E9D94" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits_5429CC2B1D70EC0AC38FAB565B5EB6DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_5593A3B64148EC0FACF1AB565B587DC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits_5429CC2B1D70EC0AC38FAB565B5EB6DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate_16357D8EDFCA989FE480AB565B5F3AA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_5593A3B64148EC0FACF1AB565B587DC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate_16357D8EDFCA989FE480AB565B5F3AA5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreaseInInterestandPenaltiesAccrued" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreaseInInterestandPenaltiesAccrued_3F1BBA26A1FE338734B8AB565B5FAD13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_5593A3B64148EC0FACF1AB565B587DC6" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreaseInInterestandPenaltiesAccrued_3F1BBA26A1FE338734B8AB565B5FAD13" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued_EB203AF4B2487E676881AB565B5FDA5E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_5593A3B64148EC0FACF1AB565B587DC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued_EB203AF4B2487E676881AB565B5FDA5E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxesReconciliationOfBeginningAndEndingBalanceOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxesReconciliationOfIncomeTaxComputedAtUSFederalStatutoryRateToIncomeTaxBenefitExpenseDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxesSignificantComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/Leases" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/LeasesBalanceSheetInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/LeasesFutureMinimumLeasePaymentsUnderTopic840Details" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/LeasesOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/LeasesOtherInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/LeasesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/OrganizationAndBasisOfPresentation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/PropertyAndEquipment" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/PropertyAndEquipmentDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_206101A39C4BB76DD1C484F990FE8639" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_20C07C181C200527A14284F990FB0F70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_206101A39C4BB76DD1C484F990FE8639" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_20C07C181C200527A14284F990FB0F70" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_23DE096F0DAF450BD2B484F990FB6798" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_20C07C181C200527A14284F990FB0F70" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_23DE096F0DAF450BD2B484F990FB6798" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_4E7FCAF770F29C65622D84F990FC45AD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_23DE096F0DAF450BD2B484F990FB6798" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_4E7FCAF770F29C65622D84F990FC45AD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_4E7FCAF770F29C65622D84F990FC45AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_23DE096F0DAF450BD2B484F990FB6798" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_4E7FCAF770F29C65622D84F990FC45AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_798590C5D78565574B7784F990FC2119" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_4E7FCAF770F29C65622D84F990FC45AD" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_798590C5D78565574B7784F990FC2119" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_12D7ABFC4DB72E70A63D84F990FCEAA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_4E7FCAF770F29C65622D84F990FC45AD" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_12D7ABFC4DB72E70A63D84F990FCEAA9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_7CA98787DF26719B3CD584F990FDDC11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_20C07C181C200527A14284F990FB0F70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_7CA98787DF26719B3CD584F990FDDC11" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_284DFDAAC40C98818BAF84F990FDE857_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_7CA98787DF26719B3CD584F990FDDC11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_284DFDAAC40C98818BAF84F990FDE857_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_284DFDAAC40C98818BAF84F990FDE857" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_7CA98787DF26719B3CD584F990FDDC11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_284DFDAAC40C98818BAF84F990FDE857" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComputerEquipmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComputerEquipmentMember_2BCED1CCC88042CF792584F990FDE94F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_284DFDAAC40C98818BAF84F990FDE857" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComputerEquipmentMember_2BCED1CCC88042CF792584F990FDE94F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SoftwareAndSoftwareDevelopmentCostsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SoftwareAndSoftwareDevelopmentCostsMember_84FC64D353FE24D64EF884F990FD4E7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_284DFDAAC40C98818BAF84F990FDE857" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SoftwareAndSoftwareDevelopmentCostsMember_84FC64D353FE24D64EF884F990FD4E7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OfficeEquipmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OfficeEquipmentMember_2D5F87EA7F0C2553EB7F84F990FD13D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_284DFDAAC40C98818BAF84F990FDE857" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OfficeEquipmentMember_2D5F87EA7F0C2553EB7F84F990FD13D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember_F1C98929014749D02B5484F990FE66D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_284DFDAAC40C98818BAF84F990FDE857" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember_F1C98929014749D02B5484F990FE66D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetUnderConstructionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetUnderConstructionMember_99636329BA9F219F320684FDA7FF1688" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_284DFDAAC40C98818BAF84F990FDE857" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetUnderConstructionMember_99636329BA9F219F320684FDA7FF1688" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember_559CD9D64372757209A384F990FE3B93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_284DFDAAC40C98818BAF84F990FDE857" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember_559CD9D64372757209A384F990FE3B93" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_714A04D21CA32E9CA66484F990FEE6CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_206101A39C4BB76DD1C484F990FE8639" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_714A04D21CA32E9CA66484F990FEE6CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_C2F252416AA67EE3B5C784F990FEAA59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_206101A39C4BB76DD1C484F990FE8639" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_C2F252416AA67EE3B5C784F990FEAA59" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_1C5897FA6191382FC00884F990FF52D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_206101A39C4BB76DD1C484F990FE8639" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_1C5897FA6191382FC00884F990FF52D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_4D631C17186AAF500CA484F990FFAE62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_206101A39C4BB76DD1C484F990FE8639" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_4D631C17186AAF500CA484F990FFAE62" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/PropertyAndEquipmentTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnaudited" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_04B7B139C8F968016366AB565A8BB5B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_B8EAF38A6E9A103D216FAB565A894088" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_04B7B139C8F968016366AB565A8BB5B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_B8EAF38A6E9A103D216FAB565A894088" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_D69293913655FBC251C9AB565A89E6CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_B8EAF38A6E9A103D216FAB565A894088" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_D69293913655FBC251C9AB565A89E6CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_2271DC2641B6F42F0B0DAB565A8A2A40_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_D69293913655FBC251C9AB565A89E6CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_2271DC2641B6F42F0B0DAB565A8A2A40_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_2271DC2641B6F42F0B0DAB565A8A2A40" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_D69293913655FBC251C9AB565A89E6CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_2271DC2641B6F42F0B0DAB565A8A2A40" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_A18C677C880624B38BACAB565A8A6A70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_2271DC2641B6F42F0B0DAB565A8A2A40" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_A18C677C880624B38BACAB565A8A6A70" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_C58986D707010BF8D979AB565A8B1243" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_B8EAF38A6E9A103D216FAB565A894088" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_C58986D707010BF8D979AB565A8B1243" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2380DD81443F07861011AB565A8BD692_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_C58986D707010BF8D979AB565A8B1243" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2380DD81443F07861011AB565A8BD692_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2380DD81443F07861011AB565A8BD692" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_C58986D707010BF8D979AB565A8B1243" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2380DD81443F07861011AB565A8BD692" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember_73BBBA0FE2B95178D092AB565A8B92BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2380DD81443F07861011AB565A8BD692" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember_73BBBA0FE2B95178D092AB565A8B92BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_DBEE60BFAA0C8F40DC70AB565A8B7886" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2380DD81443F07861011AB565A8BD692" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_DBEE60BFAA0C8F40DC70AB565A8B7886" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_E3CD116F35698FC78EDAAB565A8C83DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_04B7B139C8F968016366AB565A8BB5B