<?xml version="1.0" encoding="US-ASCII"?>
<!-- DFIN New ActiveDisclosure (SM) XBRL Linkbase Document - http://www.dfinsolutions.com/ -->
<!-- Creation Date :2023-10-26T13:22:06.2793+00:00 -->
<!-- Copyright (c) 2023 Donnelly Financial Solutions, Inc. All Rights Reserved. -->
<link:linkbase xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#Role_DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesScheduleOfNetOperatingRevenuesDetails" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#Role_DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesScheduleOfNetOperatingRevenuesDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureAccountingForStockBasedCompensationAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#Role_DisclosureAccountingForStockBasedCompensationAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureAccountingForStockBasedCompensationScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardsStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsDetails" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#Role_DisclosureAccountingForStockBasedCompensationScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardsStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureAccountingForStockBasedCompensationScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityDetails" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#Role_DisclosureAccountingForStockBasedCompensationScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureAccountingForStockBasedCompensationScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockActivityDetails" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#Role_DisclosureAccountingForStockBasedCompensationScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockActivityDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureAccountingForStockBasedCompensationScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsActivityDetails" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#Role_DisclosureAccountingForStockBasedCompensationScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsActivityDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureAcquisitionsAndDivestituresAcquisitionsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#Role_DisclosureAcquisitionsAndDivestituresAcquisitionsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureAcquisitionsAndDivestituresScheduleOfDivestituresDetails" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#Role_DisclosureAcquisitionsAndDivestituresScheduleOfDivestituresDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureAcquisitionsAndDivestituresDivestituresAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#Role_DisclosureAcquisitionsAndDivestituresDivestituresAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureIncomeTaxesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#Role_DisclosureIncomeTaxesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureLongTermDebtScheduleOfDebtDetails" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#Role_DisclosureLongTermDebtScheduleOfDebtDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureLongTermDebtScheduleOfDebtParentheticalDetails" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#Role_DisclosureLongTermDebtScheduleOfDebtParentheticalDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureLongTermDebtAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#Role_DisclosureLongTermDebtAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsScheduleOfEstimatedFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsByBalanceSheetGroupingDetails" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#Role_DisclosureFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsScheduleOfEstimatedFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsByBalanceSheetGroupingDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureFairValueScheduleOfFairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#Role_DisclosureFairValueScheduleOfFairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureLeasesSupplementalBalanceSheetInformationRelatedToLeasesDetails" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#Role_DisclosureLeasesSupplementalBalanceSheetInformationRelatedToLeasesDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureStockholdersDeficitScheduleOfStockholdersDeficitDetails" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#Role_DisclosureStockholdersDeficitScheduleOfStockholdersDeficitDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureContingenciesScheduleOfReconciliationOfBeginningAndEndingLiabilityBalancesInConnectionWithProbableContingenciesDetails" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#Role_DisclosureContingenciesScheduleOfReconciliationOfBeginningAndEndingLiabilityBalancesInConnectionWithProbableContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureSubsequentEventsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#Role_DisclosureSubsequentEventsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/eedm/ExtensibleEnumerationLists" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-roles-2023.xsd#eedm" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedByTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedAssetNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedAssetNameDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedAssetNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedAssetNameDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_ThirdPartyReimbursementAbstract" xlink:label="cyh_ThirdPartyReimbursementAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_AmountsDueToThirdPartyPayors" xlink:label="cyh_AmountsDueToThirdPartyPayors"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_HospitalsSoldOrDeemedHeldForSaleMember" xlink:label="cyh_HospitalsSoldOrDeemedHeldForSaleMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_NetOperatingRevenuesAbstract" xlink:label="cyh_NetOperatingRevenuesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CharityCareOtherMeasurementBasisAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_CharityCareOtherMeasurementBasisAmount"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_AccountingForImpairmentOrDisposalOfLongLivedAssetsAbstract" xlink:label="cyh_AccountingForImpairmentOrDisposalOfLongLivedAssetsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSalesOfAssetsAndAssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainLossOnSalesOfAssetsAndAssetImpairmentCharges"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_CorporateOfficeCosts" xlink:label="cyh_CorporateOfficeCosts"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_AmountsDueFromThirdPartyPayors" xlink:label="cyh_AmountsDueFromThirdPartyPayors"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_LongLivedAssetsAtHospitalThatWasSoldAtSalesPriceBelowCarryingValueMember" xlink:label="cyh_LongLivedAssetsAtHospitalThatWasSoldAtSalesPriceBelowCarryingValueMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CharityCareDirectAndIndirectCostBasisAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_CharityCareDirectAndIndirectCostBasisAmount"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_GainLossOnSalesOfAssetsAndAssetImpairmentChargesGross" xlink:label="cyh_GainLossOnSalesOfAssetsAndAssetImpairmentChargesGross"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_AdjustmentForCarryingValueOfOtherLongLivedAssetsAtUnderperformingHospitalsMember" xlink:label="cyh_AdjustmentForCarryingValueOfOtherLongLivedAssetsAtUnderperformingHospitalsMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_NumberOfHospitalsSold" xlink:label="cyh_NumberOfHospitalsSold"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_HospitalClosuresOfShorepointHealthVeniceInVeniceFloridaAndFirstHospitalWyomingValleyPsychiatricHospitalInWilkesBarrePennsylvaniaMember" xlink:label="cyh_HospitalClosuresOfShorepointHealthVeniceInVeniceFloridaAndFirstHospitalWyomingValleyPsychiatricHospitalInWilkesBarrePennsylvaniaMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_ImpairmentOfAmountRelatedToSeveralAssetsIdledDisposedOrHeldForSale" xlink:label="cyh_ImpairmentOfAmountRelatedToSeveralAssetsIdledDisposedOrHeldForSale"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_SharedServiceCenterMember" xlink:label="cyh_SharedServiceCenterMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_AmountRelatedToSeveralAssetsIdledDisposedOrHeldForSale" xlink:label="cyh_AmountRelatedToSeveralAssetsIdledDisposedOrHeldForSale"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedAssetNameDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_ImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedAssetNameDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="cyh_ThirdPartyReimbursementAbstract" xlink:to="cyh_AmountsDueToThirdPartyPayors" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedAssetNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_HospitalsSoldOrDeemedHeldForSaleMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedByTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="cyh_NetOperatingRevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CharityCareOtherMeasurementBasisAmount" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="cyh_AccountingForImpairmentOrDisposalOfLongLivedAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainLossOnSalesOfAssetsAndAssetImpairmentCharges" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract" xlink:to="cyh_CorporateOfficeCosts" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="cyh_ThirdPartyReimbursementAbstract" xlink:to="cyh_AmountsDueFromThirdPartyPayors" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedAssetNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_LongLivedAssetsAtHospitalThatWasSoldAtSalesPriceBelowCarryingValueMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cyh_ThirdPartyReimbursementAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="cyh_NetOperatingRevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CharityCareDirectAndIndirectCostBasisAmount" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="cyh_AccountingForImpairmentOrDisposalOfLongLivedAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="cyh_GainLossOnSalesOfAssetsAndAssetImpairmentChargesGross" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedAssetNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_AdjustmentForCarryingValueOfOtherLongLivedAssetsAtUnderperformingHospitalsMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cyh_NetOperatingRevenuesAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="cyh_AccountingForImpairmentOrDisposalOfLongLivedAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="cyh_NumberOfHospitalsSold" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedAssetNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_HospitalClosuresOfShorepointHealthVeniceInVeniceFloridaAndFirstHospitalWyomingValleyPsychiatricHospitalInWilkesBarrePennsylvaniaMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cyh_AccountingForImpairmentOrDisposalOfLongLivedAssetsAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="cyh_AccountingForImpairmentOrDisposalOfLongLivedAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="cyh_ImpairmentOfAmountRelatedToSeveralAssetsIdledDisposedOrHeldForSale" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ImpairedLongLivedAssetsHeldAndUsedAssetNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_SharedServiceCenterMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="cyh_AccountingForImpairmentOrDisposalOfLongLivedAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="cyh_AmountRelatedToSeveralAssetsIdledDisposedOrHeldForSale" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="cyh_AccountingForImpairmentOrDisposalOfLongLivedAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesScheduleOfNetOperatingRevenuesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_HealthCareOrganizationReceivableAndRevenueDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_HealthCareOrganizationReceivableAndRevenueDisclosuresLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRevenueSourcesHealthCareOrganizationTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRevenueSourcesHealthCareOrganizationTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_MedicareMember" xlink:label="cyh_MedicareMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="us-gaap_Revenues"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_MedicareManagedCareMember" xlink:label="cyh_MedicareManagedCareMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_MedicaidMember" xlink:label="cyh_MedicaidMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_ManagedCareAndOtherThirdPartyPayorsMember" xlink:label="cyh_ManagedCareAndOtherThirdPartyPayorsMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_SelfPayRevenueMember" xlink:label="cyh_SelfPayRevenueMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_HealthCareOrganizationReceivableAndRevenueDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRevenueSourcesHealthCareOrganizationTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRevenueSourcesHealthCareOrganizationTable" xlink:to="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="cyh_MedicareMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_HealthCareOrganizationReceivableAndRevenueDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Revenues" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="cyh_MedicareManagedCareMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="cyh_MedicaidMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="cyh_ManagedCareAndOtherThirdPartyPayorsMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="cyh_SelfPayRevenueMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureAccountingForStockBasedCompensationAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_DirectorMember" xlink:label="srt_DirectorMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_AmendedTwoThousandNinePlanMember" xlink:label="cyh_AmendedTwoThousandNinePlanMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:label="srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_BoardOfDirectorsChairmanMember" xlink:label="srt_BoardOfDirectorsChairmanMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_PlanTwoThousandNineMember" xlink:label="cyh_PlanTwoThousandNineMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_RestrictedStockAndRestrictedStockUnitsMember" xlink:label="cyh_RestrictedStockAndRestrictedStockUnitsMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_PerformanceBasedAwardsGrantedOnOrAfterMarch12018Member" xlink:label="cyh_PerformanceBasedAwardsGrantedOnOrAfterMarch12018Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRights" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRights"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_RestrictedStockPerformanceBasedUnitsMember" xlink:label="cyh_RestrictedStockPerformanceBasedUnitsMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedStockOptions" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedStockOptions"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsModificationsToAwards" xlink:label="cyh_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsModificationsToAwards"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SharePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharePrice"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPerformanceObjectiveMeasurementPeriod" xlink:label="cyh_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPerformanceObjectiveMeasurementPeriod"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="cyh_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_NumberOfDirectorElected" xlink:label="cyh_NumberOfDirectorElected"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:to="srt_DirectorMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_AmendedTwoThousandNinePlanMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:to="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:to="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:to="srt_BoardOfDirectorsChairmanMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_PlanTwoThousandNineMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_RestrictedStockAndRestrictedStockUnitsMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_PerformanceBasedAwardsGrantedOnOrAfterMarch12018Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRights" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_RestrictedStockPerformanceBasedUnitsMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="6" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedStockOptions" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="7" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="8" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="cyh_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsModificationsToAwards" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="9" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="10" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="11" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharePrice" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="12" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="13" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="cyh_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPerformanceObjectiveMeasurementPeriod" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="14" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="15" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="16" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="cyh_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodGrantDateFairValue" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="17" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="cyh_NumberOfDirectorElected" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureAccountingForStockBasedCompensationScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardsStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMinimum" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMinimum"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMaximum" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMaximum"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendPayments" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendPayments"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMinimum" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMinimum"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMaximum" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMaximum"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMinimum" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMaximum" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendPayments" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="6" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMinimum" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="7" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMaximum" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureAccountingForStockBasedCompensationScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="6" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="7" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="8" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="9" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="11" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="12" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="13" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="14" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="15" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureAccountingForStockBasedCompensationScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockActivityDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="6" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="7" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="8" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureAccountingForStockBasedCompensationScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsActivityDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="6" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="7" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="8" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureAcquisitionsAndDivestituresAcquisitionsAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesOfIndividuallyImmaterialBusinessAcquisitionsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SeriesOfIndividuallyImmaterialBusinessAcquisitionsMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_AmericanPhysicianPartnersMember" xlink:label="cyh_AmericanPhysicianPartnersMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SeriesOfIndividuallyImmaterialBusinessAcquisitionsMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="cyh_AmericanPhysicianPartnersMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureAcquisitionsAndDivestituresScheduleOfDivestituresDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_GreenbrierValleyMedicalCenterMember" xlink:label="cyh_GreenbrierValleyMedicalCenterMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_NumberOfLicensedBeds" xlink:label="cyh_NumberOfLicensedBeds"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_AllianceHealthSeminoleMember" xlink:label="cyh_AllianceHealthSeminoleMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalDate1" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisposalDate1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_PlateauMedicalCenterMember" xlink:label="cyh_PlateauMedicalCenterMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_MedicalCenterOfSouthArkansasMember" xlink:label="cyh_MedicalCenterOfSouthArkansasMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_LutheranRehabilitationHospitalMember" xlink:label="cyh_LutheranRehabilitationHospitalMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_GreenbrierValleyMedicalCenterMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:to="cyh_NumberOfLicensedBeds" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_AllianceHealthSeminoleMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisposalDate1" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_PlateauMedicalCenterMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_MedicalCenterOfSouthArkansasMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_LutheranRehabilitationHospitalMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureAcquisitionsAndDivestituresDivestituresAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_OakHillWestVirginiaMember" xlink:label="cyh_OakHillWestVirginiaMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_PlateauMedicalCenterMember" xlink:label="cyh_PlateauMedicalCenterMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_NumberOfLicensedBeds" xlink:label="cyh_NumberOfLicensedBeds"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_MooresvilleNorthCarolinaMember" xlink:label="cyh_MooresvilleNorthCarolinaMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_LakeNormanRegionalMedicalCenterMember" xlink:label="cyh_LakeNormanRegionalMedicalCenterMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_StatesvilleNorthCarolinaMember" xlink:label="cyh_StatesvilleNorthCarolinaMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_DavisRegionalMedicalCenterMember" xlink:label="cyh_DavisRegionalMedicalCenterMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_BrooksvilleFloridaMember" xlink:label="cyh_BrooksvilleFloridaMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_BraveraHealthBrooksvilleMember" xlink:label="cyh_BraveraHealthBrooksvilleMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_CrystalRiverFloridaMember" xlink:label="cyh_CrystalRiverFloridaMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_BraveraHealthSevenRiversMember" xlink:label="cyh_BraveraHealthSevenRiversMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_SpringHillFloridaMember" xlink:label="cyh_SpringHillFloridaMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_BraveraHealthSpringHillMember" xlink:label="cyh_BraveraHealthSpringHillMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_PoncaCityOklahomaMember" xlink:label="cyh_PoncaCityOklahomaMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_AlliancehealthPoncaCityMember" xlink:label="cyh_AlliancehealthPoncaCityMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_WoodwardOklahomaMember" xlink:label="cyh_WoodwardOklahomaMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_AllianceHealthWoodwardMember" xlink:label="cyh_AllianceHealthWoodwardMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_ElDoradoArkansasMember" xlink:label="cyh_ElDoradoArkansasMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="cyh_OakHillWestVirginiaMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_PlateauMedicalCenterMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:to="cyh_NumberOfLicensedBeds" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" xlink:to="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="cyh_MooresvilleNorthCarolinaMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_LakeNormanRegionalMedicalCenterMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="cyh_StatesvilleNorthCarolinaMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_DavisRegionalMedicalCenterMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="cyh_BrooksvilleFloridaMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_BraveraHealthBrooksvilleMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="cyh_CrystalRiverFloridaMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_BraveraHealthSevenRiversMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="cyh_SpringHillFloridaMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_BraveraHealthSpringHillMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="6" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="cyh_PoncaCityOklahomaMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="6" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_AlliancehealthPoncaCityMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="7" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="cyh_WoodwardOklahomaMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="7" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_AllianceHealthWoodwardMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="8" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="cyh_ElDoradoArkansasMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureIncomeTaxesAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:label="cyh_IncomeTaxesLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_IncomeTaxesTable" xlink:label="cyh_IncomeTaxesTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_TaxPeriodAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_TaxPeriodAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_TaxPeriodDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_TaxPeriodDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_TaxPeriodDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_TaxPeriodDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_TaxYear2018Member" xlink:label="us-gaap_TaxYear2018Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OpenTaxYear" xlink:label="us-gaap_OpenTaxYear"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="cyh_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="cyh_IncomeTaxesTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="cyh_IncomeTaxesTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_TaxPeriodAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TaxPeriodDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_TaxPeriodAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TaxPeriodDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TaxPeriodDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_TaxYear2018Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