<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>

<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!--Copyright 2022 Workiva-->
<!--r:7c6f740e-b7e2-416c-ba70-13ec845b507c,g:96ebaa06-cdbd-4f2f-9b07-37aa0257edb2-->
<link:linkbase xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd">
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all"/>
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension"/>
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default"/>
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain"/>
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://pennantgroup.com/role/CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITY" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITY"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://pennantgroup.com/role/CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITY" xlink:type="extended" id="ic08c3e3dddab428dbbd453e4ccb515f2_CONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITY">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6390c53e-33b2-4a02-96c1-f5d643b680ad" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9d70dca4-1f50-4c75-a613-a29e0310aacd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6390c53e-33b2-4a02-96c1-f5d643b680ad" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9d70dca4-1f50-4c75-a613-a29e0310aacd" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_7544d0c6-00f2-40b5-8989-0c3d7174f1f7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9d70dca4-1f50-4c75-a613-a29e0310aacd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_7544d0c6-00f2-40b5-8989-0c3d7174f1f7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_09f397bc-5fec-4b56-8909-1419bb2f5e3a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9d70dca4-1f50-4c75-a613-a29e0310aacd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_09f397bc-5fec-4b56-8909-1419bb2f5e3a" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_8a277eda-e622-4933-8e63-35b1cf73fa4b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9d70dca4-1f50-4c75-a613-a29e0310aacd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_8a277eda-e622-4933-8e63-35b1cf73fa4b" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_f4a6ff05-e98b-4c55-82cc-e407a48041cb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9d70dca4-1f50-4c75-a613-a29e0310aacd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_f4a6ff05-e98b-4c55-82cc-e407a48041cb" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_fca9087a-c126-4650-bd58-140f7dd19d5b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9d70dca4-1f50-4c75-a613-a29e0310aacd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_fca9087a-c126-4650-bd58-140f7dd19d5b" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_ce294586-0203-4517-94b2-a5a3353a2b34" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9d70dca4-1f50-4c75-a613-a29e0310aacd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_ce294586-0203-4517-94b2-a5a3353a2b34" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised_10095540-2429-4a25-89d2-e37138b9c948" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9d70dca4-1f50-4c75-a613-a29e0310aacd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised_10095540-2429-4a25-89d2-e37138b9c948" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures_e0ea7b52-c6dd-4699-9dab-e6af8a15fe93" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_9d70dca4-1f50-4c75-a613-a29e0310aacd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures_e0ea7b52-c6dd-4699-9dab-e6af8a15fe93" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_15408a47-2ab0-44cf-950e-a306028beae9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_6e0a29ee-79b7-4521-968d-5a72bec83afe" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_b37664ff-5d95-4706-b6de-5912c437b72f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_6390c53e-33b2-4a02-96c1-f5d643b680ad" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_b37664ff-5d95-4706-b6de-5912c437b72f" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_d051f8f2-51ae-4db7-9997-4ce5c52d39dc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_b37664ff-5d95-4706-b6de-5912c437b72f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_d051f8f2-51ae-4db7-9997-4ce5c52d39dc" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_d051f8f2-51ae-4db7-9997-4ce5c52d39dc_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_d051f8f2-51ae-4db7-9997-4ce5c52d39dc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_d051f8f2-51ae-4db7-9997-4ce5c52d39dc_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_8d0b69e3-784e-4481-9419-ac3d740fdbee" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_d051f8f2-51ae-4db7-9997-4ce5c52d39dc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_8d0b69e3-784e-4481-9419-ac3d740fdbee" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_69ad6c0c-16c7-4566-98cd-ecdb38dfae3b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_8d0b69e3-784e-4481-9419-ac3d740fdbee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_69ad6c0c-16c7-4566-98cd-ecdb38dfae3b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_b354890b-2dff-40ed-9e51-fb0f8154309a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_8d0b69e3-784e-4481-9419-ac3d740fdbee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_b354890b-2dff-40ed-9e51-fb0f8154309a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_42303c29-1551-4683-9dfe-ec7fd3c4e074" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_8d0b69e3-784e-4481-9419-ac3d740fdbee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_42303c29-1551-4683-9dfe-ec7fd3c4e074" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_fe677106-fd0e-443e-a2ed-50dbdb023001" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_8d0b69e3-784e-4481-9419-ac3d740fdbee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_fe677106-fd0e-443e-a2ed-50dbdb023001" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_07070348-2a6a-4e09-8bab-237fd146c808" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_8d0b69e3-784e-4481-9419-ac3d740fdbee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_07070348-2a6a-4e09-8bab-237fd146c808" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://pennantgroup.com/role/DESCRIPTIONOFBUSINESSDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#DESCRIPTIONOFBUSINESSDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://pennantgroup.com/role/DESCRIPTIONOFBUSINESSDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i84d0cd7859cb4f1a88b38b9c1fdbbe0b_DESCRIPTIONOFBUSINESSDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_afe5bb4d-e7f4-432e-afa1-1581dd6eb983" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_NumberOfServiceProviders_25a8f898-15c2-4388-83a6-bcfeb867902b" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_NumberOfServiceProviders"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_afe5bb4d-e7f4-432e-afa1-1581dd6eb983" xlink:to="loc_pntg_NumberOfServiceProviders_25a8f898-15c2-4388-83a6-bcfeb867902b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesUnderLease_098b8e72-6a11-4d29-bb6e-cf47c29e72ff" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesUnderLease"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_afe5bb4d-e7f4-432e-afa1-1581dd6eb983" xlink:to="loc_pntg_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesUnderLease_098b8e72-6a11-4d29-bb6e-cf47c29e72ff" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_a1a0a488-7531-46da-93ae-965b8c28e157" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_afe5bb4d-e7f4-432e-afa1-1581dd6eb983" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_a1a0a488-7531-46da-93ae-965b8c28e157" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_8982ba14-2ebf-4bab-ac57-8679c2d26b93" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_a1a0a488-7531-46da-93ae-965b8c28e157" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_8982ba14-2ebf-4bab-ac57-8679c2d26b93" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_8982ba14-2ebf-4bab-ac57-8679c2d26b93_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_8982ba14-2ebf-4bab-ac57-8679c2d26b93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_8982ba14-2ebf-4bab-ac57-8679c2d26b93_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6329ee7f-1d17-4876-9b43-bebb6f4679bf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_8982ba14-2ebf-4bab-ac57-8679c2d26b93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6329ee7f-1d17-4876-9b43-bebb6f4679bf" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_HomeHealthAndHospiceServicesSegmentMember_5c3ed093-ce6e-4fe2-84ae-094644551b8a" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_HomeHealthAndHospiceServicesSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6329ee7f-1d17-4876-9b43-bebb6f4679bf" xlink:to="loc_pntg_HomeHealthAndHospiceServicesSegmentMember_5c3ed093-ce6e-4fe2-84ae-094644551b8a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_SeniorLivingServicesSegmentMember_fae4d7e2-6ed0-4bcf-89f4-18a9cd802b48" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_SeniorLivingServicesSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6329ee7f-1d17-4876-9b43-bebb6f4679bf" xlink:to="loc_pntg_SeniorLivingServicesSegmentMember_fae4d7e2-6ed0-4bcf-89f4-18a9cd802b48" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://pennantgroup.com/role/BASISOFPRESENTATIONANDSUMMARYOFSIGNIFICANTACCOUNTINGPOLICIESDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#BASISOFPRESENTATIONANDSUMMARYOFSIGNIFICANTACCOUNTINGPOLICIESDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://pennantgroup.com/role/BASISOFPRESENTATIONANDSUMMARYOFSIGNIFICANTACCOUNTINGPOLICIESDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i94492bb22957451792d85f64262407d9_BASISOFPRESENTATIONANDSUMMARYOFSIGNIFICANTACCOUNTINGPOLICIESDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemLineItems_05443e50-58f9-4928-8e95-bc6d731626c7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_AccruedPayrollTaxesEmployerPortion_66edb3f1-bd68-494d-af8c-7caadd0c6e9f" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_AccruedPayrollTaxesEmployerPortion"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemLineItems_05443e50-58f9-4928-8e95-bc6d731626c7" xlink:to="loc_pntg_AccruedPayrollTaxesEmployerPortion_66edb3f1-bd68-494d-af8c-7caadd0c6e9f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_TheCoronavirusAidReliefAndEconomicSecurityActAdvancePaymentsReceived_24158d56-7e9a-4b49-8d2b-d2f55d5786b8" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_TheCoronavirusAidReliefAndEconomicSecurityActAdvancePaymentsReceived"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemLineItems_05443e50-58f9-4928-8e95-bc6d731626c7" xlink:to="loc_pntg_TheCoronavirusAidReliefAndEconomicSecurityActAdvancePaymentsReceived_24158d56-7e9a-4b49-8d2b-d2f55d5786b8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_RepaymentOfTheCoronavirusAidReliefAndEconomicSecurityActFunds_eddcf7fc-4f51-44b3-b456-8fd01e83b2a4" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_RepaymentOfTheCoronavirusAidReliefAndEconomicSecurityActFunds"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemLineItems_05443e50-58f9-4928-8e95-bc6d731626c7" xlink:to="loc_pntg_RepaymentOfTheCoronavirusAidReliefAndEconomicSecurityActFunds_eddcf7fc-4f51-44b3-b456-8fd01e83b2a4" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemTable_16a4ee6d-8d4b-4268-a4c2-b8dbb281aec9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemLineItems_05443e50-58f9-4928-8e95-bc6d731626c7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemTable_16a4ee6d-8d4b-4268-a4c2-b8dbb281aec9" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_86185891-0ad8-44c1-a5ee-71bf9da6bf14" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemTable_16a4ee6d-8d4b-4268-a4c2-b8dbb281aec9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_86185891-0ad8-44c1-a5ee-71bf9da6bf14" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_86185891-0ad8-44c1-a5ee-71bf9da6bf14_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_86185891-0ad8-44c1-a5ee-71bf9da6bf14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_86185891-0ad8-44c1-a5ee-71bf9da6bf14_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_1b0484f0-81b7-4b2e-a42f-d2e7b2c33cd3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_86185891-0ad8-44c1-a5ee-71bf9da6bf14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_1b0484f0-81b7-4b2e-a42f-d2e7b2c33cd3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_AccruedWagesAndRelatedLiabilitiesMember_b7c2c1ad-1e5a-438b-8077-eeb82a1930f2" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_AccruedWagesAndRelatedLiabilitiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_1b0484f0-81b7-4b2e-a42f-d2e7b2c33cd3" xlink:to="loc_pntg_AccruedWagesAndRelatedLiabilitiesMember_b7c2c1ad-1e5a-438b-8077-eeb82a1930f2" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_GovernmentAssistanceTypeAxis_f57825dc-3d6c-4899-bd84-f4b8dec00790" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_GovernmentAssistanceTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemTable_16a4ee6d-8d4b-4268-a4c2-b8dbb281aec9" xlink:to="loc_pntg_GovernmentAssistanceTypeAxis_f57825dc-3d6c-4899-bd84-f4b8dec00790" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_GovernmentAssistanceTypeDomain_f57825dc-3d6c-4899-bd84-f4b8dec00790_default" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_GovernmentAssistanceTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_pntg_GovernmentAssistanceTypeAxis_f57825dc-3d6c-4899-bd84-f4b8dec00790" xlink:to="loc_pntg_GovernmentAssistanceTypeDomain_f57825dc-3d6c-4899-bd84-f4b8dec00790_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_GovernmentAssistanceTypeDomain_684e676e-8cd0-4383-98ca-41d0a45b45f2" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_GovernmentAssistanceTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_pntg_GovernmentAssistanceTypeAxis_f57825dc-3d6c-4899-bd84-f4b8dec00790" xlink:to="loc_pntg_GovernmentAssistanceTypeDomain_684e676e-8cd0-4383-98ca-41d0a45b45f2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_CARESActMember_bc80d2b0-57e4-4203-bd6c-3daabc3bd8d7" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_CARESActMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_pntg_GovernmentAssistanceTypeDomain_684e676e-8cd0-4383-98ca-41d0a45b45f2" xlink:to="loc_pntg_CARESActMember_bc80d2b0-57e4-4203-bd6c-3daabc3bd8d7" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://pennantgroup.com/role/TRANSACTIONSWITHENSIGNDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#TRANSACTIONSWITHENSIGNDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://pennantgroup.com/role/TRANSACTIONSWITHENSIGNDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i5360346ec8d14362851ff7923a69a686_TRANSACTIONSWITHENSIGNDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_8834c3d3-cdde-4191-b0be-a2b5192e97a5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_TransitionsServicesAgreementExpirationPeriod_446987e6-ca05-4132-b725-444fbb4625f9" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_TransitionsServicesAgreementExpirationPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_8834c3d3-cdde-4191-b0be-a2b5192e97a5" xlink:to="loc_pntg_TransitionsServicesAgreementExpirationPeriod_446987e6-ca05-4132-b725-444fbb4625f9" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyCosts_e322e47c-3241-4d16-a339-642d511a9548" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyCosts"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_8834c3d3-cdde-4191-b0be-a2b5192e97a5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyCosts_e322e47c-3241-4d16-a339-642d511a9548" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_cedd6979-92a1-4c7d-88eb-7c8dcd00a813" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_8834c3d3-cdde-4191-b0be-a2b5192e97a5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_cedd6979-92a1-4c7d-88eb-7c8dcd00a813" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_ecf1358b-bc31-447f-a675-7db6498f362e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_8834c3d3-cdde-4191-b0be-a2b5192e97a5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_ecf1358b-bc31-447f-a675-7db6498f362e" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_db57979a-1fe0-4410-8120-92c24ae32544" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_ecf1358b-bc31-447f-a675-7db6498f362e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_db57979a-1fe0-4410-8120-92c24ae32544" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_db57979a-1fe0-4410-8120-92c24ae32544_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_db57979a-1fe0-4410-8120-92c24ae32544" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_db57979a-1fe0-4410-8120-92c24ae32544_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_7ef5314d-094f-4904-ae16-672cc99f14ec" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_db57979a-1fe0-4410-8120-92c24ae32544" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_7ef5314d-094f-4904-ae16-672cc99f14ec" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_AffiliatedEntityMember_646c2a59-3d68-4a0e-af10-0cd2489f3c7e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_AffiliatedEntityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_7ef5314d-094f-4904-ae16-672cc99f14ec" xlink:to="loc_srt_AffiliatedEntityMember_646c2a59-3d68-4a0e-af10-0cd2489f3c7e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_63d17e63-e8e8-435e-8554-0d1bd03839c0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_ecf1358b-bc31-447f-a675-7db6498f362e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_63d17e63-e8e8-435e-8554-0d1bd03839c0" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_63d17e63-e