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_E3CD116F35698FC78EDAAB565A8C83DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_DC52E5B567A8301A1C56AB565A8C4334" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_04B7B139C8F968016366AB565A8BB5B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_DC52E5B567A8301A1C56AB565A8C4334" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationSettlementExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationSettlementExpense_EF0276210D838899629EABEC2ED66BF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_04B7B139C8F968016366AB565A8BB5B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationSettlementExpense_EF0276210D838899629EABEC2ED66BF5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_C337399BCEDED4D27EC8AB565A8C0712" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_04B7B139C8F968016366AB565A8BB5B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_C337399BCEDED4D27EC8AB565A8C0712" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_ApplicantTrackingSystemExpenses" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ApplicantTrackingSystemExpenses_0E3F19C1822249FC78FDAB565A8CC7B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_04B7B139C8F968016366AB565A8BB5B9" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ApplicantTrackingSystemExpenses_0E3F19C1822249FC78FDAB565A8CC7B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_FA0B45D40E2BFF87B0F8AB565A8DB02F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_04B7B139C8F968016366AB565A8BB5B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_FA0B45D40E2BFF87B0F8AB565A8DB02F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_FED217818B73064E2B08AB565A8DA79B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_04B7B139C8F968016366AB565A8BB5B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_FED217818B73064E2B08AB565A8DA79B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/QuarterlyFinancialDataUnauditedTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_8F49877A4038DDD7A5FAA65C52F58014" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_95597D9D4CD169A9E032A65C52F44713" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_8F49877A4038DDD7A5FAA65C52F58014" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_95597D9D4CD169A9E032A65C52F44713" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_CDF5F2739F35743312C5A65C52F498B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_95597D9D4CD169A9E032A65C52F44713" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_CDF5F2739F35743312C5A65C52F498B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_6677C35939E0B0A456CEA65C52F44668_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_CDF5F2739F35743312C5A65C52F498B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_6677C35939E0B0A456CEA65C52F44668_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_6677C35939E0B0A456CEA65C52F44668" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_CDF5F2739F35743312C5A65C52F498B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_6677C35939E0B0A456CEA65C52F44668" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateJointVentureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateJointVentureMember_B552F2803B1F25A9F4E5A65C52F4B3A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_6677C35939E0B0A456CEA65C52F44668" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateJointVentureMember_B552F2803B1F25A9F4E5A65C52F4B3A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_AffiliatedEntityMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_AffiliatedEntityMember_1E5D5DA47CDB86A7BC3DA65C52F527F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_6677C35939E0B0A456CEA65C52F44668" xlink:to="loc_srt_AffiliatedEntityMember_1E5D5DA47CDB86A7BC3DA65C52F527F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties_168C7088E9386F9935FFA65C52F5EDB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_8F49877A4038DDD7A5FAA65C52F58014" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties_168C7088E9386F9935FFA65C52F5EDB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedParties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedParties_B1EF658FC025C9E44A5AA65C52F5FA46" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_8F49877A4038DDD7A5FAA65C52F58014" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedParties_B1EF658FC025C9E44A5AA65C52F5FA46" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_JointVenturePercentOwnership" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_JointVenturePercentOwnership_F4435409CBF00F46601EA65C52F65ED0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_8F49877A4038DDD7A5FAA65C52F58014" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_JointVenturePercentOwnership_F4435409CBF00F46601EA65C52F65ED0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueFromJointVenturesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueFromJointVenturesCurrent_810429BE0B361A299170A65C52F617A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_8F49877A4038DDD7A5FAA65C52F58014" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueFromJointVenturesCurrent_810429BE0B361A299170A65C52F617A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrent_91FCE613A78C028C613AA65C52F60F77" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_8F49877A4038DDD7A5FAA65C52F58014" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrent_91FCE613A78C028C613AA65C52F60F77" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRent_25B029918100F1C54FB4A65C52F6D9EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_8F49877A4038DDD7A5FAA65C52F58014" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRent_25B029918100F1C54FB4A65C52F6D9EF" 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/RevenueRecognitionDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_72EC8C0EF05E6D8869F3A6EF9B116857" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_8B564EF32E25A3E2DD94A6EF9B0F9245" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_72EC8C0EF05E6D8869F3A6EF9B116857" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_8B564EF32E25A3E2DD94A6EF9B0F9245" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_3A654A2F3AF326DE91B2A6EF9B0F0C02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_8B564EF32E25A3E2DD94A6EF9B0F9245" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_3A654A2F3AF326DE91B2A6EF9B0F0C02" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6D0C29F0DDF72C5D8399A6EF9B0F732C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_3A654A2F3AF326DE91B2A6EF9B0F0C02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6D0C29F0DDF72C5D8399A6EF9B0F732C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6D0C29F0DDF72C5D8399A6EF9B0F732C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_3A654A2F3AF326DE91B2A6EF9B0F0C02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6D0C29F0DDF72C5D8399A6EF9B0F732C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_6493019251201EFAF8FDA6EF9B1044C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6D0C29F0DDF72C5D8399A6EF9B0F732C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_6493019251201EFAF8FDA6EF9B1044C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember_3B714C715DD830256751A6EF9B10A23E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6D0C29F0DDF72C5D8399A6EF9B0F732C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember_3B714C715DD830256751A6EF9B10A23E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_SearchServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SearchServicesMember_2339C9FE3E30866A6329A6EF9B102DD2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6D0C29F0DDF72C5D8399A6EF9B0F732C" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SearchServicesMember_2339C9FE3E30866A6329A6EF9B102DD2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_D5483E550554E3CF31A9A6EF9B104217" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_8B564EF32E25A3E2DD94A6EF9B0F9245" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_D5483E550554E3CF31A9A6EF9B104217" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_CA698F59BFF7503A7580A6EF9B10A332_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_D5483E550554E3CF31A9A6EF9B104217" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_CA698F59BFF7503A7580A6EF9B10A332_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_CA698F59BFF7503A7580A6EF9B10A332" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_D5483E550554E3CF31A9A6EF9B104217" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_CA698F59BFF7503A7580A6EF9B10A332" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_TemporaryStaffingServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TemporaryStaffingServicesMember_5A30964890F2620D38FDA6EF9B11388E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_CA698F59BFF7503A7580A6EF9B10A332" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TemporaryStaffingServicesMember_5A30964890F2620D38FDA6EF9B11388E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_OtherServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_OtherServicesMember_5A6B66CCF9AAA4D7E34BA6EF9B110E9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_CA698F59BFF7503A7580A6EF9B10A332" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_OtherServicesMember_5A6B66CCF9AAA4D7E34BA6EF9B110E9C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_308379322328DBAEB44EA6EF9B1102E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_72EC8C0EF05E6D8869F3A6EF9B116857" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_308379322328DBAEB44EA6EF9B1102E2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/RevenueRecognitionTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ScheduleIiValuationAndQualifyingAccounts" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/ScheduleIiValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="loc_srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems_72BE2FB3AE0E6060A6EA827C2CD5FA44" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable" xlink:label="loc_srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable_49ABE7673EAEE8114639827C2CD00B65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems_72BE2FB3AE0E6060A6EA827C2CD5FA44" xlink:to="loc_srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable_49ABE7673EAEE8114639827C2CD00B65" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis_9F571B075826C965EACD827C2CD135F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable_49ABE7673EAEE8114639827C2CD00B65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis_9F571B075826C965EACD827C2CD135F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_7A63BBDB2E8C9D7AD73B827C2CD24B87_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis_9F571B075826C965EACD827C2CD135F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_7A63BBDB2E8C9D7AD73B827C2CD24B87_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_7A63BBDB2E8C9D7AD73B827C2CD24B87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis_9F571B075826C965EACD827C2CD135F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_7A63BBDB2E8C9D7AD73B827C2CD24B87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForCreditLossMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForCreditLossMember_4006706AB0CEF4284383827C2CD2F2BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_7A63BBDB2E8C9D7AD73B827C2CD24B87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForCreditLossMember_4006706AB0CEF4284383827C2CD2F2BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceOfDeferredTaxAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceOfDeferredTaxAssetsMember_2834C214C39FFF366F48827C2CD52F65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_7A63BBDB2E8C9D7AD73B827C2CD24B87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceOfDeferredTaxAssetsMember_2834C214C39FFF366F48827C2CD52F65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward_FEC61F94F6353ED70E54827C2CD5E806" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems_72BE2FB3AE0E6060A6EA827C2CD5FA44" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward_FEC61F94F6353ED70E54827C2CD5E806" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance_6A0C1D626E27A2061855827C2CD5505D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward_FEC61F94F6353ED70E54827C2CD5E806" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance_6A0C1D626E27A2061855827C2CD5505D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense_02633E90B7BD0CE70EDA827C2CD663C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward_FEC61F94F6353ED70E54827C2CD5E806" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense_02633E90B7BD0CE70EDA827C2CD663C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions_2E982A947F33E038CE59827C2CD69AE6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward_FEC61F94F6353ED70E54827C2CD5E806" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions_2E982A947F33E038CE59827C2CD69AE6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesAdjustments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesAdjustments_93D89BB0AFB442CA09F9827C2CD69EEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward_FEC61F94F6353ED70E54827C2CD5E806" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesAdjustments_93D89BB0AFB442CA09F9827C2CD69EEC" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SegmentData" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SegmentDataAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_083BDA6CFC55514A4047A6EF98ED97E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_BCBCCB71B9894CBE95A7A6EF98EC1686" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_083BDA6CFC55514A4047A6EF98ED97E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_BCBCCB71B9894CBE95A7A6EF98EC1686" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_9DA9300D64FAD910AA3AA6EF98EC6677" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_BCBCCB71B9894CBE95A7A6EF98EC1686" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_9DA9300D64FAD910AA3AA6EF98EC6677" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_27F78C2736D2633508E2A6EF98ECF4C5_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_9DA9300D64FAD910AA3AA6EF98EC6677" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_27F78C2736D2633508E2A6EF98ECF4C5_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_27F78C2736D2633508E2A6EF98ECF4C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_9DA9300D64FAD910AA3AA6EF98EC6677" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_27F78C2736D2633508E2A6EF98ECF4C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_SearchServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SearchServicesMember_3F765056E0884F4DF960A6EF98ED5899" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_27F78C2736D2633508E2A6EF98ECF4C5" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SearchServicesMember_3F765056E0884F4DF960A6EF98ED5899" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_57E3AFF88693B6A420FFA6EF98EDE747" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_27F78C2736D2633508E2A6EF98ECF4C5" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_57E3AFF88693B6A420FFA6EF98EDE747" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments_2E6199499CCCBEF23913A6EF98EDF704" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_083BDA6CFC55514A4047A6EF98ED97E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments_2E6199499CCCBEF23913A6EF98EDF704" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_IncreaseDecreaseInRevenue" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_IncreaseDecreaseInRevenue_B980F3661BB7FD86BA84A6EF98EEDD09" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_083BDA6CFC55514A4047A6EF98ED97E8" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_IncreaseDecreaseInRevenue_B980F3661BB7FD86BA84A6EF98EEDD09" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_IncreaseDecreaseInContributionIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_IncreaseDecreaseInContributionIncomeLoss_197C8571A01EF5221B34A6EF98EEC8DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_083BDA6CFC55514A4047A6EF98ED97E8" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_IncreaseDecreaseInContributionIncomeLoss_197C8571A01EF5221B34A6EF98EEC8DE" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SegmentDataOperatingSegmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_CE79928962C7BAD69C46A6EF98E5959F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReconciliationOfOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable_41554B0D11DC725211BAA6EF98E30656" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_CE79928962C7BAD69C46A6EF98E5959F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable_41554B0D11DC725211BAA6EF98E30656" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_FA2DA19EF17BEC76AEE2A6EF98E4F4CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentsToConsolidatedTable_41554B0D11DC725211BAA6EF98E30656" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_FA2DA19EF17BEC76AEE2A6EF98E4F4CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_481AF20AA52E0C690485A6EF98E4FD96_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_FA2DA19EF17BEC76AEE2A6EF98E4F4CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_481AF20AA52E0C690485A6EF98E4FD96_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_481AF20AA52E0C690485A6EF98E4FD96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_FA2DA19EF17BEC76AEE2A6EF98E4F4CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_481AF20AA52E0C690485A6EF98E4FD96" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_92A54926F31E60944B05A6EF98E4AE3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_481AF20AA52E0C690485A6EF98E4FD96" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_NurseAndAlliedStaffingMember_92A54926F31E60944B05A6EF98E4AE3F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember_676432E00C7B0DB8717AA6EF98E583A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_481AF20AA52E0C690485A6EF98E4FD96" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_PhysicianStaffingMember_676432E00C7B0DB8717AA6EF98E583A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_SearchServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SearchServicesMember_BCC06A6323D1B4956C5CA6EF98E52406" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_481AF20AA52E0C690485A6EF98E4FD96" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SearchServicesMember_BCC06A6323D1B4956C5CA6EF98E52406" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_482677603F1EB74EEA39A6EF98E5E015" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_CE79928962C7BAD69C46A6EF98E5959F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_482677603F1EB74EEA39A6EF98E5E015" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_OperatingIncomeLossBeforeDAndAAcquisitionAndIntegrationContingentConsiderationRestructuringLegalImpairmentAndCorporateOverheard" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_OperatingIncomeLossBeforeDAndAAcquisitionAndIntegrationContingentConsiderationRestructuringLegalImpairmentAndCorporateOverheard_349BB4FD86A951BDE2F7A6EF98E58F77" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_CE79928962C7BAD69C46A6EF98E5959F" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_OperatingIncomeLossBeforeDAndAAcquisitionAndIntegrationContingentConsiderationRestructuringLegalImpairmentAndCorporateOverheard_349BB4FD86A951BDE2F7A6EF98E58F77" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_SegmentReportingUnallocatedCorporateExpenses" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SegmentReportingUnallocatedCorporateExpenses_81A11416D37F944026E3A6EF98E66DC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_CE79928962C7BAD69C46A6EF98E5959F" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SegmentReportingUnallocatedCorporateExpenses_81A11416D37F944026E3A6EF98E66DC1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_7342AC4B59AAABF6B50AA6EF98E61CA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_CE79928962C7BAD69C46A6EF98E5959F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_7342AC4B59AAABF6B50AA6EF98E61CA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_24097409D464535F0C19A6EF98E60616" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_CE79928962C7BAD69C46A6EF98E5959F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_24097409D464535F0C19A6EF98E60616" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsExpense" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsExpense_FFDDCC5710E022C48014A6EF98E60C2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_CE79928962C7BAD69C46A6EF98E5959F" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsExpense_FFDDCC5710E022C48014A6EF98E60C2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_8AE92E1AF511C3B3430FA6EF98E6E3F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_CE79928962C7BAD69C46A6EF98E5959F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_8AE92E1AF511C3B3430FA6EF98E6E3F1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationSettlementExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationSettlementExpense_B75390767021E027BC78A6EF98E6E93C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_CE79928962C7BAD69C46A6EF98E5959F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationSettlementExpense_B75390767021E027BC78A6EF98E6E93C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_020423C4F68EC05A1A06A6EF98E7D0EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_CE79928962C7BAD69C46A6EF98E5959F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_020423C4F68EC05A1A06A6EF98E7D0EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_B55F08870BF7E83693ABA6EF98E7F915" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingReconcilingItemForOperatingProfitLossFromSegmentToConsolidatedLineItems_CE79928962C7BAD69C46A6EF98E5959F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_B55F08870BF7E83693ABA6EF98E7F915" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SegmentDataTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquity" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquity1999StockOptionPlanAndEquityParticipationPlanDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_F2E95004811172D16163D502C8702851" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_E468C2C7941516388820D502C86FDD8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_F2E95004811172D16163D502C8702851" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_E468C2C7941516388820D502C86FDD8B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_E644CE15638060428E74D502C86FA649" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_E468C2C7941516388820D502C86FDD8B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_E644CE15638060428E74D502C86FA649" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_DBB0FB04E6517F824C26D502C870E9C5_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_E644CE15638060428E74D502C86FA649" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_DBB0FB04E6517F824C26D502C870E9C5_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_DBB0FB04E6517F824C26D502C870E9C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_E644CE15638060428E74D502C86FA649" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_DBB0FB04E6517F824C26D502C870E9C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_StockOptionAndEquityParticipationPlan1999Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_StockOptionAndEquityParticipationPlan1999Member_3294C5D029527A0E101AD502C87014BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_DBB0FB04E6517F824C26D502C870E9C5" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_StockOptionAndEquityParticipationPlan1999Member_3294C5D029527A0E101AD502C87014BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized_C1405112330AE86A026AD502C87014B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_F2E95004811172D16163D502C8702851" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized_C1405112330AE86A026AD502C87014B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_7DFF3E270CEF18285D34D502C871AC6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_F2E95004811172D16163D502C8702851" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_7DFF3E270CEF18285D34D502C871AC6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_D00B1826F7C370B1D7F0D502C871BDEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_F2E95004811172D16163D502C8702851" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_D00B1826F7C370B1D7F0D502C871BDEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingAggregateIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingAggregateIntrinsicValue_75403D8470CB346AB4D3D502C871AF42" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_F2E95004811172D16163D502C8702851" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingAggregateIntrinsicValue_75403D8470CB346AB4D3D502C871AF42" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_5DCA9B15E341448B3521D502C871109F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_F2E95004811172D16163D502C8702851" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_5DCA9B15E341448B3521D502C871109F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquity2017PlanDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_FD90EF609FCE5C687C72A118AFB8B931" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_A5B10D5CF27525812D02A118AFB5C067" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_FD90EF609FCE5C687C72A118AFB8B931" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_A5B10D5CF27525812D02A118AFB5C067" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_36258BCAE1A95F6F8BFDA118AFB58138" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_A5B10D5CF27525812D02A118AFB5C067" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_36258BCAE1A95F6F8BFDA118AFB58138" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_8F55B5DA7AA591DF9DE7A118AFB57BAA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_36258BCAE1A95F6F8BFDA118AFB58138" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_8F55B5DA7AA591DF9DE7A118AFB57BAA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_8F55B5DA7AA591DF9DE7A118AFB57BAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_36258BCAE1A95F6F8BFDA118AFB58138" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_8F55B5DA7AA591DF9DE7A118AFB57BAA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_98823AB8E38AA73B8F4FA118AFB58C6D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_8F55B5DA7AA591DF9DE7A118AFB57BAA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_98823AB8E38AA73B8F4FA118AFB58C6D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_714F6881419616276490A118AFB6AEFC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_8F55B5DA7AA591DF9DE7A118AFB57BAA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_714F6881419616276490A118AFB6AEFC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember_5A82C02433D4C99DA309A118AFB62876" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_8F55B5DA7AA591DF9DE7A118AFB57BAA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember_5A82C02433D4C99DA309A118AFB62876" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis_9521BF922B38E984655AA118AFB63B03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_A5B10D5CF27525812D02A118AFB5C067" xlink:to="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis_9521BF922B38E984655AA118AFB63B03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_71A926E9C76A0B522089A118AFB6E8AB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis_9521BF922B38E984655AA118AFB63B03" xlink:to="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_71A926E9C76A0B522089A118AFB6E8AB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_71A926E9C76A0B522089A118AFB6E8AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis_9521BF922B38E984655AA118AFB63B03" xlink:to="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_71A926E9C76A0B522089A118AFB6E8AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_TenPercentOrMoreStockholdersMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TenPercentOrMoreStockholdersMember_2DB9CE16113025272418A118AFB6A9B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_71A926E9C76A0B522089A118AFB6E8AB" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TenPercentOrMoreStockholdersMember_2DB9CE16113025272418A118AFB6A9B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_E049F711A88D43341BA0A118AFB77018" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_A5B10D5CF27525812D02A118AFB5C067" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_E049F711A88D43341BA0A118AFB77018" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_161DC6D3F6586448FC4CA118AFB7A7DE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_E049F711A88D43341BA0A118AFB77018" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_161DC6D3F6586448FC4CA118AFB7A7DE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_161DC6D3F6586448FC4CA118AFB7A7DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_E049F711A88D43341BA0A118AFB77018" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_161DC6D3F6586448FC4CA118AFB7A7DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_75832E5D61E12C3272F3A118AFB7AEE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_161DC6D3F6586448FC4CA118AFB7A7DE" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_75832E5D61E12C3272F3A118AFB7AEE8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_7540B822AA7B2CC12072A118AFB723E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_161DC6D3F6586448FC4CA118AFB7A7DE" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_7540B822AA7B2CC12072A118AFB723E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_F45B2F13C98496FDB0C4A118AFB7F1BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_A5B10D5CF27525812D02A118AFB5C067" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_F45B2F13C98496FDB0C4A118AFB7F1BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_6C8F7136E7C5B9260654A118AFB8A98E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_F45B2F13C98496FDB0C4A118AFB7F1BD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_6C8F7136E7C5B9260654A118AFB8A98E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_6C8F7136E7C5B9260654A118AFB8A98E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_F45B2F13C98496FDB0C4A118AFB7F1BD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_6C8F7136E7C5B9260654A118AFB8A98E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_OmnibusPlanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_OmnibusPlanMember_43477F2E50A53E890A9BA118AFB835CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_6C8F7136E7C5B9260654A118AFB8A98E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_OmnibusPlanMember_43477F2E50A53E890A9BA118AFB835CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_IncentiveCompensationPlan2007Member" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_IncentiveCompensationPlan2007Member_F8C3F3BE38CC9E3EB908A118AFB84B5B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_6C8F7136E7C5B9260654A118AFB8A98E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_IncentiveCompensationPlan2007Member_F8C3F3BE38CC9E3EB908A118AFB84B5B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized_643143DE578B375E0855A118AFB893B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_FD90EF609FCE5C687C72A118AFB8B931" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized_643143DE578B375E0855A118AFB893B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance_AD20DC4BB4F1E54C50B7A118AFB95CC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_FD90EF609FCE5C687C72A118AFB8B931" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuance_AD20DC4BB4F1E54C50B7A118AFB95CC4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent_F4A8B9DAAB19C65FF34CA118AFB9A7E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_FD90EF609FCE5C687C72A118AFB8B931" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent_F4A8B9DAAB19C65FF34CA118AFB9A7E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationPeriod" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationPeriod_DB4EE20D6E8386F965ADA118AFB96B9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_FD90EF609FCE5C687C72A118AFB8B931" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationPeriod_DB4EE20D6E8386F965ADA118AFB96B9C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_A625C2FF801C168C8753A118AFB95151" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_FD90EF609FCE5C687C72A118AFB8B931" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_A625C2FF801C168C8753A118AFB95151" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod_C9C1D03A22D9194C736CA118AFB9D167" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_FD90EF609FCE5C687C72A118AFB8B931" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod_C9C1D03A22D9194C736CA118AFB9D167" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardLevelofPerformanceAttainedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardLevelofPerformanceAttainedPercentage_431D8C3750023F827675A118AFBAE843" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_FD90EF609FCE5C687C72A118AFB8B931" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardLevelofPerformanceAttainedPercentage_431D8C3750023F827675A118AFBAE843" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions_3C9CE16EEE1E1213618DA118AFBA606D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_FD90EF609FCE5C687C72A118AFB8B931" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions_3C9CE16EEE1E1213618DA118AFBA606D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_766ABDCD2405E9F3D384A118AFBAB220" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_FD90EF609FCE5C687C72A118AFB8B931" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_766ABDCD2405E9F3D384A118AFBAB220" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue_44CFF43338587C8548BEA118AFBA63CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_FD90EF609FCE5C687C72A118AFB8B931" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue_44CFF43338587C8548BEA118AFBA63CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageOfSharesVested" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageOfSharesVested_97BE7A11063F0634C08DA118AFBA2740" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_FD90EF609FCE5C687C72A118AFB8B931" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageOfSharesVested_97BE7A11063F0634C08DA118AFBA2740" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquityNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_38EAF54F0A441AE7F811985E7E213048" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_E6D2A73D5E741214FA2E985E7E20C197" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_38EAF54F0A441AE7F811985E7E213048" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_E6D2A73D5E741214FA2E985E7E20C197" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_F4CFC8DCF018CE7F29A4985E7E2054E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_E6D2A73D5E741214FA2E985E7E20C197" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_F4CFC8DCF018CE7F29A4985E7E2054E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_EBD540DB5DA69EFB293E985E7E21CF08_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_F4CFC8DCF018CE7F29A4985E7E2054E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_EBD540DB5DA69EFB293E985E7E21CF08_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_EBD540DB5DA69EFB293E985E7E21CF08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_F4CFC8DCF018CE7F29A4985E7E2054E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_EBD540DB5DA69EFB293E985E7E21CF08" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_309968093F3113D23C7C985E7E2137DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_EBD540DB5DA69EFB293E985E7E21CF08" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_309968093F3113D23C7C985E7E2137DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_6E98AA1B3203978E1FB0985E7E22FF51" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_38EAF54F0A441AE7F811985E7E213048" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_6E98AA1B3203978E1FB0985E7E22FF51" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_1B22CF1814D15B0583F2985E7E22C14F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_38EAF54F0A441AE7F811985E7E213048" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_1B22CF1814D15B0583F2985E7E22C14F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodPricePerShare" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodPricePerShare_F8BF32765EDC14FF1873985E7E22826E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_38EAF54F0A441AE7F811985E7E213048" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodPricePerShare_F8BF32765EDC14FF1873985E7E22826E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingNumberOfSharesAuthorizedToBeRepurchased" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingNumberOfSharesAuthorizedToBeRepurchased_86A862D0839056A8B4CF985E7E22EBD3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_38EAF54F0A441AE7F811985E7E213048" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingNumberOfSharesAuthorizedToBeRepurchased_86A862D0839056A8B4CF985E7E22EBD3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_StockRepurchaseProgramMaximumAnnualAuthorizedAmount" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_StockRepurchaseProgramMaximumAnnualAuthorizedAmount_31B120EB2153F722E6C3986E1CF67EC0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_38EAF54F0A441AE7F811985E7E213048" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_StockRepurchaseProgramMaximumAnnualAuthorizedAmount_31B120EB2153F722E6C3986E1CF67EC0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1_C2CAC3593FE216F3DA64985E7E2267BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_38EAF54F0A441AE7F811985E7E213048" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1_C2CAC3593FE216F3DA64985E7E2267BB" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquityStockOptionsAndStockAppreciationRightsGrantedAndExercisedDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquitySummaryOfCompanysShareOptionPlansActivitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_175DEA742604FA6109C5985E754ECFCD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_861CDE6C22711BF5C40F985E754C5906" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_175DEA742604FA6109C5985E754ECFCD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_861CDE6C22711BF5C40F985E754C5906" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis_9C8A4C51D8982B1D75B3985E754C6AE5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_861CDE6C22711BF5C40F985E754C5906" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis_9C8A4C51D8982B1D75B3985E754C6AE5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_16CAEAA3713CC574BB29985E754DD0A8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis_9C8A4C51D8982B1D75B3985E754C6AE5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_16CAEAA3713CC574BB29985E754DD0A8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_16CAEAA3713CC574BB29985E754DD0A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis_9C8A4C51D8982B1D75B3985E754C6AE5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_16CAEAA3713CC574BB29985E754DD0A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_ExercisePriceRangeOneMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ExercisePriceRangeOneMember_3E9267F07BE96E2DBECF985E754D5F9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_16CAEAA3713CC574BB29985E754DD0A8" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ExercisePriceRangeOneMember_3E9267F07BE96E2DBECF985E754D5F9C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_ExercisePriceRangeTwoMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ExercisePriceRangeTwoMember_8F41C489A6BAC58E212A985E754DDF37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_16CAEAA3713CC574BB29985E754DD0A8" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ExercisePriceRangeTwoMember_8F41C489A6BAC58E212A985E754DDF37" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_ExercisePriceRangeThreeMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ExercisePriceRangeThreeMember_38F3A884D0DDC73D1991985E754D0625" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_16CAEAA3713CC574BB29985E754DD0A8" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ExercisePriceRangeThreeMember_38F3A884D0DDC73D1991985E754D0625" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_ExercisePriceRangeFourMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ExercisePriceRangeFourMember_E7703D2264E38CF69EF6985E754EA1FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_16CAEAA3713CC574BB29985E754DD0A8" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ExercisePriceRangeFourMember_E7703D2264E38CF69EF6985E754EA1FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_ExercisePriceRangeFiveMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ExercisePriceRangeFiveMember_BF56FB4D217F7A35BD63985E754E82FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_16CAEAA3713CC574BB29985E754DD0A8" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ExercisePriceRangeFiveMember_BF56FB4D217F7A35BD63985E754E82FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_DE0DC17D76E83897C2259881A3C83773" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_175DEA742604FA6109C5985E754ECFCD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_DE0DC17D76E83897C2259881A3C83773" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_74EC2257E9FB44F461EF985E754E7FBA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_175DEA742604FA6109C5985E754ECFCD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_74EC2257E9FB44F461EF985E754E7FBA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_28679C2AE9C37FC5E296985E75507259" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_74EC2257E9FB44F461EF985E754E7FBA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_28679C2AE9C37FC5E296985E75507259" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod_000639C8E1BC7C7E5C6A985E75501640" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_74EC2257E9FB44F461EF985E754E7FBA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod_000639C8E1BC7C7E5C6A985E75501640" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_6B75312066BAE2EB1C06985E75507DFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_74EC2257E9FB44F461EF985E754E7FBA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_6B75312066BAE2EB1C06985E75507DFE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod_E0E71841B65519D171AF985E75517CCC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_74EC2257E9FB44F461EF985E754E7FBA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod_E0E71841B65519D171AF985E75517CCC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit_04F4324379F4FBC1BAAD985E7551C70F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