="cyh_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="cyh_IncomeTaxesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="cyh_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="cyh_IncomeTaxesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_TaxPeriodAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="cyh_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OpenTaxYear" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="cyh_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="cyh_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="cyh_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureLongTermDebtScheduleOfDebtDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesMember" xlink:label="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt8PercentDue2026Member" xlink:label="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt8PercentDue2026Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt8PercentDue2027Member" xlink:label="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt8PercentDue2027Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumAndDebtIssuanceCostsNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumAndDebtIssuanceCostsNet"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_JuniorPrioritySecuredNotesMember" xlink:label="cyh_JuniorPrioritySecuredNotesMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt5625Due2027Member" xlink:label="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt5625Due2027Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_AssetBasedLoanFacilityMember" xlink:label="cyh_AssetBasedLoanFacilityMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_SeniorNotesAt6875PercentDue2028Member" xlink:label="cyh_SeniorNotesAt6875PercentDue2028Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_FinanceLeaseAndFinancingObligationsMember" xlink:label="cyh_FinanceLeaseAndFinancingObligationsMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt6Due2029Member" xlink:label="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt6Due2029Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_OtherMember" xlink:label="cyh_OtherMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt525Due2030Member" xlink:label="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt525Due2030Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAtFourPointSevenFiveDue2031Member" xlink:label="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAtFourPointSevenFiveDue2031Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_SixPointEightSevenFivePercentageJuniorPrioritySecuredNotesDue2029Member" xlink:label="cyh_SixPointEightSevenFivePercentageJuniorPrioritySecuredNotesDue2029Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_JuniorPrioritySecuredNotesAt6125PercentDue2030Member" xlink:label="cyh_JuniorPrioritySecuredNotesAt6125PercentDue2030Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt8PercentDue2026Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt8PercentDue2027Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumAndDebtIssuanceCostsNet" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="cyh_JuniorPrioritySecuredNotesMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt5625Due2027Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="cyh_AssetBasedLoanFacilityMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_SeniorNotesAt6875PercentDue2028Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="cyh_FinanceLeaseAndFinancingObligationsMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt6Due2029Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="cyh_OtherMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt525Due2030Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="6" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAtFourPointSevenFiveDue2031Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="7" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_SixPointEightSevenFivePercentageJuniorPrioritySecuredNotesDue2029Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="8" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_JuniorPrioritySecuredNotesAt6125PercentDue2030Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureLongTermDebtScheduleOfDebtParentheticalDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesMember" xlink:label="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt8PercentDue2026Member" xlink:label="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt8PercentDue2026Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt8PercentDue2027Member" xlink:label="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt8PercentDue2027Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_DebtInstrumentMaturityYear" xlink:label="cyh_DebtInstrumentMaturityYear"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_JuniorPrioritySecuredNotesMember" xlink:label="cyh_JuniorPrioritySecuredNotesMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt5625Due2027Member" xlink:label="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt5625Due2027Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt525Due2030Member" xlink:label="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt525Due2030Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_SeniorNotesAt6875PercentDue2028Member" xlink:label="cyh_SeniorNotesAt6875PercentDue2028Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAtFourPointSevenFiveDue2031Member" xlink:label="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAtFourPointSevenFiveDue2031Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt6Due2029Member" xlink:label="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt6Due2029Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_SixPointEightSevenFivePercentageJuniorPrioritySecuredNotesDue2029Member" xlink:label="cyh_SixPointEightSevenFivePercentageJuniorPrioritySecuredNotesDue2029Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_JuniorPrioritySecuredNotesAt6125PercentDue2030Member" xlink:label="cyh_JuniorPrioritySecuredNotesAt6125PercentDue2030Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt8PercentDue2026Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt8PercentDue2027Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="cyh_DebtInstrumentMaturityYear" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="cyh_JuniorPrioritySecuredNotesMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt5625Due2027Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt525Due2030Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_SeniorNotesAt6875PercentDue2028Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAtFourPointSevenFiveDue2031Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="6" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt6Due2029Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="7" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_SixPointEightSevenFivePercentageJuniorPrioritySecuredNotesDue2029Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="8" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_JuniorPrioritySecuredNotesAt6125PercentDue2030Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureLongTermDebtAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_AblFacilityCustomaryCovenantsMember" xlink:label="cyh_AblFacilityCustomaryCovenantsMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="srt_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_AssetBasedLoanFacilityMember" xlink:label="cyh_AssetBasedLoanFacilityMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCredit"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestPaidNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="cyh_AblFacilityCustomaryCovenantsMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_AssetBasedLoanFacilityMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCredit" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsScheduleOfEstimatedFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsByBalanceSheetGroupingDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesMember" xlink:label="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_SeniorNotesAt6875PercentDue2028Member" xlink:label="cyh_SeniorNotesAt6875PercentDue2028Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt8PercentDue2026Member" xlink:label="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt8PercentDue2026Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_JuniorPrioritySecuredNotesMember" xlink:label="cyh_JuniorPrioritySecuredNotesMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt8PercentDue2027Member" xlink:label="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt8PercentDue2027Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_TradingSecurities" xlink:label="us-gaap_TradingSecurities"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_AblFacilityAndOtherDebtMember" xlink:label="cyh_AblFacilityAndOtherDebtMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt5625Due2027Member" xlink:label="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt5625Due2027Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAtSixDue2029Member" xlink:label="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAtSixDue2029Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt525Due2030Member" xlink:label="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt525Due2030Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAtFourPointSevenFiveDue2031Member" xlink:label="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAtFourPointSevenFiveDue2031Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_SixPointEightSevenFivePercentageJuniorPrioritySecuredNotesDue2029Member" xlink:label="cyh_SixPointEightSevenFivePercentageJuniorPrioritySecuredNotesDue2029Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_JuniorPrioritySecuredNotesAt6125PercentDue2030Member" xlink:label="cyh_JuniorPrioritySecuredNotesAt6125PercentDue2030Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_SeniorNotesAt6875PercentDue2028Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt8PercentDue2026Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="cyh_JuniorPrioritySecuredNotesMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt8PercentDue2027Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_TradingSecurities" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="cyh_AblFacilityAndOtherDebtMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt5625Due2027Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAtSixDue2029Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAt525Due2030Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="6" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_SeniorSecuredNotesAtFourPointSevenFiveDue2031Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="7" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_SixPointEightSevenFivePercentageJuniorPrioritySecuredNotesDue2029Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="8" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="cyh_JuniorPrioritySecuredNotesAt6125PercentDue2030Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureFairValueScheduleOfFairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_TradingSecurities" xlink:label="us-gaap_TradingSecurities"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_TradingSecurities" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureLeasesSupplementalBalanceSheetInformationRelatedToLeasesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_FinanceLeasesAbstract" xlink:label="cyh_FinanceLeasesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesOperatingAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeasesOperatingAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LandAndLandImprovementsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_LandAndLandImprovementsMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_FinanceLeaseRouAssetsMember" xlink:label="cyh_FinanceLeaseRouAssetsMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssetStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssetStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrentStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrentStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrentStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrentStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="cyh_FinanceLeasesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeasesOperatingAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LeasesOperatingAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_LandAndLandImprovementsMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:to="cyh_FinanceLeaseRouAssetsMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="cyh_FinanceLeasesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeasesOperatingAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssetStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cyh_FinanceLeasesAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="cyh_FinanceLeasesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="cyh_FinanceLeasesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="cyh_FinanceLeasesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrentStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="cyh_FinanceLeasesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="6" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="cyh_FinanceLeasesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrentStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureStockholdersDeficitScheduleOfStockholdersDeficitDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsMember" xlink:label="cyh_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityFairValue"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_ComprehensiveIncomeLossIncludingPortionAttributableToNonredeemableNoncontrollingInterests" xlink:label="cyh_ComprehensiveIncomeLossIncludingPortionAttributableToNonredeemableNoncontrollingInterests"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_ComprehensiveIncomeLossAttributableToRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="cyh_ComprehensiveIncomeLossAttributableToRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_DistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestsNetOfContributions" xlink:label="cyh_DistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestsNetOfContributions"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_DistributionsToRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsNetOfContributions" xlink:label="cyh_DistributionsToRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsNetOfContributions"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestDecreaseFromDeconsolidation" xlink:label="cyh_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestDecreaseFromDeconsolidation"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_OtherReclassificationsOfNoncontrollingInterests" xlink:label="cyh_OtherReclassificationsOfNoncontrollingInterests"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_OtherReclassificationsOfRedeemableNoncontrollingInterests" xlink:label="cyh_OtherReclassificationsOfRedeemableNoncontrollingInterests"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_NoncontrollingInterestsInAcquiredEntity" xlink:label="cyh_NoncontrollingInterestsInAcquiredEntity"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestChangeInRedemptionValue" xlink:label="cyh_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestChangeInRedemptionValue"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_AdjustmentToAdditionalPaidInCapitalCancellationOfRestrictedStockForTaxWithholdingsOnVestedShares" xlink:label="cyh_AdjustmentToAdditionalPaidInCapitalCancellationOfRestrictedStockForTaxWithholdingsOnVestedShares"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="cyh_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityFairValue" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cyh_ComprehensiveIncomeLossIncludingPortionAttributableToNonredeemableNoncontrollingInterests" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cyh_ComprehensiveIncomeLossAttributableToRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cyh_DistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestsNetOfContributions" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cyh_DistributionsToRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsNetOfContributions" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="6" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cyh_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestDecreaseFromDeconsolidation" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="7" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="8" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="9" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cyh_OtherReclassificationsOfNoncontrollingInterests" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="10" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cyh_OtherReclassificationsOfRedeemableNoncontrollingInterests" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="11" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cyh_NoncontrollingInterestsInAcquiredEntity" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="12" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cyh_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestChangeInRedemptionValue" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="13" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="cyh_AdjustmentToAdditionalPaidInCapitalCancellationOfRestrictedStockForTaxWithholdingsOnVestedShares" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="14" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureContingenciesScheduleOfReconciliationOfBeginningAndEndingLiabilityBalancesInConnectionWithProbableContingenciesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualRollForward"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_OtherProbableContingenciesMember" xlink:label="cyh_OtherProbableContingenciesMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_PendingLitigationMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PendingLitigationMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualAtCarryingValue"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualProvision" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualProvision"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_LossContingencyAccrualReserveForInsuredClaim" xlink:label="cyh_LossContingencyAccrualReserveForInsuredClaim"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualPayments" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualPayments"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualRollForward" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:to="cyh_OtherProbableContingenciesMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PendingLitigationMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualAtCarryingValue" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualProvision" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="cyh_LossContingencyAccrualReserveForInsuredClaim" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualPayments" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.chs.net/20230930/taxonomy/role/Role_DisclosureSubsequentEventsAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_PlateauMedicalCenterMember" xlink:label="cyh_PlateauMedicalCenterMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_NumberOfLicensedBeds" xlink:label="cyh_NumberOfLicensedBeds"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_MedicalCenterOfSouthArkansasMember" xlink:label="cyh_MedicalCenterOfSouthArkansasMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_ProceedsFromSaleOfAffiliatesAssets" xlink:label="cyh_ProceedsFromSaleOfAffiliatesAssets"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_BraveraHealthBrooksvilleMember" xlink:label="cyh_BraveraHealthBrooksvilleMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_BraveraHealthSevenRiversMember" xlink:label="cyh_BraveraHealthSevenRiversMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="cyh-20230930.xsd#cyh_BraveraHealthSpringHillMember" xlink:label="cyh_BraveraHealthSpringHillMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="cyh_PlateauMedicalCenterMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="cyh_NumberOfLicensedBeds" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="cyh_MedicalCenterOfSouthArkansasMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="cyh_ProceedsFromSaleOfAffiliatesAssets" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="cyh_BraveraHealthBrooksvilleMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="cyh_BraveraHealthSevenRiversMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="cyh_BraveraHealthSpringHillMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/eedm/ExtensibleEnumerationLists">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
</link:linkbase>