8e8-435e-8554-0d1bd03839c0_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_63d17e63-e8e8-435e-8554-0d1bd03839c0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_63d17e63-e8e8-435e-8554-0d1bd03839c0_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_3ff32b92-72da-488c-ada9-104df3f2615b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_63d17e63-e8e8-435e-8554-0d1bd03839c0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_3ff32b92-72da-488c-ada9-104df3f2615b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_TransitionServicesAgreementMember_0f1e6dd0-ec6b-4fb0-8bb6-70dcb8ca4771" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_TransitionServicesAgreementMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_3ff32b92-72da-488c-ada9-104df3f2615b" xlink:to="loc_pntg_TransitionServicesAgreementMember_0f1e6dd0-ec6b-4fb0-8bb6-70dcb8ca4771" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://pennantgroup.com/role/REVENUEANDACCOUNTSRECEIVABLENARRATIVEDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#REVENUEANDACCOUNTSRECEIVABLENARRATIVEDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://pennantgroup.com/role/REVENUEANDACCOUNTSRECEIVABLENARRATIVEDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i72b4261c904544439cae9db24207826b_REVENUEANDACCOUNTSRECEIVABLENARRATIVEDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_23b3d895-5964-4097-82cf-7813cab6c272" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_d62b84ab-6069-45ab-9342-9196c7525b6b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_23b3d895-5964-4097-82cf-7813cab6c272" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_d62b84ab-6069-45ab-9342-9196c7525b6b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenuePerformanceObligationDescriptionOfPaymentTerms_9c9ba177-ed85-476d-9c07-0c7294daecca" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuePerformanceObligationDescriptionOfPaymentTerms"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_23b3d895-5964-4097-82cf-7813cab6c272" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenuePerformanceObligationDescriptionOfPaymentTerms_9c9ba177-ed85-476d-9c07-0c7294daecca" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_TheCoronavirusAidReliefAndEconomicSecurityActAdvancePaymentsReceived_e9969de2-7405-4bae-8079-b40682ccaeb2" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_TheCoronavirusAidReliefAndEconomicSecurityActAdvancePaymentsReceived"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_23b3d895-5964-4097-82cf-7813cab6c272" xlink:to="loc_pntg_TheCoronavirusAidReliefAndEconomicSecurityActAdvancePaymentsReceived_e9969de2-7405-4bae-8079-b40682ccaeb2" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_0af76122-a177-4143-898c-55b87a904073" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_23b3d895-5964-4097-82cf-7813cab6c272" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_0af76122-a177-4143-898c-55b87a904073" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_00aae3e2-4c22-47b0-b120-a76028dacdbf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_0af76122-a177-4143-898c-55b87a904073" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_00aae3e2-4c22-47b0-b120-a76028dacdbf" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_00aae3e2-4c22-47b0-b120-a76028dacdbf_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_00aae3e2-4c22-47b0-b120-a76028dacdbf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_00aae3e2-4c22-47b0-b120-a76028dacdbf_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_4c585d78-0d89-4b2a-94a8-9ffac8d1646e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_00aae3e2-4c22-47b0-b120-a76028dacdbf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_4c585d78-0d89-4b2a-94a8-9ffac8d1646e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember_7d0f4bae-0c51-4186-8ddb-411d7a655237" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_4c585d78-0d89-4b2a-94a8-9ffac8d1646e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember_7d0f4bae-0c51-4186-8ddb-411d7a655237" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_af806168-a56c-4683-8463-5f622f35dbf1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_0af76122-a177-4143-898c-55b87a904073" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_af806168-a56c-4683-8463-5f622f35dbf1" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_af806168-a56c-4683-8463-5f622f35dbf1_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_af806168-a56c-4683-8463-5f622f35dbf1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_af806168-a56c-4683-8463-5f622f35dbf1_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_6e586b17-8621-46e4-9641-53af2a82eee8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_af806168-a56c-4683-8463-5f622f35dbf1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_6e586b17-8621-46e4-9641-53af2a82eee8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableMember_eed37db9-1f4e-4a79-b5a5-217d9c39f7ca" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_6e586b17-8621-46e4-9641-53af2a82eee8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableMember_eed37db9-1f4e-4a79-b5a5-217d9c39f7ca" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerMember_4233fffa-52bc-44c7-bc47-86d3bf1e9c97" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_6e586b17-8621-46e4-9641-53af2a82eee8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerMember_4233fffa-52bc-44c7-bc47-86d3bf1e9c97" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MajorCustomersAxis_29d8e1cb-6839-4fc5-a9d4-37a6a04ac0f4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MajorCustomersAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_0af76122-a177-4143-898c-55b87a904073" xlink:to="loc_srt_MajorCustomersAxis_29d8e1cb-6839-4fc5-a9d4-37a6a04ac0f4" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_29d8e1cb-6839-4fc5-a9d4-37a6a04ac0f4_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_MajorCustomersAxis_29d8e1cb-6839-4fc5-a9d4-37a6a04ac0f4" xlink:to="loc_srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_29d8e1cb-6839-4fc5-a9d4-37a6a04ac0f4_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_77e39dfa-1155-40c6-afa6-dfe871749389" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_MajorCustomersAxis_29d8e1cb-6839-4fc5-a9d4-37a6a04ac0f4" xlink:to="loc_srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_77e39dfa-1155-40c6-afa6-dfe871749389" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_MedicareAndMedicaidMember_1f60f8de-00ee-424f-8cd2-45d8ddfd5ea0" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_MedicareAndMedicaidMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_77e39dfa-1155-40c6-afa6-dfe871749389" xlink:to="loc_pntg_MedicareAndMedicaidMember_1f60f8de-00ee-424f-8cd2-45d8ddfd5ea0" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://pennantgroup.com/role/REVENUEANDACCOUNTSRECEIVABLEREVENUEBYMAJORPAYORDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#REVENUEANDACCOUNTSRECEIVABLEREVENUEBYMAJORPAYORDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://pennantgroup.com/role/REVENUEANDACCOUNTSRECEIVABLEREVENUEBYMAJORPAYORDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i3234598c49af49a0987973d0312d1f21_REVENUEANDACCOUNTSRECEIVABLEREVENUEBYMAJORPAYORDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_472ae59e-4901-4547-820f-866d69b5c8f2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_1ee32eed-53d1-4b40-9816-6d39e6102ee2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_472ae59e-4901-4547-820f-866d69b5c8f2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_1ee32eed-53d1-4b40-9816-6d39e6102ee2" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_d41b9328-0921-4354-a501-3d4455d91c5f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_472ae59e-4901-4547-820f-866d69b5c8f2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_d41b9328-0921-4354-a501-3d4455d91c5f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_c8c3274f-4e56-4418-8882-0672ba0ac54e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_472ae59e-4901-4547-820f-866d69b5c8f2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_c8c3274f-4e56-4418-8882-0672ba0ac54e" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_f4fa3ed2-dcce-4fd2-8b42-4208568c94da" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_c8c3274f-4e56-4418-8882-0672ba0ac54e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_f4fa3ed2-dcce-4fd2-8b42-4208568c94da" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_f4fa3ed2-dcce-4fd2-8b42-4208568c94da_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_f4fa3ed2-dcce-4fd2-8b42-4208568c94da" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_f4fa3ed2-dcce-4fd2-8b42-4208568c94da_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1f1925bc-af91-459b-93b6-a99975058b18" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_f4fa3ed2-dcce-4fd2-8b42-4208568c94da" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1f1925bc-af91-459b-93b6-a99975058b18" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_HomeHealthAndHospiceServicesSegmentMember_a586fc24-904d-4ef5-90b1-bb64fd36bca7" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_HomeHealthAndHospiceServicesSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1f1925bc-af91-459b-93b6-a99975058b18" xlink:to="loc_pntg_HomeHealthAndHospiceServicesSegmentMember_a586fc24-904d-4ef5-90b1-bb64fd36bca7" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_SeniorLivingServicesSegmentMember_ba027fe1-4724-4777-a911-d5b5499a706e" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_SeniorLivingServicesSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1f1925bc-af91-459b-93b6-a99975058b18" xlink:to="loc_pntg_SeniorLivingServicesSegmentMember_ba027fe1-4724-4777-a911-d5b5499a706e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_83dcf035-c13d-4384-a647-5a22cf8983bd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_c8c3274f-4e56-4418-8882-0672ba0ac54e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_83dcf035-c13d-4384-a647-5a22cf8983bd" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_83dcf035-c13d-4384-a647-5a22cf8983bd_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_83dcf035-c13d-4384-a647-5a22cf8983bd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_83dcf035-c13d-4384-a647-5a22cf8983bd_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_9f2edb56-4b08-499f-ab1c-6e4471e586f7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_83dcf035-c13d-4384-a647-5a22cf8983bd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_9f2edb56-4b08-499f-ab1c-6e4471e586f7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_HomeHealthSubsegmentMember_e892b04d-8bfd-4c3e-afd5-8a587273bcf0" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_HomeHealthSubsegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_9f2edb56-4b08-499f-ab1c-6e4471e586f7" xlink:to="loc_pntg_HomeHealthSubsegmentMember_e892b04d-8bfd-4c3e-afd5-8a587273bcf0" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_HospiceSubsegmentMember_453288b4-846f-4256-936f-6268512e1220" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_HospiceSubsegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_9f2edb56-4b08-499f-ab1c-6e4471e586f7" xlink:to="loc_pntg_HospiceSubsegmentMember_453288b4-846f-4256-936f-6268512e1220" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MajorCustomersAxis_8cd8f665-8c60-46c5-8a49-d7f868c5a23e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MajorCustomersAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_c8c3274f-4e56-4418-8882-0672ba0ac54e" xlink:to="loc_srt_MajorCustomersAxis_8cd8f665-8c60-46c5-8a49-d7f868c5a23e" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_8cd8f665-8c60-46c5-8a49-d7f868c5a23e_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_MajorCustomersAxis_8cd8f665-8c60-46c5-8a49-d7f868c5a23e" xlink:to="loc_srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_8cd8f665-8c60-46c5-8a49-d7f868c5a23e_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_5b7b96e3-5457-4d8f-9854-b835e7fae1bc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_MajorCustomersAxis_8cd8f665-8c60-46c5-8a49-d7f868c5a23e" xlink:to="loc_srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_5b7b96e3-5457-4d8f-9854-b835e7fae1bc" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_MedicareMember_dfcb2f45-48e6-4f8e-9001-57f14f8a4c2c" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_MedicareMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_5b7b96e3-5457-4d8f-9854-b835e7fae1bc" xlink:to="loc_pntg_MedicareMember_dfcb2f45-48e6-4f8e-9001-57f14f8a4c2c" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_MedicaidMember_5fd8925c-997c-4d3c-9bca-8c3fa59cd91c" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_MedicaidMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_5b7b96e3-5457-4d8f-9854-b835e7fae1bc" xlink:to="loc_pntg_MedicaidMember_5fd8925c-997c-4d3c-9bca-8c3fa59cd91c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_MedicareAndMedicaidMember_9df6d378-2395-4c37-ba91-f2f538c06fa3" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_MedicareAndMedicaidMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_5b7b96e3-5457-4d8f-9854-b835e7fae1bc" xlink:to="loc_pntg_MedicareAndMedicaidMember_9df6d378-2395-4c37-ba91-f2f538c06fa3" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_ManagedCareMember_b1313806-13cd-4b1f-bdeb-30229b084cce" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_ManagedCareMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_5b7b96e3-5457-4d8f-9854-b835e7fae1bc" xlink:to="loc_pntg_ManagedCareMember_b1313806-13cd-4b1f-bdeb-30229b084cce" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_PrivateAndOtherMember_fed2b16b-f5aa-4b97-924a-7ab274e83ec3" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_PrivateAndOtherMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_5b7b96e3-5457-4d8f-9854-b835e7fae1bc" xlink:to="loc_pntg_PrivateAndOtherMember_fed2b16b-f5aa-4b97-924a-7ab274e83ec3" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_4c92a7fb-0b80-48c3-b8e4-777680801294" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_c8c3274f-4e56-4418-8882-0672ba0ac54e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_4c92a7fb-0b80-48c3-b8e4-777680801294" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_4c92a7fb-0b80-48c3-b8e4-777680801294_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_4c92a7fb-0b80-48c3-b8e4-777680801294" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_4c92a7fb-0b80-48c3-b8e4-777680801294_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_a8962ee1-db16-4e6f-9d50-ab2cd4bf8693" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_4c92a7fb-0b80-48c3-b8e4-777680801294" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_a8962ee1-db16-4e6f-9d50-ab2cd4bf8693" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerMember_a68369ee-5aee-4040-a656-26ca0d8b3cc3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_a8962ee1-db16-4e6f-9d50-ab2cd4bf8693" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerMember_a68369ee-5aee-4040-a656-26ca0d8b3cc3" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_3119b67b-80dc-4481-94ab-2c8fae2f60f8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_c8c3274f-4e56-4418-8882-0672ba0ac54e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_3119b67b-80dc-4481-94ab-2c8fae2f60f8" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_3119b67b-80dc-4481-94ab-2c8fae2f60f8_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_3119b67b-80dc-4481-94ab-2c8fae2f60f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_3119b67b-80dc-4481-94ab-2c8fae2f60f8_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_145ef17e-b96c-48ad-810d-37c9e024c9f3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_3119b67b-80dc-4481-94ab-2c8fae2f60f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_145ef17e-b96c-48ad-810d-37c9e024c9f3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember_6e648f29-4c03-497c-9b9b-686442398667" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_145ef17e-b96c-48ad-810d-37c9e024c9f3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember_6e648f29-4c03-497c-9b9b-686442398667" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://pennantgroup.com/role/REVENUEANDACCOUNTSRECEIVABLEACCOUNTSRECEIVABLEDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#REVENUEANDACCOUNTSRECEIVABLEACCOUNTSRECEIVABLEDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://pennantgroup.com/role/REVENUEANDACCOUNTSRECEIVABLEACCOUNTSRECEIVABLEDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i9558c6985c1244228a314f8dd311eafb_REVENUEANDACCOUNTSRECEIVABLEACCOUNTSRECEIVABLEDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_4cbba0db-1cf9-41d7-83ec-043d752fdd03" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrentAbstract_1c42b2ce-79e2-48bd-a9cd-069a3f311100" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrentAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_4cbba0db-1cf9-41d7-83ec-043d752fdd03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrentAbstract_1c42b2ce-79e2-48bd-a9cd-069a3f311100" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableGrossCurrent_c1ab099c-203e-4e53-99c7-ad8e6c6cb83c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableGrossCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrentAbstract_1c42b2ce-79e2-48bd-a9cd-069a3f311100" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableGrossCurrent_c1ab099c-203e-4e53-99c7-ad8e6c6cb83c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent_91e0a7d7-fe15-4dd7-abe8-3fd6f88d93e7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrentAbstract_1c42b2ce-79e2-48bd-a9cd-069a3f311100" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent_91e0a7d7-fe15-4dd7-abe8-3fd6f88d93e7" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_4d7dc4d4-330c-491d-be87-22384392069a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrentAbstract_1c42b2ce-79e2-48bd-a9cd-069a3f311100" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_4d7dc4d4-330c-491d-be87-22384392069a" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_7c828fb1-2c1e-40ff-8bc3-d37b0aeedd8b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_4cbba0db-1cf9-41d7-83ec-043d752fdd03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_7c828fb1-2c1e-40ff-8bc3-d37b0aeedd8b" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MajorCustomersAxis_ec3cf93e-07f2-4b2a-9350-15abd0f7a3bf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MajorCustomersAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_7c828fb1-2c1e-40ff-8bc3-d37b0aeedd8b" xlink:to="loc_srt_MajorCustomersAxis_ec3cf93e-07f2-4b2a-9350-15abd0f7a3bf" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_ec3cf93e-07f2-4b2a-9350-15abd0f7a3bf_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_MajorCustomersAxis_ec3cf93e-07f2-4b2a-9350-15abd0f7a3bf" xlink:to="loc_srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_ec3cf93e-07f2-4b2a-9350-15abd0f7a3bf_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_de518327-07b4-4739-87f7-c260a93273b3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_MajorCustomersAxis_ec3cf93e-07f2-4b2a-9350-15abd0f7a3bf" xlink:to="loc_srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_de518327-07b4-4739-87f7-c260a93273b3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_MedicareMember_84ff8f72-f63f-4845-8729-434ecacb5a6a" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_MedicareMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_de518327-07b4-4739-87f7-c260a93273b3" xlink:to="loc_pntg_MedicareMember_84ff8f72-f63f-4845-8729-434ecacb5a6a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_MedicaidMember_a5a24c6b-2d73-429b-a89b-103dc70e8e15" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_MedicaidMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_de518327-07b4-4739-87f7-c260a93273b3" xlink:to="loc_pntg_MedicaidMember_a5a24c6b-2d73-429b-a89b-103dc70e8e15" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_ManagedCareMember_37dce71a-c4ad-4248-81da-7940d0d079c8" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_ManagedCareMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_de518327-07b4-4739-87f7-c260a93273b3" xlink:to="loc_pntg_ManagedCareMember_37dce71a-c4ad-4248-81da-7940d0d079c8" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_PrivateAndOtherMember_952cbafc-d9ba-4b28-89e8-7d7a675f6a1f" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_PrivateAndOtherMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_de518327-07b4-4739-87f7-c260a93273b3" xlink:to="loc_pntg_PrivateAndOtherMember_952cbafc-d9ba-4b28-89e8-7d7a675f6a1f" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://pennantgroup.com/role/BUSINESSSEGMENTSNARRATIVEDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#BUSINESSSEGMENTSNARRATIVEDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://pennantgroup.com/role/BUSINESSSEGMENTSNARRATIVEDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="ic143eb5b5f6b467cb87073f019feabce_BUSINESSSEGMENTSNARRATIVEDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_d21cb7bf-f9a0-4841-90d2-0f274099c56d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_NumberOfServiceProviders_e142a44e-ce5b-4219-bbab-a5b3b3080bdc" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_NumberOfServiceProviders"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_d21cb7bf-f9a0-4841-90d2-0f274099c56d" xlink:to="loc_pntg_NumberOfServiceProviders_e142a44e-ce5b-4219-bbab-a5b3b3080bdc" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesUnderLease_410f7202-6b29-4131-aba3-f134507673cc" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesUnderLease"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_d21cb7bf-f9a0-4841-90d2-0f274099c56d" xlink:to="loc_pntg_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesUnderLease_410f7202-6b29-4131-aba3-f134507673cc" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_49b6192c-38bf-4541-8695-5bc7822a9a88" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_d21cb7bf-f9a0-4841-90d2-0f274099c56d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_49b6192c-38bf-4541-8695-5bc7822a9a88" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_f3abecfc-078f-49d2-863b-1ef3760e8bd1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_49b6192c-38bf-4541-8695-5bc7822a9a88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_f3abecfc-078f-49d2-863b-1ef3760e8bd1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_f3abecfc-078f-49d2-863b-1ef3760e8bd1_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_f3abecfc-078f-49d2-863b-1ef3760e8bd1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_f3abecfc-078f-49d2-863b-1ef3760e8bd1_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_fa5d528c-3756-4c41-ab60-5ac635c876a7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_f3abecfc-078f-49d2-863b-1ef3760e8bd1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_fa5d528c-3756-4c41-ab60-5ac635c876a7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_HomeHealthAndHospiceServicesSegmentMember_623f3de6-5664-42c7-b198-de2746ef50bc" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_HomeHealthAndHospiceServicesSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_fa5d528c-3756-4c41-ab60-5ac635c876a7" xlink:to="loc_pntg_HomeHealthAndHospiceServicesSegmentMember_623f3de6-5664-42c7-b198-de2746ef50bc" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_SeniorLivingServicesSegmentMember_55f24b9c-b639-4365-b414-0de9b838ebf0" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_SeniorLivingServicesSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_fa5d528c-3756-4c41-ab60-5ac635c876a7" xlink:to="loc_pntg_SeniorLivingServicesSegmentMember_55f24b9c-b639-4365-b414-0de9b838ebf0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://pennantgroup.com/role/BUSINESSSEGMENTSFINANCIALDATADetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#BUSINESSSEGMENTSFINANCIALDATADetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://pennantgroup.com/role/BUSINESSSEGMENTSFINANCIALDATADetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i3a0a74fbee5c49e68ff8a2866fb3ac15_BUSINESSSEGMENTSFINANCIALDATADetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_aee0e4e0-784e-4557-92ce-5f4bbec4f49e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_79e80230-a674-4805-9bd6-aea7f695b9d7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_aee0e4e0-784e-4557-92ce-5f4bbec4f49e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_79e80230-a674-4805-9bd6-aea7f695b9d7" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeInterestTaxesDepreciationAndAmortizationRentCostsAcquisitionCostsAndStockBasedCompensation_69f92000-a0aa-4194-95b1-9138be88f93a" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeInterestTaxesDepreciationAndAmortizationRentCostsAcquisitionCostsAndStockBasedCompensation"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_aee0e4e0-784e-4557-92ce-5f4bbec4f49e" xlink:to="loc_pntg_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeInterestTaxesDepreciationAndAmortizationRentCostsAcquisitionCostsAndStockBasedCompensation_69f92000-a0aa-4194-95b1-9138be88f93a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_40510657-80a7-493e-94b4-0719dea46e26" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_aee0e4e0-784e-4557-92ce-5f4bbec4f49e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_40510657-80a7-493e-94b4-0719dea46e26" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_c4134f19-6c75-4353-bc78-b3587497e4a3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_40510657-80a7-493e-94b4-0719dea46e26" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_c4134f19-6c75-4353-bc78-b3587497e4a3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_c4134f19-6c75-4353-bc78-b3587497e4a3_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_c4134f19-6c75-4353-bc78-b3587497e4a3" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_c4134f19-6c75-4353-bc78-b3587497e4a3_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_0eb2a3d4-082b-481c-821f-318593fc2b5b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_c4134f19-6c75-4353-bc78-b3587497e4a3" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_0eb2a3d4-082b-481c-821f-318593fc2b5b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_77d512d4-bb60-4d6c-93e9-f0d1853d8d53" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_0eb2a3d4-082b-481c-821f-318593fc2b5b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_77d512d4-bb60-4d6c-93e9-f0d1853d8d53" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember_275eed42-96f8-4a9a-89a0-0ebee2e7580c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_0eb2a3d4-082b-481c-821f-318593fc2b5b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember_275eed42-96f8-4a9a-89a0-0ebee2e7580c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_02ec998d-e1e4-42e7-b8b6-39bef471163d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_40510657-80a7-493e-94b4-0719dea46e26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_02ec998d-e1e4-42e7-b8b6-39bef471163d" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_02ec998d-e1e4-42e7-b8b6-39bef471163d_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_02ec998d-e1e4-42e7-b8b6-39bef471163d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_02ec998d-e1e4-42e7-b8b6-39bef471163d_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_51012024-ddb8-4153-b67d-624cf4e36a3d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_02ec998d-e1e4-42e7-b8b6-39bef471163d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_51012024-ddb8-4153-b67d-624cf4e36a3d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_HomeHealthAndHospiceServicesSegmentMember_647ce3c1-fb5f-445f-9d37-2c217df94103" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_HomeHealthAndHospiceServicesSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_51012024-ddb8-4153-b67d-624cf4e36a3d" xlink:to="loc_pntg_HomeHealthAndHospiceServicesSegmentMember_647ce3c1-fb5f-445f-9d37-2c217df94103" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_SeniorLivingServicesSegmentMember_c120f943-f0b7-4d3f-9b53-f9359ab0d335" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_SeniorLivingServicesSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_51012024-ddb8-4153-b67d-624cf4e36a3d" xlink:to="loc_pntg_SeniorLivingServicesSegmentMember_c120f943-f0b7-4d3f-9b53-f9359ab0d335" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://pennantgroup.com/role/BUSINESSSEGMENTSINCOMEFROMOPERATIONSDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#BUSINESSSEGMENTSINCOMEFROMOPERATIONSDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://pennantgroup.com/role/BUSINESSSEGMENTSINCOMEFROMOPERATIONSDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="if6581e190bd04c628efea4762933675d_BUSINESSSEGMENTSINCOMEFROMOPERATIONSDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EntityWideRevenueMajorCustomerLineItems_dbcc7d8e-78be-4ec9-850c-cc371d5013f5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EntityWideRevenueMajorCustomerLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeInterestTaxesDepreciationAndAmortizationRentCostsAcquisitionCostsAndStockBasedCompensation_dd8f3588-6188-4a14-8f80-d2c53f734c54" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeInterestTaxesDepreciationAndAmortizationRentCostsAcquisitionCostsAndStockBasedCompensation"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EntityWideRevenueMajorCustomerLineItems_dbcc7d8e-78be-4ec9-850c-cc371d5013f5" xlink:to="loc_pntg_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeInterestTaxesDepreciationAndAmortizationRentCostsAcquisitionCostsAndStockBasedCompensation_dd8f3588-6188-4a14-8f80-d2c53f734c54" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization_e2a0e626-a492-4712-abb2-2b377cdb9ff6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EntityWideRevenueMajorCustomerLineItems_dbcc7d8e-78be-4ec9-850c-cc371d5013f5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization_e2a0e626-a492-4712-abb2-2b377cdb9ff6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense_6871da96-9853-4490-94fb-5b8db366b7dd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EntityWideRevenueMajorCustomerLineItems_dbcc7d8e-78be-4ec9-850c-cc371d5013f5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense_6871da96-9853-4490-94fb-5b8db366b7dd" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_d4c89c1f-c238-410d-8405-89c4e9aa0be0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EntityWideRevenueMajorCustomerLineItems_dbcc7d8e-78be-4ec9-850c-cc371d5013f5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_d4c89c1f-c238-410d-8405-89c4e9aa0be0" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_StartUpActivitiesCosts_a5923583-d941-4629-bdc2-ea3cf49b21a6" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_StartUpActivitiesCosts"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EntityWideRevenueMajorCustomerLineItems_dbcc7d8e-78be-4ec9-850c-cc371d5013f5" xlink:to="loc_pntg_StartUpActivitiesCosts_a5923583-d941-4629-bdc2-ea3cf49b21a6" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_3eaa239a-0827-4574-a322-7978fdfffd28" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EntityWideRevenueMajorCustomerLineItems_dbcc7d8e-78be-4ec9-850c-cc371d5013f5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_3eaa239a-0827-4574-a322-7978fdfffd28" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_2cdbcc09-07cd-485a-b63a-2ed3e9f8a345" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EntityWideRevenueMajorCustomerLineItems_dbcc7d8e-78be-4ec9-850c-cc371d5013f5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_2cdbcc09-07cd-485a-b63a-2ed3e9f8a345" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_AcquisitionRelatedCostsNotCapitalized_0e22d75e-4103-4944-a3a4-643fdbb7c96a" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_AcquisitionRelatedCostsNotCapitalized"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EntityWideRevenueMajorCustomerLineItems_dbcc7d8e-78be-4ec9-850c-cc371d5013f5" xlink:to="loc_pntg_AcquisitionRelatedCostsNotCapitalized_0e22d75e-4103-4944-a3a4-643fdbb7c96a" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_OperatingIncomeLossFromTransferredSeniorLivingFacilities_cf7d1f55-19b0-44e8-a88c-c34ea797819b" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_OperatingIncomeLossFromTransferredSeniorLivingFacilities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EntityWideRevenueMajorCustomerLineItems_dbcc7d8e-78be-4ec9-850c-cc371d5013f5" xlink:to="loc_pntg_OperatingIncomeLossFromTransferredSeniorLivingFacilities_cf7d1f55-19b0-44e8-a88c-c34ea797819b" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_01fcb9f5-607d-4344-9212-54011f97166e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EntityWideRevenueMajorCustomerLineItems_dbcc7d8e-78be-4ec9-850c-cc371d5013f5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_01fcb9f5-607d-4344-9212-54011f97166e" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_ad740a99-4da4-44d1-bad1-13203a2bd3c1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EntityWideRevenueMajorCustomerLineItems_dbcc7d8e-78be-4ec9-850c-cc371d5013f5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_ad740a99-4da4-44d1-bad1-13203a2bd3c1" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_ab6fd65e-d2f8-44e7-b9eb-7e4a874289b3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EntityWideRevenueMajorCustomerLineItems_dbcc7d8e-78be-4ec9-850c-cc371d5013f5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_ab6fd65e-d2f8-44e7-b9eb-7e4a874289b3" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideRevenueByMajorCustomersByReportingSegmentsTable_605cf666-ba15-45bb-980b-081f7ce67577" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideRevenueByMajorCustomersByReportingSegmentsTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EntityWideRevenueMajorCustomerLineItems_dbcc7d8e-78be-4ec9-850c-cc371d5013f5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideRevenueByMajorCustomersByReportingSegmentsTable_605cf666-ba15-45bb-980b-081f7ce67577" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_21a9b01f-6422-4e1b-86ad-0b70e5e91533" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideRevenueByMajorCustomersByReportingSegmentsTable_605cf666-ba15-45bb-980b-081f7ce67577" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_21a9b01f-6422-4e1b-86ad-0b70e5e91533" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_21a9b01f-6422-4e1b-86ad-0b70e5e91533_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_21a9b01f-6422-4e1b-86ad-0b70e5e91533" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_21a9b01f-6422-4e1b-86ad-0b70e5e91533_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_ae166b91-a526-4487-b8d9-6cc364a037c4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_21a9b01f-6422-4e1b-86ad-0b70e5e91533" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_ae166b91-a526-4487-b8d9-6cc364a037c4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_TransitionServicesAgreementMember_ec3b65b0-bebc-46e1-9723-95113216881b" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_TransitionServicesAgreementMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_ae166b91-a526-4487-b8d9-6cc364a037c4" xlink:to="loc_pntg_TransitionServicesAgreementMember_ec3b65b0-bebc-46e1-9723-95113216881b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_3ac07bac-75a6-4f6f-a455-5c1ca