_175DEA742604FA6109C5985E754ECFCD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit_04F4324379F4FBC1BAAD985E7551C70F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit_F88F06DD5031095A8843985E75511BD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_175DEA742604FA6109C5985E754ECFCD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit_F88F06DD5031095A8843985E75511BD5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_B51FA12F0057F78D13DB985E75512513" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_175DEA742604FA6109C5985E754ECFCD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_B51FA12F0057F78D13DB985E75512513" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_2427600B1777B21DD22F985E75515B92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_B51FA12F0057F78D13DB985E75512513" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_2427600B1777B21DD22F985E75515B92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_7F1DEB72B9DD585F5481985E75526E6F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_B51FA12F0057F78D13DB985E75512513" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_7F1DEB72B9DD585F5481985E75526E6F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_C3B559927034F5A2DB79985E755251E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_B51FA12F0057F78D13DB985E75512513" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_C3B559927034F5A2DB79985E755251E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_6A9044DE432D5F1F4E14985E75521296" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_B51FA12F0057F78D13DB985E75512513" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_6A9044DE432D5F1F4E14985E75521296" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue_77D86BBD2984EF12B455985E7552E9B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_175DEA742604FA6109C5985E754ECFCD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue_77D86BBD2984EF12B455985E7552E9B7" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquitySummaryOfRestrictedStockAwardActivityAndPerformanceStockAwardsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_02E14E988CEAC61769A1D502C7680CF2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_62F7FAF877167847B5B9D502C76797EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_02E14E988CEAC61769A1D502C7680CF2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_62F7FAF877167847B5B9D502C76797EB" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_C1BB17524264E68EED94D502C7671B66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_62F7FAF877167847B5B9D502C76797EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_C1BB17524264E68EED94D502C7671B66" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_7B8F1CD5E4A23953098CD502C768BAB1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_C1BB17524264E68EED94D502C7671B66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_7B8F1CD5E4A23953098CD502C768BAB1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_7B8F1CD5E4A23953098CD502C768BAB1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_C1BB17524264E68EED94D502C7671B66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_7B8F1CD5E4A23953098CD502C768BAB1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_0BD10734BE877C4EA124D502C76802EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_7B8F1CD5E4A23953098CD502C768BAB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_0BD10734BE877C4EA124D502C76802EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_AAF1CFFE57AF9D0947A0D502C7683D8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_7B8F1CD5E4A23953098CD502C768BAB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_AAF1CFFE57AF9D0947A0D502C7683D8F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_8EBB1D469712DA2BD9C8D502C769C68F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_02E14E988CEAC61769A1D502C7680CF2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_8EBB1D469712DA2BD9C8D502C769C68F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_6003DBFE5D087D837FE1D502C76964B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_8EBB1D469712DA2BD9C8D502C769C68F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_6003DBFE5D087D837FE1D502C76964B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_DFBB4B50820528D7DC89D502C7699C01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_8EBB1D469712DA2BD9C8D502C769C68F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_DFBB4B50820528D7DC89D502C7699C01" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_A10D4BCCF90DD18AB31FD502C7695D4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_8EBB1D469712DA2BD9C8D502C769C68F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_A10D4BCCF90DD18AB31FD502C7695D4E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_16BFB7C34B3A80F4AD94D502C76AA469" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_8EBB1D469712DA2BD9C8D502C769C68F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_16BFB7C34B3A80F4AD94D502C76AA469" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_C88E4D19247E10285213D502C76A4157" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_02E14E988CEAC61769A1D502C7680CF2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_C88E4D19247E10285213D502C76A4157" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_612D8228AACF063D8703D502C76AE934" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_C88E4D19247E10285213D502C76A4157" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_612D8228AACF063D8703D502C76AE934" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_079CBEF435E581AF9A6FD502C76A0BDC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_C88E4D19247E10285213D502C76A4157" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_079CBEF435E581AF9A6FD502C76A0BDC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_64E8A4BFBE5E6D207878D502C76B166C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_C88E4D19247E10285213D502C76A4157" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_64E8A4BFBE5E6D207878D502C76B166C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_98785EC3C271835ACFBDD502C76B6E02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_C88E4D19247E10285213D502C76A4157" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_98785EC3C271835ACFBDD502C76B6E02" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/StockholdersEquityTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAsuAdoptionDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_3DAC382896248847CA60A6EF9B329A4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_85500EF02FD2F1B3FC2BA6EF9B304ED6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_3DAC382896248847CA60A6EF9B329A4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_85500EF02FD2F1B3FC2BA6EF9B304ED6" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_6670F00FBE3C468F6EAFA6EF9B30C55A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_85500EF02FD2F1B3FC2BA6EF9B304ED6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_6670F00FBE3C468F6EAFA6EF9B30C55A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_27813FC1656B234E2F52A6EF9B30F7E3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_6670F00FBE3C468F6EAFA6EF9B30C55A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_27813FC1656B234E2F52A6EF9B30F7E3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_27813FC1656B234E2F52A6EF9B30F7E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_6670F00FBE3C468F6EAFA6EF9B30C55A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_27813FC1656B234E2F52A6EF9B30F7E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsMember_D975F7DEAD863B209D1AA6EF9B30E705" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_27813FC1656B234E2F52A6EF9B30F7E3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsMember_D975F7DEAD863B209D1AA6EF9B30E705" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember_05ED795BAB92339C4E10A6EF9B31634C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_27813FC1656B234E2F52A6EF9B30F7E3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember_05ED795BAB92339C4E10A6EF9B31634C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_1AD9D4F3FD0219A2519AA6EF9B31958B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_85500EF02FD2F1B3FC2BA6EF9B304ED6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_1AD9D4F3FD0219A2519AA6EF9B31958B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_2B88F0898D06381FD4AAA6EF9B319391_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_1AD9D4F3FD0219A2519AA6EF9B31958B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_2B88F0898D06381FD4AAA6EF9B319391_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_2B88F0898D06381FD4AAA6EF9B319391" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_1AD9D4F3FD0219A2519AA6EF9B31958B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_2B88F0898D06381FD4AAA6EF9B319391" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member_66AD8705328748B5595CA6EF9B31ABB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_2B88F0898D06381FD4AAA6EF9B319391" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member_66AD8705328748B5595CA6EF9B31ABB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HostingArrangementServiceContractImplementationCostCapitalizedAfterAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HostingArrangementServiceContractImplementationCostCapitalizedAfterAccumulatedAmortization_1CCDD85A50B88D955061A6EF9B324D1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_3DAC382896248847CA60A6EF9B329A4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HostingArrangementServiceContractImplementationCostCapitalizedAfterAccumulatedAmortization_1CCDD85A50B88D955061A6EF9B324D1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_F0AC613CDCC462F80672A6EF9B32EBAE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_3DAC382896248847CA60A6EF9B329A4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_F0AC613CDCC462F80672A6EF9B32EBAE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_1DF47903146069C5A24FA6EF9B32D131" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_3DAC382896248847CA60A6EF9B329A4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_1DF47903146069C5A24FA6EF9B32D131" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedRentCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedRentCurrentAndNoncurrent_5D257EDACB0CAA6BE1D0A6EF9B33E2BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_3DAC382896248847CA60A6EF9B329A4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedRentCurrentAndNoncurrent_5D257EDACB0CAA6BE1D0A6EF9B33E2BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidRent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidRent_5145DE558DEE567DD0CAA81567F95A49" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_3DAC382896248847CA60A6EF9B329A4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidRent_5145DE558DEE567DD0CAA81567F95A49" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_2F33D60C26BF59EBB0AEA6EF9B80B258" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_31E649D36E35BF50E030A6EF9B7C167F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_2F33D60C26BF59EBB0AEA6EF9B80B258" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_31E649D36E35BF50E030A6EF9B7C167F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_D7DAF60D39FFCCC988A4A6EF9B7C5B88" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_31E649D36E35BF50E030A6EF9B7C167F" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_D7DAF60D39FFCCC988A4A6EF9B7C5B88" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_E7643212DEC31E885560A6EF9B7DC4CB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_D7DAF60D39FFCCC988A4A6EF9B7C5B88" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_E7643212DEC31E885560A6EF9B7DC4CB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_E7643212DEC31E885560A6EF9B7DC4CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_D7DAF60D39FFCCC988A4A6EF9B7C5B88" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_E7643212DEC31E885560A6EF9B7DC4CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_C2EA8351BCA2E3C626A8A6EF9B7DFA20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_E7643212DEC31E885560A6EF9B7DC4CB" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_C2EA8351BCA2E3C626A8A6EF9B7DFA20" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_9AB06C1E4138023C1176A6EF9B7DFF53" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_E7643212DEC31E885560A6EF9B7DC4CB" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_9AB06C1E4138023C1176A6EF9B7DFF53" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_24CAC2880E7665214BC2A6EF9B7D3ADB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_31E649D36E35BF50E030A6EF9B7C167F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_24CAC2880E7665214BC2A6EF9B7D3ADB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_3124608E1588EB00255AA6EF9B7E0F2C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_24CAC2880E7665214BC2A6EF9B7D3ADB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_3124608E1588EB00255AA6EF9B7E0F2C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_3124608E1588EB00255AA6EF9B7E0F2C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_24CAC2880E7665214BC2A6EF9B7D3ADB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_3124608E1588EB00255AA6EF9B7E0F2C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SoftwareDevelopmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SoftwareDevelopmentMember_29C1013BEE427E2A7CAAA6EF9B7ECB4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_3124608E1588EB00255AA6EF9B7E0F2C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SoftwareDevelopmentMember_29C1013BEE427E2A7CAAA6EF9B7ECB4C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfMalpracticeInsuranceTypeAndTierIdentifierAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfMalpracticeInsuranceTypeAndTierIdentifierAxis_B0F5C79E9223D9402CFDA6EF9B7E2895" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_31E649D36E35BF50E030A6EF9B7C167F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfMalpracticeInsuranceTypeAndTierIdentifierAxis_B0F5C79E9223D9402CFDA6EF9B7E2895" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeAndTierIdentifierDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeAndTierIdentifierDomain_4E5347AD01505309B6C3A6EF9B7FC836_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfMalpracticeInsuranceTypeAndTierIdentifierAxis_B0F5C79E9223D9402CFDA6EF9B7E2895" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeAndTierIdentifierDomain_4E5347AD01505309B6C3A6EF9B7FC836_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeAndTierIdentifierDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeAndTierIdentifierDomain_4E5347AD01505309B6C3A6EF9B7FC836" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfMalpracticeInsuranceTypeAndTierIdentifierAxis_B0F5C79E9223D9402CFDA6EF9B7E2895" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeAndTierIdentifierDomain_4E5347AD01505309B6C3A6EF9B7FC836" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_ClaimsBasedLiabilityInsuranceMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ClaimsBasedLiabilityInsuranceMember_9E3F41E07B90F0CE1837A6EF9B7F9953" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeAndTierIdentifierDomain_4E5347AD01505309B6C3A6EF9B7FC836" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ClaimsBasedLiabilityInsuranceMember_9E3F41E07B90F0CE1837A6EF9B7F9953" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_96AA6EF6BF87E425CCBBA6EF9B7F27A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_31E649D36E35BF50E030A6EF9B7C167F" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_96AA6EF6BF87E425CCBBA6EF9B7F27A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1A2030BF0136722B01E8A6EF9B7F28BD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_96AA6EF6BF87E425CCBBA6EF9B7F27A5" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1A2030BF0136722B01E8A6EF9B7F28BD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1A2030BF0136722B01E8A6EF9B7F28BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_96AA6EF6BF87E425CCBBA6EF9B7F27A5" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1A2030BF0136722B01E8A6EF9B7F28BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_MDAHoldingsIncMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_MDAHoldingsIncMember_F8E2D9B0E3D1C93E373BA6EF9B805163" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1A2030BF0136722B01E8A6EF9B7F28BD" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_MDAHoldingsIncMember_F8E2D9B0E3D1C93E373BA6EF9B805163" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeOther" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeOther_DD7BC2D10D6488C80018A6EF9B803FAF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_2F33D60C26BF59EBB0AEA6EF9B80B258" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeOther_DD7BC2D10D6488C80018A6EF9B803FAF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_ThresholdPeriodPastDueforPaymentofServicesProvided" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ThresholdPeriodPastDueforPaymentofServicesProvided_FBE2031F7AC7BEA7AC40A832B8A345C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_2F33D60C26BF59EBB0AEA6EF9B80B258" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ThresholdPeriodPastDueforPaymentofServicesProvided_FBE2031F7AC7BEA7AC40A832B8A345C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_LeaseExpirationPeriod" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_LeaseExpirationPeriod_44D58B6E952EFEB6E7BAA6EF9B814170" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_2F33D60C26BF59EBB0AEA6EF9B80B258" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_LeaseExpirationPeriod_44D58B6E952EFEB6E7BAA6EF9B814170" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_1C8600E3DB3269F683EDA6EF9B815A7E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_2F33D60C26BF59EBB0AEA6EF9B80B258" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_1C8600E3DB3269F683EDA6EF9B815A7E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_B0F37FD5B8F7A4179EB8A6EF9B812576" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_2F33D60C26BF59EBB0AEA6EF9B80B258" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_B0F37FD5B8F7A4179EB8A6EF9B812576" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_OutstandingLettersOfCreditCollateraltoGuaranteePaymentsUnderSelfInsuredPlan" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_OutstandingLettersOfCreditCollateraltoGuaranteePaymentsUnderSelfInsuredPlan_15FEBC40296B754A61D5A6EF9B81C3A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_2F33D60C26BF59EBB0AEA6EF9B80B258" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_OutstandingLettersOfCreditCollateraltoGuaranteePaymentsUnderSelfInsuredPlan_15FEBC40296B754A61D5A6EF9B81C3A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_MalpracticeInsurancePolicySelfInsuredRetentionPerClaim" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_MalpracticeInsurancePolicySelfInsuredRetentionPerClaim_277CBDFF94BF015BD8C4A6EF9B8103CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_2F33D60C26BF59EBB0AEA6EF9B80B258" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_MalpracticeInsurancePolicySelfInsuredRetentionPerClaim_277CBDFF94BF015BD8C4A6EF9B8103CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MalpracticeLossContingencyLettersOfCreditAndSuretyBonds" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MalpracticeLossContingencyLettersOfCreditAndSuretyBonds_3411481A33CB5982BB4DA6EF9B813C28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_2F33D60C26BF59EBB0AEA6EF9B80B258" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MalpracticeLossContingencyLettersOfCreditAndSuretyBonds_3411481A33CB5982BB4DA6EF9B813C28" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_1ED1B62A5252A6A6C799A6EF9B826345" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_2F33D60C26BF59EBB0AEA6EF9B80B258" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_1ED1B62A5252A6A6C799A6EF9B826345" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdvertisingExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdvertisingExpense_B1E35061A3D4173A63D2A6EF9B82DA02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_2F33D60C26BF59EBB0AEA6EF9B80B258" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdvertisingExpense_B1E35061A3D4173A63D2A6EF9B82DA02" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax_DAA1DCC276147784A741A6EF9B826368" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_2F33D60C26BF59EBB0AEA6EF9B80B258" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax_DAA1DCC276147784A741A6EF9B826368" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AociLossCashFlowHedgeCumulativeGainLossAfterTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AociLossCashFlowHedgeCumulativeGainLossAfterTax_67F4D2662110F7BBF326A6EF9B827C8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_2F33D60C26BF59EBB0AEA6EF9B80B258" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AociLossCashFlowHedgeCumulativeGainLossAfterTax_67F4D2662110F7BBF326A6EF9B827C8F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_TaxCutsandJobsActChangeinTaxRateDeferredTaxAssetIncomeTaxExpense" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_TaxCutsandJobsActChangeinTaxRateDeferredTaxAssetIncomeTaxExpense_0EF86EE143B12127734FA6EF9B826DB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ccrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