6a9f356" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideRevenueByMajorCustomersByReportingSegmentsTable_605cf666-ba15-45bb-980b-081f7ce67577" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_3ac07bac-75a6-4f6f-a455-5c1ca6a9f356" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_3ac07bac-75a6-4f6f-a455-5c1ca6a9f356_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_3ac07bac-75a6-4f6f-a455-5c1ca6a9f356" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_3ac07bac-75a6-4f6f-a455-5c1ca6a9f356_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_fa54251a-e164-40e9-b945-facf2379d3bd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_3ac07bac-75a6-4f6f-a455-5c1ca6a9f356" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_fa54251a-e164-40e9-b945-facf2379d3bd" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_AffiliatedEntityMember_e4a6a51a-b341-4530-a9ee-03bf4f1a796b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_AffiliatedEntityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_fa54251a-e164-40e9-b945-facf2379d3bd" xlink:to="loc_srt_AffiliatedEntityMember_e4a6a51a-b341-4530-a9ee-03bf4f1a796b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://pennantgroup.com/role/ACQUISITIONSNARRATIVEDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#ACQUISITIONSNARRATIVEDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://pennantgroup.com/role/ACQUISITIONSNARRATIVEDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="id08891868e944af89290ab3edc399b4a_ACQUISITIONSNARRATIVEDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_6fa1dcdf-1ced-45e4-9d92-c188983758fb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_NumberOfBusinessesAndAssetsAcquired_855a5b64-8fd6-4bdc-9650-7cb9382a52dc" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_NumberOfBusinessesAndAssetsAcquired"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_6fa1dcdf-1ced-45e4-9d92-c188983758fb" xlink:to="loc_pntg_NumberOfBusinessesAndAssetsAcquired_855a5b64-8fd6-4bdc-9650-7cb9382a52dc" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_c8ecab73-ba93-41bd-93e1-3b2497891d66" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_6fa1dcdf-1ced-45e4-9d92-c188983758fb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_c8ecab73-ba93-41bd-93e1-3b2497891d66" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_b0d9efae-7f54-4ff6-a2d3-06522de917e7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_6fa1dcdf-1ced-45e4-9d92-c188983758fb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet_b0d9efae-7f54-4ff6-a2d3-06522de917e7" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment_64b35e4c-b6bc-4ffa-bd61-9cbfb7ca1a93" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_6fa1dcdf-1ced-45e4-9d92-c188983758fb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment_64b35e4c-b6bc-4ffa-bd61-9cbfb7ca1a93" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_4f4309fb-4009-49d2-a361-3e4c0e10267a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_6fa1dcdf-1ced-45e4-9d92-c188983758fb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_4f4309fb-4009-49d2-a361-3e4c0e10267a" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssets_ef737a82-274c-4cae-90a4-5c82fcaa34f0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_6fa1dcdf-1ced-45e4-9d92-c188983758fb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssets_ef737a82-274c-4cae-90a4-5c82fcaa34f0" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityTransactionCosts_0de74809-e5ea-4027-aaaf-a84b2706ad48" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityTransactionCosts"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_6fa1dcdf-1ced-45e4-9d92-c188983758fb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityTransactionCosts_0de74809-e5ea-4027-aaaf-a84b2706ad48" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_46326072-d1df-4e21-a964-b38078a1f0aa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_6fa1dcdf-1ced-45e4-9d92-c188983758fb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_46326072-d1df-4e21-a964-b38078a1f0aa" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_02244f6a-6b11-4ace-8f31-73460d220e5c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_46326072-d1df-4e21-a964-b38078a1f0aa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_02244f6a-6b11-4ace-8f31-73460d220e5c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_02244f6a-6b11-4ace-8f31-73460d220e5c_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_02244f6a-6b11-4ace-8f31-73460d220e5c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_02244f6a-6b11-4ace-8f31-73460d220e5c_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_fbc4ed6f-57e9-40c5-b813-ab0d021929dd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_02244f6a-6b11-4ace-8f31-73460d220e5c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_fbc4ed6f-57e9-40c5-b813-ab0d021929dd" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_HomeHealthAndHospiceServicesSegmentMember_e3c4a49e-e3aa-479e-aea9-d7ec434330d0" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_HomeHealthAndHospiceServicesSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_fbc4ed6f-57e9-40c5-b813-ab0d021929dd" xlink:to="loc_pntg_HomeHealthAndHospiceServicesSegmentMember_e3c4a49e-e3aa-479e-aea9-d7ec434330d0" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_7ffa7854-6a21-40a4-831a-b03cd2192bc1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_46326072-d1df-4e21-a964-b38078a1f0aa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_7ffa7854-6a21-40a4-831a-b03cd2192bc1" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_7ffa7854-6a21-40a4-831a-b03cd2192bc1_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_7ffa7854-6a21-40a4-831a-b03cd2192bc1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_7ffa7854-6a21-40a4-831a-b03cd2192bc1_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_bb7adee6-0c71-41ae-9a7b-10f722c9bfa5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_7ffa7854-6a21-40a4-831a-b03cd2192bc1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_bb7adee6-0c71-41ae-9a7b-10f722c9bfa5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_HomeHealthSubsegmentMember_95a6def1-432c-400d-afb6-a7811343bde3" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_HomeHealthSubsegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_bb7adee6-0c71-41ae-9a7b-10f722c9bfa5" xlink:to="loc_pntg_HomeHealthSubsegmentMember_95a6def1-432c-400d-afb6-a7811343bde3" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_HospiceSubsegmentMember_70080848-426d-4d96-a8f3-685f28337ed7" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_HospiceSubsegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_bb7adee6-0c71-41ae-9a7b-10f722c9bfa5" xlink:to="loc_pntg_HospiceSubsegmentMember_70080848-426d-4d96-a8f3-685f28337ed7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_08d81957-333d-489a-a091-5ba47971e501" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_46326072-d1df-4e21-a964-b38078a1f0aa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_08d81957-333d-489a-a091-5ba47971e501" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_08d81957-333d-489a-a091-5ba47971e501_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_08d81957-333d-489a-a091-5ba47971e501" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_08d81957-333d-489a-a091-5ba47971e501_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_d47e1b00-1d12-4658-b932-b08478188033" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_08d81957-333d-489a-a091-5ba47971e501" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_d47e1b00-1d12-4658-b932-b08478188033" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesOfIndividuallyImmaterialBusinessAcquisitionsMember_62ebac06-5503-4ab3-8db3-d8a2b6d5cdce" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesOfIndividuallyImmaterialBusinessAcquisitionsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_d47e1b00-1d12-4658-b932-b08478188033" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesOfIndividuallyImmaterialBusinessAcquisitionsMember_62ebac06-5503-4ab3-8db3-d8a2b6d5cdce" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_46d2e2cd-3e92-427d-83d5-a25a3bec4d29" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_46326072-d1df-4e21-a964-b38078a1f0aa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_46d2e2cd-3e92-427d-83d5-a25a3bec4d29" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_46d2e2cd-3e92-427d-83d5-a25a3bec4d29_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_46d2e2cd-3e92-427d-83d5-a25a3bec4d29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_46d2e2cd-3e92-427d-83d5-a25a3bec4d29_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_6e063ff1-1c36-41d5-9ec9-7681015b93e4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_46d2e2cd-3e92-427d-83d5-a25a3bec4d29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_6e063ff1-1c36-41d5-9ec9-7681015b93e4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_19a0d293-b605-4485-9172-15466e1bdb8e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_6e063ff1-1c36-41d5-9ec9-7681015b93e4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_19a0d293-b605-4485-9172-15466e1bdb8e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://pennantgroup.com/role/PROPERTYANDEQUIPMENTNETDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#PROPERTYANDEQUIPMENTNETDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://pennantgroup.com/role/PROPERTYANDEQUIPMENTNETDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i53483536ed30424f9c5e5a5e6f790eb2_PROPERTYANDEQUIPMENTNETDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_e13394ed-757d-4356-963f-5b251353dd81" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_bcd4fab5-1075-492b-8611-988c3e1c5690" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_e13394ed-757d-4356-963f-5b251353dd81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_bcd4fab5-1075-492b-8611-988c3e1c5690" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_da82979a-4c41-4194-8626-965173f19981" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_e13394ed-757d-4356-963f-5b251353dd81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_da82979a-4c41-4194-8626-965173f19981" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_dee8850e-f868-412e-b36a-2c6fa68250d1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_e13394ed-757d-4356-963f-5b251353dd81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_dee8850e-f868-412e-b36a-2c6fa68250d1" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_bcbbc070-c593-48fc-9982-d1694b45ac16" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Depreciation"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_e13394ed-757d-4356-963f-5b251353dd81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_bcbbc070-c593-48fc-9982-d1694b45ac16" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf_8fbfcc13-13e6-465f-b95d-86b72644de2e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_e13394ed-757d-4356-963f-5b251353dd81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf_8fbfcc13-13e6-465f-b95d-86b72644de2e" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_152e51b8-2685-420f-b0ba-3b63c6a43f35" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_e13394ed-757d-4356-963f-5b251353dd81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_152e51b8-2685-420f-b0ba-3b63c6a43f35" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_cc0c4842-6417-4931-bb88-f18e0b6cd390" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_152e51b8-2685-420f-b0ba-3b63c6a43f35" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_cc0c4842-6417-4931-bb88-f18e0b6cd390" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_cc0c4842-6417-4931-bb88-f18e0b6cd390_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_cc0c4842-6417-4931-bb88-f18e0b6cd390" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_cc0c4842-6417-4931-bb88-f18e0b6cd390_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_1c6ebe05-6d9a-4952-91d5-89d361144ea7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_cc0c4842-6417-4931-bb88-f18e0b6cd390" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_1c6ebe05-6d9a-4952-91d5-89d361144ea7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember_c55520d6-49d7-4f01-989e-cbdb7ef2f3e2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_1c6ebe05-6d9a-4952-91d5-89d361144ea7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember_c55520d6-49d7-4f01-989e-cbdb7ef2f3e2" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquipmentMember_71478d9e-727d-4283-918b-bb24651080b4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquipmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_1c6ebe05-6d9a-4952-91d5-89d361144ea7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquipmentMember_71478d9e-727d-4283-918b-bb24651080b4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember_adc2e9c6-bac6-48b3-b365-ea302ca00d5a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_1c6ebe05-6d9a-4952-91d5-89d361144ea7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember_adc2e9c6-bac6-48b3-b365-ea302ca00d5a" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://pennantgroup.com/role/GOODWILLANDOTHERINDEFINITELIVEDINTANGIBLEASSETSACTIVITYINGOODWILLDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#GOODWILLANDOTHERINDEFINITELIVEDINTANGIBLEASSETSACTIVITYINGOODWILLDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://pennantgroup.com/role/GOODWILLANDOTHERINDEFINITELIVEDINTANGIBLEASSETSACTIVITYINGOODWILLDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i6a075f8d9b5f49d2a849fdcef9d5fa8f_GOODWILLANDOTHERINDEFINITELIVEDINTANGIBLEASSETSACTIVITYINGOODWILLDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_f5972b60-b677-422a-84a9-1a47c40718fb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_ef0a4fa0-80dc-48df-9d5b-ffd9334a05fd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_f5972b60-b677-422a-84a9-1a47c40718fb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_ef0a4fa0-80dc-48df-9d5b-ffd9334a05fd" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_f339a1db-18b0-49d4-9d9b-4e4ae692f685" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_ef0a4fa0-80dc-48df-9d5b-ffd9334a05fd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_f339a1db-18b0-49d4-9d9b-4e4ae692f685" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod_171e5ff1-b5a3-4507-9cc6-ae75b3b3ae9c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_ef0a4fa0-80dc-48df-9d5b-ffd9334a05fd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod_171e5ff1-b5a3-4507-9cc6-ae75b3b3ae9c" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_736d3a78-5179-4d7e-9304-52643642217d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_127fcc92-0229-438a-8756-fed87c96baf9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_f5972b60-b677-422a-84a9-1a47c40718fb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_127fcc92-0229-438a-8756-fed87c96baf9" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_ac7d924b-f908-45cb-9e6e-bd315fca58b3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_127fcc92-0229-438a-8756-fed87c96baf9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_ac7d924b-f908-45cb-9e6e-bd315fca58b3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_ac7d924b-f908-45cb-9e6e-bd315fca58b3_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_ac7d924b-f908-45cb-9e6e-bd315fca58b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_ac7d924b-f908-45cb-9e6e-bd315fca58b3_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9314c4c1-d99b-4dcc-a9e1-704a4a0e252b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_ac7d924b-f908-45cb-9e6e-bd315fca58b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9314c4c1-d99b-4dcc-a9e1-704a4a0e252b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_HomeHealthAndHospiceServicesSegmentMember_cf5bf211-8660-4665-af2e-c2c130af0064" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_HomeHealthAndHospiceServicesSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9314c4c1-d99b-4dcc-a9e1-704a4a0e252b" xlink:to="loc_pntg_HomeHealthAndHospiceServicesSegmentMember_cf5bf211-8660-4665-af2e-c2c130af0064" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_SeniorLivingServicesSegmentMember_710be6fa-6e43-4fa6-944e-82f12c5e7053" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_SeniorLivingServicesSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9314c4c1-d99b-4dcc-a9e1-704a4a0e252b" xlink:to="loc_pntg_SeniorLivingServicesSegmentMember_710be6fa-6e43-4fa6-944e-82f12c5e7053" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://pennantgroup.com/role/GOODWILLANDOTHERINDEFINITELIVEDINTANGIBLEASSETSINDEFINITELIVEDINTANGIBLEASSETSDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#GOODWILLANDOTHERINDEFINITELIVEDINTANGIBLEASSETSINDEFINITELIVEDINTANGIBLEASSETSDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://pennantgroup.com/role/GOODWILLANDOTHERINDEFINITELIVEDINTANGIBLEASSETSINDEFINITELIVEDINTANGIBLEASSETSDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i223a8e99de354bf580a8f9256208ab84_GOODWILLANDOTHERINDEFINITELIVEDINTANGIBLEASSETSINDEFINITELIVEDINTANGIBLEASSETSDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_3eb2fb51-0e43-4fbf-bbcc-8b2079c5d103" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_ebad3c9a-5eab-4f49-81bb-38c1629ccc7f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_3eb2fb51-0e43-4fbf-bbcc-8b2079c5d103" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_ebad3c9a-5eab-4f49-81bb-38c1629ccc7f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_e9f67f82-263c-4dec-94a8-84497895c503" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_3eb2fb51-0e43-4fbf-bbcc-8b2079c5d103" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_e9f67f82-263c-4dec-94a8-84497895c503" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_07222947-a9ce-4b8a-8377-e2f23d8712ce" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_e9f67f82-263c-4dec-94a8-84497895c503" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_07222947-a9ce-4b8a-8377-e2f23d8712ce" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_07222947-a9ce-4b8a-8377-e2f23d8712ce_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_07222947-a9ce-4b8a-8377-e2f23d8712ce" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_07222947-a9ce-4b8a-8377-e2f23d8712ce_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_604f3f25-9d11-4dbb-8b54-c49b17884d7c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_07222947-a9ce-4b8a-8377-e2f23d8712ce" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_604f3f25-9d11-4dbb-8b54-c49b17884d7c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_3c6e41c4-73af-4a37-bd93-da2f0b285c24" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TradeNamesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_604f3f25-9d11-4dbb-8b54-c49b17884d7c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_3c6e41c4-73af-4a37-bd93-da2f0b285c24" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LicensingAgreementsMember_700be5c0-eb37-42dc-ab9e-3bfe3eea408b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LicensingAgreementsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_604f3f25-9d11-4dbb-8b54-c49b17884d7c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LicensingAgreementsMember_700be5c0-eb37-42dc-ab9e-3bfe3eea408b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://pennantgroup.com/role/DEBTSCHEDULEOFLONGTERMDEBTDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#DEBTSCHEDULEOFLONGTERMDEBTDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://pennantgroup.com/role/DEBTSCHEDULEOFLONGTERMDEBTDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i5610908f66d34c40bb4723e894b2eaa6_DEBTSCHEDULEOFLONGTERMDEBTDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_68add1bb-3fff-455a-b32a-c7cf3a22e3ba" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_c3fe46ce-caea-41c9-bc7f-943a236dd4cf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_68add1bb-3fff-455a-b32a-c7cf3a22e3ba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_c3fe46ce-caea-41c9-bc7f-943a236dd4cf" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_afc557d2-a770-4927-b3ad-9a3db836084c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_68add1bb-3fff-455a-b32a-c7cf3a22e3ba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_afc557d2-a770-4927-b3ad-9a3db836084c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_fd53dd0d-f2ef-4374-9835-aae93a005d46" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_68add1bb-3fff-455a-b32a-c7cf3a22e3ba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_fd53dd0d-f2ef-4374-9835-aae93a005d46" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_35c5a186-1af0-4289-82f6-2624de1424d4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_68add1bb-3fff-455a-b32a-c7cf3a22e3ba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_35c5a186-1af0-4289-82f6-2624de1424d4" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_a8d4aaeb-40f2-4cce-8855-8b83ae2e42d5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_68add1bb-3fff-455a-b32a-c7cf3a22e3ba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_a8d4aaeb-40f2-4cce-8855-8b83ae2e42d5" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_6399573f-11d7-4f6a-ae90-8b53a4789e28" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_a8d4aaeb-40f2-4cce-8855-8b83ae2e42d5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_6399573f-11d7-4f6a-ae90-8b53a4789e28" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_6399573f-11d7-4f6a-ae90-8b53a4789e28_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_6399573f-11d7-4f6a-ae90-8b53a4789e28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_6399573f-11d7-4f6a-ae90-8b53a4789e28_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_86dde50f-40cd-4968-832c-bf352588c777" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_6399573f-11d7-4f6a-ae90-8b53a4789e28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_86dde50f-40cd-4968-832c-bf352588c777" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_33c08548-48db-418f-bf7b-f439ba484b2b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_86dde50f-40cd-4968-832c-bf352588c777" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_33c08548-48db-418f-bf7b-f439ba484b2b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_d513cbab-0756-459a-9ca3-5c6d44c4831c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_a8d4aaeb-40f2-4cce-8855-8b83ae2e42d5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_d513cbab-0756-459a-9ca3-5c6d44c4831c" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_d513cbab-0756-459a-9ca3-5c6d44c4831c_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_d513cbab-0756-459a-9ca3-5c6d44c4831c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_d513cbab-0756-459a-9ca3-5c6d44c4831c_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_b05c09ce-41de-46ec-a80f-538fdd0aeac4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_d513cbab-0756-459a-9ca3-5c6d44c4831c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_b05c09ce-41de-46ec-a80f-538fdd0aeac4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_464dcce9-2f9d-40cd-8420-c60085fc96ce" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_b05c09ce-41de-46ec-a80f-538fdd0aeac4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_464dcce9-2f9d-40cd-8420-c60085fc96ce" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://pennantgroup.com/role/DEBTNARRATIVEDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#DEBTNARRATIVEDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://pennantgroup.com/role/DEBTNARRATIVEDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i60ee11618e764cb89c71e95448951562_DEBTNARRATIVEDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_df1a93e9-c784-4086-aff9-5a4ca0bb0893" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_8b740460-e367-4d65-8045-d253594757bc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_df1a93e9-c784-4086-aff9-5a4ca0bb0893" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_8b740460-e367-4d65-8045-d253594757bc" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_d1531727-d2e7-49d8-b6fd-f6e59bdf9cd1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_df1a93e9-c784-4086-aff9-5a4ca0bb0893" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_d1531727-d2e7-49d8-b6fd-f6e59bdf9cd1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_d98bead8-ea12-435a-b34b-bf092181b213" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_df1a93e9-c784-4086-aff9-5a4ca0bb0893" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_d98bead8-ea12-435a-b34b-bf092181b213" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_4a461d92-bb6e-479f-bd0c-6d44ae2f2fbf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_df1a93e9-c784-4086-aff9-5a4ca0bb0893" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_4a461d92-bb6e-479f-bd0c-6d44ae2f2fbf" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_01eb3486-3f08-4161-bd41-8d91fe1a7aa7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_df1a93e9-c784-4086-aff9-5a4ca0bb0893" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_01eb3486-3f08-4161-bd41-8d91fe1a7aa7" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_9898bb94-c048-4d9b-80fe-5ff1ba86158a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_df1a93e9-c784-4086-aff9-5a4ca0bb0893" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_9898bb94-c048-4d9b-80fe-5ff1ba86158a" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_32bf0e69-3cd1-4314-9b93-336a3b651451" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_9898bb94-c048-4d9b-80fe-5ff1ba86158a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_32bf0e69-3cd1-4314-9b93-336a3b651451" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_32bf0e69-3cd1-4314-9b93-336a3b651451_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_32bf0e69-3cd1-4314-9b93-336a3b651451" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_32bf0e69-3cd1-4314-9b93-336a3b651451_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_ec26b1f7-6d65-4947-a82f-cc1093a2a19b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_32bf0e69-3cd1-4314-9b93-336a3b651451" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_ec26b1f7-6d65-4947-a82f-cc1093a2a19b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_9ca20a62-7414-4d04-a7d2-e7bcd03d0030" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_ec26b1f7-6d65-4947-a82f-cc1093a2a19b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_9ca20a62-7414-4d04-a7d2-e7bcd03d0030" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_eace101b-65d3-49d8-b140-675301230659" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_ec26b1f7-6d65-4947-a82f-cc1093a2a19b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_eace101b-65d3-49d8-b140-675301230659" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_6bf4d6ae-4a7a-4c89-b76f-5e48e73af92d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_9898bb94-c048-4d9b-80fe-5ff1ba86158a" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_6bf4d6ae-4a7a-4c89-b76f-5e48e73af92d" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_6bf4d6ae-4a7a-4c89-b76f-5e48e73af92d_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_6bf4d6ae-4a7a-4c89-b76f-5e48e73af92d" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_6bf4d6ae-4a7a-4c89-b76f-5e48e73af92d_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_4f6aeb25-3d3b-4db0-ab23-9939a4137322" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_6bf4d6ae-4a7a-4c89-b76f-5e48e73af92d" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_4f6aeb25-3d3b-4db0-ab23-9939a4137322" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_938c16fe-fed3-4d76-b273-9d34cef7f7a9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_4f6aeb25-3d3b-4db0-ab23-9939a4137322" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_938c16fe-fed3-4d76-b273-9d34cef7f7a9" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_e15ba649-f3c4-467e-a49b-1fa1b4f72323" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_4f6aeb25-3d3b-4db0-ab23-9939a4137322" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_e15ba649-f3c4-467e-a49b-1fa1b4f72323" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_b7ca5c04-3541-4dc4-bf2d-dc1daf17f46a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_9898bb94-c048-4d9b-80fe-5ff1ba86158a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_b7ca5c04-3541-4dc4-bf2d-dc1daf17f46a" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_b7ca5c04-3541-4dc4-bf2d-dc1daf17f46a_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_b7ca5c04-3541-4dc4-bf2d-dc1daf17f46a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_b7ca5c04-3541-4dc4-bf2d-dc1daf17f46a_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_72ee5039-8189-4e59-aa07-2a1dc100e409" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_b7ca5c04-3541-4dc4-bf2d-dc1daf17f46a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_72ee5039-8189-4e59-aa07-2a1dc100e409" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_b73aa6de-6bef-4cb6-8953-58a625d1e2e4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_72ee5039-8189-4e59-aa07-2a1dc100e409" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_b73aa6de-6bef-4cb6-8953-58a625d1e2e4" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BaseRateMember_34b25d48-984f-41f0-8dcb-5b3cb3b7efa4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BaseRateMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_72ee5039-8189-4e59-aa07-2a1dc100e409" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BaseRateMember_34b25d48-984f-41f0-8dcb-5b3cb3b7efa4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_f80f3ed4-5469-45fb-b9b6-eb3647d3b2e3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_72ee5039-8189-4e59-aa07-2a1dc100e409" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_f80f3ed4-5469-45fb-b9b6-eb3647d3b2e3" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_3f4b8f3b-7a07-45a6-a771-5b22ada4725b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_9898bb94-c048-4d9b-80fe-5ff1ba86158a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_3f4b8f3b-7a07-45a6-a771-5b22ada4725b" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_3f4b8f3b-7a07-45a6-a771-5b22ada4725b_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_3f4b8f3b-7a07-45a6-a771-5b22ada4725b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_3f4b8f3b-7a07-45a6-a771-5b22ada4725b_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_616b2635-ea23-4f49-bd9b-7cf5108a0300" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_3f4b8f3b-7a07-45a6-a771-5b22ada4725b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_616b2635-ea23-4f49-bd9b-7cf5108a0300" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_0206b4d2-c785-4b92-b694-881291a2402e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_616b2635-ea23-4f49-bd9b-7cf5108a0300" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_0206b4d2-c785-4b92-b694-881291a2402e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://pennantgroup.com/role/OPTIONSANDAWARDSSHAREBASEDCOMPENSATIONDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#OPTIONSANDAWARDSSHAREBASEDCOMPENSATIONDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://pennantgroup.com/role/OPTIONSANDAWARDSSHAREBASEDCOMPENSATIONDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i7465e81a65734a14a77efaf4fb489264_OPTIONSANDAWARDSSHAREBASEDCOMPENSATIONDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_4b2b02ba-b2ab-4ad4-a6bf-8932ec3fd712" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_832544a9-07a6-40ae-8ff1-93bfef234f43" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_4b2b02ba-b2ab-4ad4-a6bf-8932ec3fd712" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_832544a9-07a6-40ae-8ff1-93bfef234f43" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_f1f6254b-70d2-4222-a5df-a6222eff32d4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_4b2b02ba-b2ab-4ad4-a6bf-8932ec3fd712" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_f1f6254b-70d2-4222-a5df-a6222eff32d4" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_d5674dc8-2c25-46c6-9ffe-b6328c26e20e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_f1f6254b-70d2-4222-a5df-a6222eff32d4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_d5674dc8-2c25-46c6-9ffe-b6328c26e20e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_d5674dc8-2c25-46c6-9ffe-b6328c26e20e_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_d5674dc8-2c25-46c6-9ffe-b6328c26e20e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_d5674dc8-2c25-46c6-9ffe-b6328c26e20e_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_67c077b0-561f-4d46-bd04-abfad6a86ae7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_d5674dc8-2c25-46c6-9ffe-b6328c26e20e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_67c077b0-561f-4d46-bd04-abfad6a86ae7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_16bf1d80-e000-4ae4-bbeb-4989bfc04bea" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_67c077b0-561f-4d46-bd04-abfad6a86ae7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_16bf1d80-e000-4ae4-bbeb-4989bfc04bea" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_ebe5fd8f-d784-4c98-bbbd-2cb5126dbd31" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_67c077b0-561f-4d46-bd04-abfad6a86ae7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_ebe5fd8f-d784-4c98-bbbd-2cb5126dbd31" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis_4985d9a6-c4a1-48f8-8398-e0fa4da53690" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_f1f6254b-70d2-4222-a5df-a6222eff32d4" xlink:to="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis_4985d9a6-c4a1-48f8-8398-e0fa4da53690" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_4985d9a6-c4a1-48f8-8398-e0fa4da53690_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis_4985d9a6-c4a1-48f8-8398-e0fa4da53690" xlink:to="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_4985d9a6-c4a1-48f8-8398-e0fa4da53690_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_86b1d54e-a1ca-48a7-b51c-53dc93845681" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis_4985d9a6-c4a1-48f8-8398-e0fa4da53690" xlink:to="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_86b1d54e-a1ca-48a7-b51c-53dc93845681" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_DirectorMember_ba2e0bc3-7d8a-4015-906f-518d43972296" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_DirectorMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_86b1d54e-a1ca-48a7-b51c-53dc93845681" xlink:to="loc_srt_DirectorMember_ba2e0bc3-7d8a-4015-906f-518d43972296" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://pennantgroup.com/role/OPTIONSANDAWARDSSHAREBASEDCOMPENSATIONEXPENSEANDNARRATIVEDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#OPTIONSANDAWARDSSHAREBASEDCOMPENSATIONEXPENSEANDNARRATIVEDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://pennantgroup.com/role/OPTIONSANDAWARDSSHAREBASEDCOMPENSATIONEXPENSEANDNARRATIVEDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="ica58320cbcc44a66a81095bc81dad430_OPTIONSANDAWARDSSHAREBASEDCOMPENSATIONEXPENSEANDNARRATIVEDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_ec1a0758-45b6-4149-8531-b8431a215307" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedStockOptions_3b3aefc0-f15d-4df8-80df-8ca25f0b3576" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedStockOptions"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_ec1a0758-45b6-4149-8531-b8431a215307" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedStockOptions_3b3aefc0-f15d-4df8-80df-8ca25f0b3576" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions_474c058c-a1e8-4144-a088-9e104a8af857" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_ec1a0758-45b6-4149-8531-b8431a215307" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions_474c058c-a1e8-4144-a088-9e104a8af857" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_eec8efa6-3b74-4536-9d1c-7302949b4df4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_ec1a0758-45b6-4149-8531-b8431a215307" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_eec8efa6-3b74-4536-9d1c-7302949b4df4" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_774f56e6-7276-4c33-8e15-f8ac28a6fae4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_ec1a0758-45b6-4149-8531-b8431a215307" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_774f56e6-7276-4c33-8e15-f8ac28a6fae4" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_13c106d9-5628-49df-996a-2b7ab7973f42" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_ec1a0758-45b6-4149-8531-b8431a215307" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_13c106d9-5628-49df-996a-2b7ab7973f42" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage_df4cb396-e3e4-4c55-9e4a-ad67eced9093" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_ec1a0758-45b6-4149-8531-b8431a215307" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage_df4cb396-e3e4-4c55-9e4a-ad67eced9093" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod_fd106716-9e6d-4387-8b40-778735824262" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_ec1a0758-45b6-4149-8531-b8431a215307" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod_fd106716-9e6d-4387-8b40-778735824262" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_080193b3-6b49-43cf-b3e4-dc16269fe0d1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_ec1a0758-45b6-4149-8531-b8431a215307" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_080193b3-6b49-43cf-b3e4-dc16269fe0d1" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_e5f8a6be-68bd-4966-9ed4-03d4093501e3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_080193b3-6b49-43cf-b3e4-dc16269fe0d1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_e5f8a6be-68bd-4966-9ed4-03d4093501e3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_e5f8a6be-68bd-4966-9ed4-03d4093501e3_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_e5f8a6be-68bd-4966-9ed4-03d4093501e3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_e5f8a6be-68bd-4966-9ed4-03d4093501e3_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_a17d698f-347b-41f0-8e1b-b7393a8d6bc6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_e5f8a6be-68bd-4966-9ed4-03d4093501e3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_a17d698f-347b-41f0-8e1b-b7393a8d6bc6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_TheEnsignPlansMember_d47c57a9-ac04-47b8-915f-21e8aad6c98a" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_TheEnsignPlansMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_a17d698f-347b-41f0-8e1b-b7393a8d6bc6" xlink:to="loc_pntg_TheEnsignPlansMember_d47c57a9-ac04-47b8-915f-21e8aad6c98a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_1e5e66e3-9c44-44e9-9d13-bfe09befe5bf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_080193b3-6b49-43cf-b3e4-dc16269fe0d1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_1e5e66e3-9c44-44e9-9d13-bfe09befe5bf" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_1e5e66e3-9c44-44e9-9d13-bfe09befe5bf_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_1e5e66e3-9c44-44e9-9d13-bfe09befe5bf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_1e5e66e3-9c44-44e9-9d13-bfe09befe5bf_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_ea884640-68ce-496b-af16-bbb6e2677b85" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_1e5e66e3-9c44-44e9-9d13-bfe09befe5bf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_ea884640-68ce-496b-af16-bbb6e2677b85" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_438013b9-37b1-4ddc-8697-c579c63aa3d9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_ea884640-68ce-496b-af16-bbb6e2677b85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_438013b9-37b1-4ddc-8697-c579c63aa3d9" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_12a49b15-a635-41fd-ba10-575f0f8d2e5a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_ea884640-68ce-496b-af16-bbb6e2677b85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_12a49b15-a635-41fd-ba10-575f0f8d2e5a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://pennantgroup.com/role/OPTIONSANDAWARDSOPTIONSGRANTEDDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#OPTIONSANDAWARDSOPTIONSGRANTEDDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://pennantgroup.com/role/OPTIONSANDAWARDSOPTIONSGRANTEDDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i0c7437e6d648449e9a51cee689b5fb9d_OPTIONSANDAWARDSOPTIONSGRANTEDDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_6b062a77-4845-4932-80a5-b107e8229d61" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_38e85efe-60e9-4d80-b13d-8772e4ef0782" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_6b062a77-4845-4932-80a5-b107e8229d61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_38e85efe-60e9-4d80-b13d-8772e4ef0782" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_4fa9c553-46fc-483e-86ed-0442098e2e09" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_6b062a77-4845-4932-80a5-b107e8229d61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_4fa9c553-46fc-483e-86ed-0442098e2e09" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1_a295ac74-06a3-4dfb-aaf0-f90f1ddd8776" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_6b062a77-4845-4932-80a5-b107e8229d61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1_a295ac74-06a3-4dfb-aaf0-f90f1ddd8776" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsWeightedAverageVolatilityRate_2b738271-449f-47df-8a3d-85acf105e3e9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsWeightedAverageVolatilityRate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_6b062a77-4845-4932-80a5-b107e8229d61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsWeightedAverageVolatilityRate_2b738271-449f-47df-8a3d-85acf105e3e9" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate_a9b4dd0f-7ef1-4ce9-b1d2-57cbdfd0e623" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_6b062a77-4845-4932-80a5-b107e8229d61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate_a9b4dd0f-7ef1-4ce9-b1d2-57cbdfd0e623" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_465846b8-42ec-4702-a537-6f70c69b86e9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_6b062a77-4845-4932-80a5-b107e8229d61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_465846b8-42ec-4702-a537-6f70c69b86e9" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_e0a2e7eb-54bf-4b0b-ad58-24069313e397" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_6b062a77-4845-4932-80a5-b107e8229d61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_e0a2e7eb-54bf-4b0b-ad58-24069313e397" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_7c9a5da0-1147-49cf-b17a-15acefe8b28e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_e0a2e7eb-54bf-4b0b-ad58-24069313e397" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_7c9a5da0-1147-49cf-b17a-15acefe8b28e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_7c9a5da0-1147-49cf-b17a-15acefe8b28e_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_7c9a5da0-1147-49cf-b17a-15acefe8b28e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_7c9a5da0-1147-49cf-b17a-15acefe8b28e_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_c99f7a5e-871d-4b5b-94dc-5e91eb3e8083" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_7c9a5da0-1147-49cf-b17a-15acefe8b28e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_c99f7a5e-871d-4b5b-94dc-5e91eb3e8083" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_TheEnsignPlansMember_86a01af6-27aa-4a8f-b3a0-a441cf4c7f23" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_TheEnsignPlansMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_c99f7a5e-871d-4b5b-94dc-5e91eb3e8083" xlink:to="loc_pntg_TheEnsignPlansMember_86a01af6-27aa-4a8f-b3a0-a441cf4c7f23" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardDateAxis_1569561f-f599-4648-9b11-c6cab261adc3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardDateAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_e0a2e7eb-54bf-4b0b-ad58-24069313e397" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardDateAxis_1569561f-f599-4648-9b11-c6cab261adc3" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardDateDomain_1569561f-f599-4648-9b11-c6cab261adc3_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardDateDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardDateAxis_1569561f-f599-4648-9b11-c6cab261adc3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardDateDomain_1569561f-f599-4648-9b11-c6cab261adc3_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardDateDomain_0d4ff07c-50e0-43ed-a2e4-246566e7a923" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardDateDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardDateAxis_1569561f-f599-4648-9b11-c6cab261adc3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardDateDomain_0d4ff07c-50e0-43ed-a2e4-246566e7a923" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_GrantYear2022Member_e1785217-04c8-45e7-9a11-1b76ce62b666" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_GrantYear2022Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardDateDomain_0d4ff07c-50e0-43ed-a2e4-246566e7a923" xlink:to="loc_pntg_GrantYear2022Member_e1785217-04c8-45e7-9a11-1b76ce62b666" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_GrantYear2021Member_45ae0b1b-ad86-470b-9e7c-4b9a6d525c71" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_GrantYear2021Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardDateDomain_0d4ff07c-50e0-43ed-a2e4-246566e7a923" xlink:to="loc_pntg_GrantYear2021Member_45ae0b1b-ad86-470b-9e7c-4b9a6d525c71" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_df4fffff-dfa2-456d-9826-06a38469b65b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_e0a2e7eb-54bf-4b0b-ad58-24069313e397" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_df4fffff-dfa2-456d-9826-06a38469b65b" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_df4fffff-dfa2-456d-9826-06a38469b65b_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_df4fffff-dfa2-456d-9826-06a38469b65b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_df4fffff-dfa2-456d-9826-06a38469b65b_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_5a86be82-577d-438c-879a-be06f31ef8d3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_df4fffff-dfa2-456d-9826-06a38469b65b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_5a86be82-577d-438c-879a-be06f31ef8d3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_f8cc61bc-3706-4318-81e9-1718a1d15482" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_5a86be82-577d-438c-879a-be06f31ef8d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_f8cc61bc-3706-4318-81e9-1718a1d15482" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://pennantgroup.com/role/OPTIONSANDAWARDSEMPLOYEESTOCKOPTIONACTIVITYDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#OPTIONSANDAWARDSEMPLOYEESTOCKOPTIONACTIVITYDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://pennantgroup.com/role/OPTIONSANDAWARDSEMPLOYEESTOCKOPTIONACTIVITYDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i41e02c38d95d4f00b00508bed2714389_OPTIONSANDAWARDSEMPLOYEESTOCKOPTIONACTIVITYDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_af813660-f9db-4731-992c-93bbd3844433" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_1c611e32-e94f-4476-854f-b396fc36fd79" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_af813660-f9db-4731-992c-93bbd3844433" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_1c611e32-e94f-4476-854f-b396fc36fd79" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_9585cdc5-82c1-4d55-b3af-70d3fed896b5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_1c611e32-e94f-4476-854f-b396fc36fd79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_9585cdc5-82c1-4d55-b3af-70d3fed896b5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_de14ceea-be10-459c-9d00-f0a6f43d5b65" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_1c611e32-e94f-4476-854f-b396fc36fd79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_de14ceea-be10-459c-9d00-f0a6f43d5b65" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_76020eb4-71df-43af-b8d5-163a37477b4e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_1c611e32-e94f-4476-854f-b396fc36fd79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_76020eb4-71df-43af-b8d5-163a37477b4e" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod_8e51f1a8-9b09-40db-90bc-fa31efa85184" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_1c611e32-e94f-4476-854f-b396fc36fd79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod_8e51f1a8-9b09-40db-90bc-fa31efa85184" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriod_9ed9366f-e1f8-4757-82f5-1c76b2ba2ca7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_1c611e32-e94f-4476-854f-b396fc36fd79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriod_9ed9366f-e1f8-4757-82f5-1c76b2ba2ca7" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_53a25846-87cc-4df7-a64a-f2e463a0c37c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_cea280f4-a34b-4876-bf1f-6e8cbb8c5c61" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_af813660-f9db-4731-992c-93bbd3844433" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_cea280f4-a34b-4876-bf1f-6e8cbb8c5c61" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_93e1d127-15e6-432b-8139-fafaa583e76c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_cea280f4-a34b-4876-bf1f-6e8cbb8c5c61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_93e1d127-15e6-432b-8139-fafaa583e76c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_6d392676-2b6d-400c-835d-8f0cb3b49f93" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_cea280f4-a34b-4876-bf1f-6e8cbb8c5c61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_6d392676-2b6d-400c-835d-8f0cb3b49f93" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_c6607101-b073-48ce-a53f-48470f267b90" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_cea280f4-a34b-4876-bf1f-6e8cbb8c5c61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_c6607101-b073-48ce-a53f-48470f267b90" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_4dcd599e-81c2-42b3-bb3e-17edeac7ae67" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_cea280f4-a34b-4876-bf1f-6e8cbb8c5c61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_4dcd599e-81c2-42b3-bb3e-17edeac7ae67" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_d1d3d285-e7de-484d-8aac-d174aa8b5c7e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_cea280f4-a34b-4876-bf1f-6e8cbb8c5c61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_d1d3d285-e7de-484d-8aac-d174aa8b5c7e" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_c3a57280-9616-4d62-9785-1d843d9ab3ca" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedOutstandingNumber_f71d6bc4-4029-4d6a-aefa-8802641655c9" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedOutstandingNumber"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_af813660-f9db-4731-992c-93bbd3844433" xlink:to="loc_pntg_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedOutstandingNumber_f71d6bc4-4029-4d6a-aefa-8802641655c9" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_adf13045-c079-4d62-9ed7-08703bda883f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_af813660-f9db-4731-992c-93bbd3844433" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_adf13045-c079-4d62-9ed7-08703bda883f" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_c2ce2fe4-f4ce-4dbd-abaa-ead334085b04" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_af813660-f9db-4731-992c-93bbd3844433" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_c2ce2fe4-f4ce-4dbd-abaa-ead334085b04" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_00990d7f-d954-445f-bb62-8912091251e2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_c2ce2fe4-f4ce-4dbd-abaa-ead334085b04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_00990d7f-d954-445f-bb62-8912091251e2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_00990d7f-d954-445f-bb62-8912091251e2_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_00990d7f-d954-445f-bb62-8912091251e2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_00990d7f-d954-445f-bb62-8912091251e2_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_16ded107-c0ea-493a-8025-79a43d593696" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_00990d7f-d954-445f-bb62-8912091251e2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_16ded107-c0ea-493a-8025-79a43d593696" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_TheEnsignPlansMember_d65656e2-3759-49dd-bfe3-9fa12cf94119" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_TheEnsignPlansMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_16ded107-c0ea-493a-8025-79a43d593696" xlink:to="loc_pntg_TheEnsignPlansMember_d65656e2-3759-49dd-bfe3-9fa12cf94119" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://pennantgroup.com/role/OPTIONSANDAWARDSRESTRICTEDSTOCKDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#OPTIONSANDAWARDSRESTRICTEDSTOCKDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://pennantgroup.com/role/OPTIONSANDAWARDSRESTRICTEDSTOCKDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="id3cafb5f21d348029080f5bcf2c8b565_OPTIONSANDAWARDSRESTRICTEDSTOCKDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_7d93bcc6-192c-4d36-816f-db1aeefda9a6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_b5e7216e-c0ff-4c1e-a8c6-a84fe9e20819" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_7d93bcc6-192c-4d36-816f-db1aeefda9a6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_b5e7216e-c0ff-4c1e-a8c6-a84fe9e20819" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_d1100508-2ea9-46d2-9694-8201b6fddd6b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_b5e7216e-c0ff-4c1e-a8c6-a84fe9e20819" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_d1100508-2ea9-46d2-9694-8201b6fddd6b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_5d5cdf8e-95d3-4f15-beed-ac75c27da710" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_b5e7216e-c0ff-4c1e-a8c6-a84fe9e20819" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_5d5cdf8e-95d3-4f15-beed-ac75c27da710" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_6341e77b-00a7-450b-ad90-c131cdaaa4b8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_b5e7216e-c0ff-4c1e-a8c6-a84fe9e20819" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_6341e77b-00a7-450b-ad90-c131cdaaa4b8" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_121794a8-2679-419d-9d7d-4b79383cc033" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_b5e7216e-c0ff-4c1e-a8c6-a84fe9e20819" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_121794a8-2679-419d-9d7d-4b79383cc033" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_3278f2f3-d8f3-4a7e-9316-336487f14cd4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_ac2e5550-537d-4b56-bdfd-3f1489038f4f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_7d93bcc6-192c-4d36-816f-db1aeefda9a6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_ac2e5550-537d-4b56-bdfd-3f1489038f4f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_c5a8a401-33dc-42f1-a55e-4b81dd213acf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_ac2e5550-537d-4b56-bdfd-3f1489038f4f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_c5a8a401-33dc-42f1-a55e-4b81dd213acf" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_a253805c-d7fe-4552-bb4e-0e646d413510" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_ac2e5550-537d-4b56-bdfd-3f1489038f4f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_a253805c-d7fe-4552-bb4e-0e646d413510" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_16d11856-f79e-42b7-969b-bda7b7761e87" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_ac2e5550-537d-4b56-bdfd-3f1489038f4f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_16d11856-f79e-42b7-969b-bda7b7761e87" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_9b5d0a69-0746-444f-97bc-ce195eb61b2a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_ac2e5550-537d-4b56-bdfd-3f1489038f4f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_9b5d0a69-0746-444f-97bc-ce195eb61b2a" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_495f1c5f-df9d-4682-886e-5ac40d40550a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_eea67a14-8899-42cb-91b2-0747e5ce5707" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_7d93bcc6-192c-4d36-816f-db1aeefda9a6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_eea67a14-8899-42cb-91b2-0747e5ce5707" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_231bd28f-0d0a-4d12-9ea5-41ece253865c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_eea67a14-8899-42cb-91b2-0747e5ce5707" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_231bd28f-0d0a-4d12-9ea5-41ece253865c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_231bd28f-0d0a-4d12-9ea5-41ece253865c_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_231bd28f-0d0a-4d12-9ea5-41ece253865c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_231bd28f-0d0a-4d12-9ea5-41ece253865c_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_0fa8b0d8-0b76-4369-bedb-f71a228de879" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_231bd28f-0d0a-4d12-9ea5-41ece253865c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_0fa8b0d8-0b76-4369-bedb-f71a228de879" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_TheEnsignPlansMember_73057b46-6052-4f98-a6c1-e52e52ccdab1" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_TheEnsignPlansMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_0fa8b0d8-0b76-4369-bedb-f71a228de879" xlink:to="loc_pntg_TheEnsignPlansMember_73057b46-6052-4f98-a6c1-e52e52ccdab1" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_39601da7-45b2-4fcc-b38a-185de045e47b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_eea67a14-8899-42cb-91b2-0747e5ce5707" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_39601da7-45b2-4fcc-b38a-185de045e47b" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_39601da7-45b2-4fcc-b38a-185de045e47b_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_39601da7-45b2-4fcc-b38a-185de045e47b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_39601da7-45b2-4fcc-b38a-185de045e47b_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_a95c3dc9-85ef-4674-bc3c-79062f724096" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_39601da7-45b2-4fcc-b38a-185de045e47b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_a95c3dc9-85ef-4674-bc3c-79062f724096" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_197ce659-9bbf-4f3f-a102-1727fb73014b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_a95c3dc9-85ef-4674-bc3c-79062f724096" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_197ce659-9bbf-4f3f-a102-1727fb73014b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://pennantgroup.com/role/LEASESNARRATIVEDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#LEASESNARRATIVEDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://pennantgroup.com/role/LEASESNARRATIVEDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="ic362294b696645b18c7e483a6842d5ce_LEASESNARRATIVEDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_de45fd33-1871-4bed-a7c9-c7a36a409bcf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesUnderLease_dae6cf57-26d9-4702-af9e-644cec01d1fe" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesUnderLease"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_de45fd33-1871-4bed-a7c9-c7a36a409bcf" xlink:to="loc_pntg_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesUnderLease_dae6cf57-26d9-4702-af9e-644cec01d1fe" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract_49230573-7964-452b-8fc5-5db6dfc03073" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_de45fd33-1871-4bed-a7c9-c7a36a409bcf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract_49230573-7964-452b-8fc5-5db6dfc03073" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties_b1704f8b-983e-4ecb-afc8-b9ff06952345" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_de45fd33-1871-4bed-a7c9-c7a36a409bcf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties_b1704f8b-983e-4ecb-afc8-b9ff06952345" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_440824d7-5d69-445a-a141-133631839f46" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_de45fd33-1871-4bed-a7c9-c7a36a409bcf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_440824d7-5d69-445a-a141-133631839f46" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesUnderLeaseMasterLeaseAgreement_e95f81bd-072d-438e-8993-26fc4ca3f956" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesUnderLeaseMasterLeaseAgreement"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_de45fd33-1871-4bed-a7c9-c7a36a409bcf" xlink:to="loc_pntg_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesUnderLeaseMasterLeaseAgreement_e95f81bd-072d-438e-8993-26fc4ca3f956" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_NumberOfSeparateMasterLeaseArrangements_cb628dd0-9a46-4337-8b82-70d073860520" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_NumberOfSeparateMasterLeaseArrangements"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_de45fd33-1871-4bed-a7c9-c7a36a409bcf" xlink:to="loc_pntg_NumberOfSeparateMasterLeaseArrangements_cb628dd0-9a46-4337-8b82-70d073860520" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_LeaseTerminationNumberOfBuildings_60b9b338-1502-4caf-b1c3-dd966d22479f" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_LeaseTerminationNumberOfBuildings"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_de45fd33-1871-4bed-a7c9-c7a36a409bcf" xlink:to="loc_pntg_LeaseTerminationNumberOfBuildings_60b9b338-1502-4caf-b1c3-dd966d22479f" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_AdjustmentOperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssetAndOperatingLeaseLiability_cfa83e7a-acc0-4fa8-bc7e-ef461c31e0ad" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_AdjustmentOperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssetAndOperatingLeaseLiability"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_de45fd33-1871-4bed-a7c9-c7a36a409bcf" xlink:to="loc_pntg_AdjustmentOperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssetAndOperatingLeaseLiability_cfa83e7a-acc0-4fa8-bc7e-ef461c31e0ad" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_LeaseTerminationNumberOfLeasesUnderMasterLeaseAgreement_f974c947-866f-4366-a259-0e59a233a6b3" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_LeaseTerminationNumberOfLeasesUnderMasterLeaseAgreement"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_de45fd33-1871-4bed-a7c9-c7a36a409bcf" xlink:to="loc_pntg_LeaseTerminationNumberOfLeasesUnderMasterLeaseAgreement_f974c947-866f-4366-a259-0e59a233a6b3" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_NonCashAdjustmentIncreaseDecreaseToRightOfUseAssetsAndLeaseLiabilities_970f4131-9941-4116-8405-e830def31b54" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_NonCashAdjustmentIncreaseDecreaseToRightOfUseAssetsAndLeaseLiabilities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_de45fd33-1871-4bed-a7c9-c7a36a409bcf" xlink:to="loc_pntg_NonCashAdjustmentIncreaseDecreaseToRightOfUseAssetsAndLeaseLiabilities_970f4131-9941-4116-8405-e830def31b54" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1_d03a06bf-fdae-401d-89e0-eb32afed93b7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_de45fd33-1871-4bed-a7c9-c7a36a409bcf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1_d03a06bf-fdae-401d-89e0-eb32afed93b7" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent_999c5111-dcb2-43c0-88d9-67a88d4d2192" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_de45fd33-1871-4bed-a7c9-c7a36a409bcf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent_999c5111-dcb2-43c0-88d9-67a88d4d2192" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_21381a72-0b96-406f-9870-35cb789303db" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_de45fd33-1871-4bed-a7c9-c7a36a409bcf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_21381a72-0b96-406f-9870-35cb789303db" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_1f585cad-ca88-4a88-a368-76120f190aa9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_21381a72-0b96-406f-9870-35cb789303db" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_1f585cad-ca88-4a88-a368-76120f190aa9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1f585cad-ca88-4a88-a368-76120f190aa9_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_1f585cad-ca88-4a88-a368-76120f190aa9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1f585cad-ca88-4a88-a368-76120f190aa9_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_c64c8828-7574-4d3c-837d-637ca7a8c43c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_1f585cad-ca88-4a88-a368-76120f190aa9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_c64c8828-7574-4d3c-837d-637ca7a8c43c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_SeniorLivingServicesSegmentMember_dd312c36-b2e1-48d1-9eaa-6f8d4e666780" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_SeniorLivingServicesSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_c64c8828-7574-4d3c-837d-637ca7a8c43c" xlink:to="loc_pntg_SeniorLivingServicesSegmentMember_dd312c36-b2e1-48d1-9eaa-6f8d4e666780" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_94c9daec-4b1e-4d92-bdee-1e5b5638006f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_21381a72-0b96-406f-9870-35cb789303db" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_94c9daec-4b1e-4d92-bdee-1e5b5638006f" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_94c9daec-4b1e-4d92-bdee-1e5b5638006f_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_94c9daec-4b1e-4d92-bdee-1e5b5638006f" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_94c9daec-4b1e-4d92-bdee-1e5b5638006f_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_f9d5a257-2577-43a9-be95-47418f12a49c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_94c9daec-4b1e-4d92-bdee-1e5b5638006f" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_f9d5a257-2577-43a9-be95-47418f12a49c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_ac8cf081-a4f9-4858-ae9b-df5c4caed26d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_f9d5a257-2577-43a9-be95-47418f12a49c" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_ac8cf081-a4f9-4858-ae9b-df5c4caed26d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_40f877ab-4bef-4546-8fc0-ef2d2a912caf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_f9d5a257-2577-43a9-be95-47418f12a49c" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_40f877ab-4bef-4546-8fc0-ef2d2a912caf" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_d9b4fb0c-14ab-4388-bc21-f09be6ac799e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_21381a72-0b96-406f-9870-35cb789303db" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_d9b4fb0c-14ab-4388-bc21-f09be6ac799e" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_d9b4fb0c-14ab-4388-bc21-f09be6ac799e_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_d9b4fb0c-14ab-4388-bc21-f09be6ac799e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_d9b4fb0c-14ab-4388-bc21-f09be6ac799e_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_41088723-996b-4caf-ac52-f76a2ef383a3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_d9b4fb0c-14ab-4388-bc21-f09be6ac799e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_41088723-996b-4caf-ac52-f76a2ef383a3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_AffiliatedEntityMember_78bbffb1-2515-47c3-999a-51721f4d3833" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_AffiliatedEntityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_41088723-996b-4caf-ac52-f76a2ef383a3" xlink:to="loc_srt_AffiliatedEntityMember_78bbffb1-2515-47c3-999a-51721f4d3833" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_0f5f099e-a8a0-42a4-ab24-80bcec536b18" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_21381a72-0b96-406f-9870-35cb789303db" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_0f5f099e-a8a0-42a4-ab24-80bcec536b18" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_0f5f099e-a8a0-42a4-ab24-80bcec536b18_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_0f5f099e-a8a0-42a4-ab24-80bcec536b18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_0f5f099e-a8a0-42a4-ab24-80bcec536b18_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_121a133f-0f6b-401d-9ddc-0d600bbd9800" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_0f5f099e-a8a0-42a4-ab24-80bcec536b18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_121a133f-0f6b-401d-9ddc-0d600bbd9800" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_OperatingLeaseRentExpenseMember_39330009-e54b-4d9b-b9a9-4a68ded1b0ee" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_OperatingLeaseRentExpenseMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_121a133f-0f6b-401d-9ddc-0d600bbd9800" xlink:to="loc_pntg_OperatingLeaseRentExpenseMember_39330009-e54b-4d9b-b9a9-4a68ded1b0ee" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_aad73f62-cd81-463e-91b5-8fbad3d80c24" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_21381a72-0b96-406f-9870-35cb789303db" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_aad73f62-cd81-463e-91b5-8fbad3d80c24" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_aad73f62-cd81-463e-91b5-8fbad3d80c24_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_aad73f62-cd81-463e-91b5-8fbad3d80c24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_aad73f62-cd81-463e-91b5-8fbad3d80c24_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_f81f542a-d12d-4fdc-be06-4494dbd28d7e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_aad73f62-cd81-463e-91b5-8fbad3d80c24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_f81f542a-d12d-4fdc-be06-4494dbd28d7e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_709b072d-2738-44cb-97c0-b927be95d86a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_f81f542a-d12d-4fdc-be06-4494dbd28d7e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_709b072d-2738-44cb-97c0-b927be95d86a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://pennantgroup.com/role/LEASESIMPACTOFNEWLEASESGUIDANCEDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#LEASESIMPACTOFNEWLEASESGUIDANCEDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://pennantgroup.com/role/LEASESIMPACTOFNEWLEASESGUIDANCEDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i172e7cb83692494c8d8b6ace641e0a4a_LEASESIMPACTOFNEWLEASESGUIDANCEDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_a2ff9515-1112-410d-990b-ed22f1e0d18b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCostAbstract_0c398949-e22b-493d-a874-8eeaae2ac04a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseCostAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_a2ff9515-1112-410d-990b-ed22f1e0d18b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCostAbstract_0c398949-e22b-493d-a874-8eeaae2ac04a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseCost_8f30037c-95e8-4dc1-9183-0ad02ec7345a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseCost"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCostAbstract_0c398949-e22b-493d-a874-8eeaae2ac04a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseCost_8f30037c-95e8-4dc1-9183-0ad02ec7345a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableLeaseCost_a2b891ed-8320-4b34-93d6-cf93c9ce414b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableLeaseCost"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCostAbstract_0c398949-e22b-493d-a874-8eeaae2ac04a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableLeaseCost_a2b891ed-8320-4b34-93d6-cf93c9ce414b" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_eba28017-be09-4ad8-a23a-cf8218f43b8a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_a2ff9515-1112-410d-990b-ed22f1e0d18b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_eba28017-be09-4ad8-a23a-cf8218f43b8a" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_20235571-ba05-4c94-82ec-73b5e997ea34" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_eba28017-be09-4ad8-a23a-cf8218f43b8a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_20235571-ba05-4c94-82ec-73b5e997ea34" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_20235571-ba05-4c94-82ec-73b5e997ea34_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_20235571-ba05-4c94-82ec-73b5e997ea34" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_20235571-ba05-4c94-82ec-73b5e997ea34_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_eb2c1a10-d842-4f26-8283-49cbf1018838" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_20235571-ba05-4c94-82ec-73b5e997ea34" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_eb2c1a10-d842-4f26-8283-49cbf1018838" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfSalesMember_4e458498-309b-46bf-a49a-6ff36187ea1b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfSalesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_eb2c1a10-d842-4f26-8283-49cbf1018838" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfSalesMember_4e458498-309b-46bf-a49a-6ff36187ea1b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember_0f268bc7-85dd-4471-b41a-00b9884a8228" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_eb2c1a10-d842-4f26-8283-49cbf1018838" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember_0f268bc7-85dd-4471-b41a-00b9884a8228" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis_b82cd962-bd07-4cf0-8147-5f50bb3ef64e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_eba28017-be09-4ad8-a23a-cf8218f43b8a" xlink:to="loc_srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis_b82cd962-bd07-4cf0-8147-5f50bb3ef64e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain_b82cd962-bd07-4cf0-8147-5f50bb3ef64e_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis_b82cd962-bd07-4cf0-8147-5f50bb3ef64e" xlink:to="loc_srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain_b82cd962-bd07-4cf0-8147-5f50bb3ef64e_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain_39c9690d-7bc7-4e1b-a93f-d41b8c39cacd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis_b82cd962-bd07-4cf0-8147-5f50bb3ef64e" xlink:to="loc_srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain_39c9690d-7bc7-4e1b-a93f-d41b8c39cacd" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_FacilityMember_da37e9de-c7ad-4a52-8312-f7b8ca58f9a7" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_FacilityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain_39c9690d-7bc7-4e1b-a93f-d41b8c39cacd" xlink:to="loc_pntg_FacilityMember_da37e9de-c7ad-4a52-8312-f7b8ca58f9a7" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_OfficeBuildingMember_0233c482-db0d-4d5e-8aa4-222ce595d8a9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_OfficeBuildingMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain_39c9690d-7bc7-4e1b-a93f-d41b8c39cacd" xlink:to="loc_srt_OfficeBuildingMember_0233c482-db0d-4d5e-8aa4-222ce595d8a9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://pennantgroup.com/role/COMMITMENTSANDCONTINGENCIESDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#COMMITMENTSANDCONTINGENCIESDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://pennantgroup.com/role/COMMITMENTSANDCONTINGENCIESDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="ibfe049a8ff834aaa9baea00a2a05055c_COMMITMENTSANDCONTINGENCIESDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_e24cacdc-95ab-4023-8d53-b05c43c7321f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_NumberOfOperatingSubsidiariesWithReviewsScheduled_81c4d65a-1781-4936-9d96-109ad55c7ab2" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_NumberOfOperatingSubsidiariesWithReviewsScheduled"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_e24cacdc-95ab-4023-8d53-b05c43c7321f" xlink:to="loc_pntg_NumberOfOperatingSubsidiariesWithReviewsScheduled_81c4d65a-1781-4936-9d96-109ad55c7ab2" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_UniformProgramIntegrityContractorSuspendedPayments_f4daebaf-fc9a-4e2d-82d5-2177fde4a5ba" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_UniformProgramIntegrityContractorSuspendedPayments"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_e24cacdc-95ab-4023-8d53-b05c43c7321f" xlink:to="loc_pntg_UniformProgramIntegrityContractorSuspendedPayments_f4daebaf-fc9a-4e2d-82d5-2177fde4a5ba" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_UniformProgramIntegrityContractorNumberOfPatientRecordsUnderReview_1e8e9c7a-d3b4-450a-b3ce-d5be644d45e9" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_UniformProgramIntegrityContractorNumberOfPatientRecordsUnderReview"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_e24cacdc-95ab-4023-8d53-b05c43c7321f" xlink:to="loc_pntg_UniformProgramIntegrityContractorNumberOfPatientRecordsUnderReview_1e8e9c7a-d3b4-450a-b3ce-d5be644d45e9" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_UniformProgramIntegrityContractorPeriodOfReview_8e123b59-29f9-4282-b82e-22eb22e32139" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_UniformProgramIntegrityContractorPeriodOfReview"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_e24cacdc-95ab-4023-8d53-b05c43c7321f" xlink:to="loc_pntg_UniformProgramIntegrityContractorPeriodOfReview_8e123b59-29f9-4282-b82e-22eb22e32139" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_GeneralAndProfessionalLiabilityInsuranceRetentionLimitPerClaim_4bf48563-8130-418b-a401-76d9aac14a73" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_GeneralAndProfessionalLiabilityInsuranceRetentionLimitPerClaim"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_e24cacdc-95ab-4023-8d53-b05c43c7321f" xlink:to="loc_pntg_GeneralAndProfessionalLiabilityInsuranceRetentionLimitPerClaim_4bf48563-8130-418b-a401-76d9aac14a73" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_CorridorAsAnAdditionalOutOfPocketRetention_600a9896-08bd-49b0-82c3-f6b05cc34688" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_CorridorAsAnAdditionalOutOfPocketRetention"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_e24cacdc-95ab-4023-8d53-b05c43c7321f" xlink:to="loc_pntg_CorridorAsAnAdditionalOutOfPocketRetention_600a9896-08bd-49b0-82c3-f6b05cc34688" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_WorkersCompensationInsuranceRetentionLimitPerClaim_685020ad-f034-4406-8cad-98e3e2d44963" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_WorkersCompensationInsuranceRetentionLimitPerClaim"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_e24cacdc-95ab-4023-8d53-b05c43c7321f" xlink:to="loc_pntg_WorkersCompensationInsuranceRetentionLimitPerClaim_685020ad-f034-4406-8cad-98e3e2d44963" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_SelfInsuranceIndividualCoverageLimit_ccc0fe87-7ad4-4824-b712-45e148ac6201" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_SelfInsuranceIndividualCoverageLimit"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_e24cacdc-95ab-4023-8d53-b05c43c7321f" xlink:to="loc_pntg_SelfInsuranceIndividualCoverageLimit_ccc0fe87-7ad4-4824-b712-45e148ac6201" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_93b11f31-2577-4660-87f6-431af19255c6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_e24cacdc-95ab-4023-8d53-b05c43c7321f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_93b11f31-2577-4660-87f6-431af19255c6" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_624d3403-604a-40c6-a35a-ee9a3ca98110" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_93b11f31-2577-4660-87f6-431af19255c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_624d3403-604a-40c6-a35a-ee9a3ca98110" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_624d3403-604a-40c6-a35a-ee9a3ca98110_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_624d3403-604a-40c6-a35a-ee9a3ca98110" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_624d3403-604a-40c6-a35a-ee9a3ca98110_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_f17f3149-d3c5-4902-a84c-c114d42a6627" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_624d3403-604a-40c6-a35a-ee9a3ca98110" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_f17f3149-d3c5-4902-a84c-c114d42a6627" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_164ed41b-7305-4247-add5-287282b8f81b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_f17f3149-d3c5-4902-a84c-c114d42a6627" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_164ed41b-7305-4247-add5-287282b8f81b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_01cf2285-0768-420f-a9d5-e629a5eaeafa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_93b11f31-2577-4660-87f6-431af19255c6" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_01cf2285-0768-420f-a9d5-e629a5eaeafa" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_01cf2285-0768-420f-a9d5-e629a5eaeafa_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_01cf2285-0768-420f-a9d5-e629a5eaeafa" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_01cf2285-0768-420f-a9d5-e629a5eaeafa_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_5ed2bb1b-7e8b-4adb-beb5-e349dfd1d935" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_01cf2285-0768-420f-a9d5-e629a5eaeafa" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_5ed2bb1b-7e8b-4adb-beb5-e349dfd1d935" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_2e546724-95a7-4aef-8383-562833f7c5c8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_5ed2bb1b-7e8b-4adb-beb5-e349dfd1d935" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_2e546724-95a7-4aef-8383-562833f7c5c8" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://pennantgroup.com/role/SUBSEQUENTEVENTSDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#SUBSEQUENTEVENTSDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://pennantgroup.com/role/SUBSEQUENTEVENTSDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i2a01e67945394454b1631d68b462bb82_SUBSEQUENTEVENTSDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_38754cec-011e-4b04-86a3-bc8d02c5b3dd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_LeaseTerminationNumberOfProperties_eeaf1e45-99a3-4e8b-a99b-02c88e6b250c" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_LeaseTerminationNumberOfProperties"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_38754cec-011e-4b04-86a3-bc8d02c5b3dd" xlink:to="loc_pntg_LeaseTerminationNumberOfProperties_eeaf1e45-99a3-4e8b-a99b-02c88e6b250c" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_106cda39-2e7e-42e0-ae77-af40c7a7f260" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_38754cec-011e-4b04-86a3-bc8d02c5b3dd" xlink:to="loc_pntg_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_106cda39-2e7e-42e0-ae77-af40c7a7f260" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingLeaseLiability_b6f97371-65b1-4394-9c84-651af8e9da6b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingLeaseLiability"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_38754cec-011e-4b04-86a3-bc8d02c5b3dd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingLeaseLiability_b6f97371-65b1-4394-9c84-651af8e9da6b" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_LeaseTerminationNumberOfLeasesUnderMasterLeaseAgreement_81506ff1-8050-4eb8-a0b1-4556f9b654d3" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_LeaseTerminationNumberOfLeasesUnderMasterLeaseAgreement"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_38754cec-011e-4b04-86a3-bc8d02c5b3dd" xlink:to="loc_pntg_LeaseTerminationNumberOfLeasesUnderMasterLeaseAgreement_81506ff1-8050-4eb8-a0b1-4556f9b654d3" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_LeaseTerminationNumberOfBuildings_b4c0a9cf-9274-435e-b184-9c7a61c8d275" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_LeaseTerminationNumberOfBuildings"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_38754cec-011e-4b04-86a3-bc8d02c5b3dd" xlink:to="loc_pntg_LeaseTerminationNumberOfBuildings_b4c0a9cf-9274-435e-b184-9c7a61c8d275" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_LeaseTerminationNumberOfBuildingsSold_c11b5ea8-c110-4829-84c5-facd084b3789" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_LeaseTerminationNumberOfBuildingsSold"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_38754cec-011e-4b04-86a3-bc8d02c5b3dd" xlink:to="loc_pntg_LeaseTerminationNumberOfBuildingsSold_c11b5ea8-c110-4829-84c5-facd084b3789" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions_222e16f9-358e-47f5-acdf-8ae26dda57d4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_38754cec-011e-4b04-86a3-bc8d02c5b3dd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions_222e16f9-358e-47f5-acdf-8ae26dda57d4" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_81c21636-e319-42be-9b31-739e56ed91a8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_38754cec-011e-4b04-86a3-bc8d02c5b3dd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_81c21636-e319-42be-9b31-739e56ed91a8" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_3e95f005-0c01-473e-a32a-0bb7291065fb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_81c21636-e319-42be-9b31-739e56ed91a8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_3e95f005-0c01-473e-a32a-0bb7291065fb" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_3e95f005-0c01-473e-a32a-0bb7291065fb_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_3e95f005-0c01-473e-a32a-0bb7291065fb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_3e95f005-0c01-473e-a32a-0bb7291065fb_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_f0b94637-b0b4-4070-a702-50fce0086cb4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_3e95f005-0c01-473e-a32a-0bb7291065fb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_f0b94637-b0b4-4070-a702-50fce0086cb4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_9d709c8a-80b6-4e02-a993-def0a51c6ab6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_f0b94637-b0b4-4070-a702-50fce0086cb4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_9d709c8a-80b6-4e02-a993-def0a51c6ab6" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_bba408ab-ba85-4412-bcfa-650caf3922e6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_81c21636-e319-42be-9b31-739e56ed91a8" xlink:to="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_bba408ab-ba85-4412-bcfa-650caf3922e6" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_bba408ab-ba85-4412-bcfa-650caf3922e6_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_bba408ab-ba85-4412-bcfa-650caf3922e6" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_bba408ab-ba85-4412-bcfa-650caf3922e6_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_2d8b408c-647f-4e52-84b9-c39bf59e56c5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_bba408ab-ba85-4412-bcfa-650caf3922e6" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_2d8b408c-647f-4e52-84b9-c39bf59e56c5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_TheEnsignGroupInc.Member_87a75253-075d-445d-9e90-0104778ed114" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_TheEnsignGroupInc.Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_2d8b408c-647f-4e52-84b9-c39bf59e56c5" xlink:to="loc_pntg_TheEnsignGroupInc.Member_87a75253-075d-445d-9e90-0104778ed114" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_2e477e27-ecff-45bd-a481-b98501a1cb22" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021q4/dei-2021q4.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_81c21636-e319-42be-9b31-739e56ed91a8" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_2e477e27-ecff-45bd-a481-b98501a1cb22" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_2e477e27-ecff-45bd-a481-b98501a1cb22_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021q4/dei-2021q4.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_2e477e27-ecff-45bd-a481-b98501a1cb22" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_2e477e27-ecff-45bd-a481-b98501a1cb22_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_9fbcff27-4a72-43f3-b10f-cf28fd4dc2e6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021q4/dei-2021q4.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_2e477e27-ecff-45bd-a481-b98501a1cb22" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_9fbcff27-4a72-43f3-b10f-cf28fd4dc2e6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_pntg_TheEnsignGroupInc.Member_005241de-d505-486e-ab38-f128a890431a" xlink:href="pntg-20220331.xsd#pntg_TheEnsignGroupInc.Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_9fbcff27-4a72-43f3-b10f-cf28fd4dc2e6" xlink:to="loc_pntg_TheEnsignGroupInc.Member_005241de-d505-486e-ab38-f128a890431a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
</link:linkbase>