_2F33D60C26BF59EBB0AEA6EF9B80B258" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_TaxCutsandJobsActChangeinTaxRateDeferredTaxAssetIncomeTaxExpense_0EF86EE143B12127734FA6EF9B826DB8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesReconciliationOfRestructuringLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_73E0FF56A7D9E3CC8CE4A6EF9B4C55C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_2F8AF0FA462DFE4ED121A6EF9B49B40F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_73E0FF56A7D9E3CC8CE4A6EF9B4C55C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_2F8AF0FA462DFE4ED121A6EF9B49B40F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_A2CECD06009E359C5160A6EF9B492B6B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_2F8AF0FA462DFE4ED121A6EF9B49B40F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_A2CECD06009E359C5160A6EF9B492B6B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_3593E8AB787A107F7985A6EF9B49CB5A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_A2CECD06009E359C5160A6EF9B492B6B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_3593E8AB787A107F7985A6EF9B49CB5A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_3593E8AB787A107F7985A6EF9B49CB5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_A2CECD06009E359C5160A6EF9B492B6B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_3593E8AB787A107F7985A6EF9B49CB5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member_32D4189B4D2C65D0A578A6EF9B4A29A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_3593E8AB787A107F7985A6EF9B49CB5A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member_32D4189B4D2C65D0A578A6EF9B4A29A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis_C9C590147514F7156815A6EF9B4A9D5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_2F8AF0FA462DFE4ED121A6EF9B49B40F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis_C9C590147514F7156815A6EF9B4A9D5F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain_AB2CEC919ED29A1A6192A6EF9B4A87C0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis_C9C590147514F7156815A6EF9B4A9D5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain_AB2CEC919ED29A1A6192A6EF9B4A87C0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain_AB2CEC919ED29A1A6192A6EF9B4A87C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis_C9C590147514F7156815A6EF9B4A9D5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain_AB2CEC919ED29A1A6192A6EF9B4A87C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_CostOptimizationProjectMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_CostOptimizationProjectMember_5E821E8E0A372106ED32A6EF9B4BFAB1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain_AB2CEC919ED29A1A6192A6EF9B4A87C0" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_CostOptimizationProjectMember_5E821E8E0A372106ED32A6EF9B4BFAB1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_A2019RestructuringPlanMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_A2019RestructuringPlanMember_B58788EC7C549DD68387A81135102CCF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain_AB2CEC919ED29A1A6192A6EF9B4A87C0" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_A2019RestructuringPlanMember_B58788EC7C549DD68387A81135102CCF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_CEE02F1BAD629E2ED4FCA6EF9B4BCB2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_2F8AF0FA462DFE4ED121A6EF9B49B40F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_CEE02F1BAD629E2ED4FCA6EF9B4BCB2F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_7FBCB3F47F999020AF4DA6EF9B4B403E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_CEE02F1BAD629E2ED4FCA6EF9B4BCB2F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_7FBCB3F47F999020AF4DA6EF9B4B403E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_7FBCB3F47F999020AF4DA6EF9B4B403E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_CEE02F1BAD629E2ED4FCA6EF9B4BCB2F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_7FBCB3F47F999020AF4DA6EF9B4B403E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember_062541FB127C871CB81CA6EF9B4BE040" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_7FBCB3F47F999020AF4DA6EF9B4B403E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember_062541FB127C871CB81CA6EF9B4BE040" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_ExitCostsMember" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_ExitCostsMember_5EA78121E4A2FF411249A6EF9B4C08AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_7FBCB3F47F999020AF4DA6EF9B4B403E" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_ExitCostsMember_5EA78121E4A2FF411249A6EF9B4C08AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember_31424A8552E0028C0EFEA6EF9B4CFCD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_7FBCB3F47F999020AF4DA6EF9B4B403E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember_31424A8552E0028C0EFEA6EF9B4CFCD9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_RestructuringChargesReductionOfLeaseFootprint" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_RestructuringChargesReductionOfLeaseFootprint_8A5B5489B2F8CBB3657AA81371568793" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_73E0FF56A7D9E3CC8CE4A6EF9B4C55C8" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_RestructuringChargesReductionOfLeaseFootprint_8A5B5489B2F8CBB3657AA81371568793" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_RestructuringReserveAdjustmentForNewAccountingPronouncement" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_RestructuringReserveAdjustmentForNewAccountingPronouncement_BF079E5AC781E1FA9546A6EF9B4C0CD7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_73E0FF56A7D9E3CC8CE4A6EF9B4C55C8" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_RestructuringReserveAdjustmentForNewAccountingPronouncement_BF079E5AC781E1FA9546A6EF9B4C0CD7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_2C51E89336B83CEA13E7A6EF9B4C6DF7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_73E0FF56A7D9E3CC8CE4A6EF9B4C55C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_2C51E89336B83CEA13E7A6EF9B4C6DF7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringReserve" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserve_3C47F26FA7B4A917AB64A6EF9B4D9A41" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_2C51E89336B83CEA13E7A6EF9B4C6DF7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserve_3C47F26FA7B4A917AB64A6EF9B4D9A41" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_AEE568C345FF0E46F851A6EF9B4DB20A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_2C51E89336B83CEA13E7A6EF9B4C6DF7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_AEE568C345FF0E46F851A6EF9B4DB20A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring_BD21C70194AC520D759AA6EF9B4DC3B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveRollForward_2C51E89336B83CEA13E7A6EF9B4C6DF7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring_BD21C70194AC520D759AA6EF9B4DC3B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ccrn-20191231.xsd#ccrn_RestructuringChargesWriteOffRelatedToAbandonment" xlink:label="loc_ccrn_RestructuringChargesWriteOffRelatedToAbandonment_D981CFFBFACD03B5B49AA6EF9B4D50F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_73E0FF56A7D9E3CC8CE4A6EF9B4C55C8" xlink:to="loc_ccrn_RestructuringChargesWriteOffRelatedToAbandonment_D981CFFBFACD03B5B49AA6EF9B4D50F3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRevenueRecognitionDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_8141E5F514024EF76791986E7C25F2AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_3EB2E1E1EA41E3B3F044986E7C242CEE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_8141E5F514024EF76791986E7C25F2AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_3EB2E1E1EA41E3B3F044986E7C242CEE" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_BD12D7154A4A1D24037A98D0B5552D5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_3EB2E1E1EA41E3B3F044986E7C242CEE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_BD12D7154A4A1D24037A98D0B5552D5D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_7657798CA36528D1677A98D0B55659B8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_BD12D7154A4A1D24037A98D0B5552D5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_7657798CA36528D1677A98D0B55659B8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_7657798CA36528D1677A98D0B55659B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_BD12D7154A4A1D24037A98D0B5552D5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_7657798CA36528D1677A98D0B55659B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember_522A7CF2EF03283559D798D0B6042A36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_7657798CA36528D1677A98D0B55659B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember_522A7CF2EF03283559D798D0B6042A36" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_005BD99BF74D304B349C986E7C242406" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_3EB2E1E1EA41E3B3F044986E7C242CEE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_005BD99BF74D304B349C986E7C242406" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_0094E51FC30C528FF178986E7C2443EC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_005BD99BF74D304B349C986E7C242406" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_0094E51FC30C528FF178986E7C2443EC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_0094E51FC30C528FF178986E7C2443EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_005BD99BF74D304B349C986E7C242406" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_0094E51FC30C528FF178986E7C2443EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductConcentrationRiskMember_D1BF9F590E38192A80DE986E7C2536A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_0094E51FC30C528FF178986E7C2443EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductConcentrationRiskMember_D1BF9F590E38192A80DE986E7C2536A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnbilledContractsReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnbilledContractsReceivable_EE3263FA94E393723EC9986E7C2549B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_8141E5F514024EF76791986E7C25F2AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnbilledContractsReceivable_EE3263FA94E393723EC9986E7C2549B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_89B4D75085F3D5CBB88C986E7C2554D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_8141E5F514024EF76791986E7C25F2AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_89B4D75085F3D5CBB88C986E7C2554D8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.crosscountryhealthcare.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
</link:linkbase>
