<?xml version="1.0" encoding="US-ASCII"?>
<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!-- -->
<link:linkbase xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAociBalancesDetails2" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAociBalancesDetails2" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossComponentsOfOciDetails1" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossComponentsOfOciDetails1" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationsOutOfAociDetails3" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationsOutOfAociDetails3" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTables" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/AcquisitionsAndDispositionsOfBusinesses" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#AcquisitionsAndDispositionsOfBusinesses" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/AcquisitionsAndDispositionsOfBusinessesAcquisitionsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#AcquisitionsAndDispositionsOfBusinessesAcquisitionsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/AcquisitionsAndDispositionsOfBusinessesAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDetails1" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#AcquisitionsAndDispositionsOfBusinessesAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDetails1" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/AcquisitionsAndDispositionsOfBusinessesDispositionsAndOtherNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#AcquisitionsAndDispositionsOfBusinessesDispositionsAndOtherNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/AcquisitionsAndDispositionsOfBusinessesProFormaFinancialsDetails2" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#AcquisitionsAndDispositionsOfBusinessesProFormaFinancialsDetails2" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/AcquisitionsAndDispositionsOfBusinessesTables" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#AcquisitionsAndDispositionsOfBusinessesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/BusinessSegments" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#BusinessSegments" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/BusinessSegmentsInformationByOperatingSegmentDetails1" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#BusinessSegmentsInformationByOperatingSegmentDetails1" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/BusinessSegmentsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#BusinessSegmentsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/BusinessSegmentsTables" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#BusinessSegmentsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/Contingencies" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#Contingencies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/ContingenciesDetails" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/Debt" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#Debt" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/DebtDetails1" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#DebtDetails1" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/DebtNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#DebtNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/DebtTables" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#DebtTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails1" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#EarningsPerShareDetails1" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails2" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#EarningsPerShareDetails2" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/EarningsPerShareNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#EarningsPerShareNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsDetails1" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsDetails1" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssets" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsChangesInCarryingAmountOfGoodwillDetails1" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsChangesInCarryingAmountOfGoodwillDetails1" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsOtherIntangibleAssetsDetails2" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsOtherIntangibleAssetsDetails2" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/Investments" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#Investments" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/InvestmentsInvestmentsInMarketableEquitySecuritiesDetails1" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#InvestmentsInvestmentsInMarketableEquitySecuritiesDetails1" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/InvestmentsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#InvestmentsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/InvestmentsTables" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#InvestmentsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/OrganizationBasisOfPresentationAndRecentAccountingPronouncements" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#OrganizationBasisOfPresentationAndRecentAccountingPronouncements" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/OrganizationBasisOfPresentationAndRecentAccountingPronouncementsOrganizationAndBasisOfPresentationNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#OrganizationBasisOfPresentationAndRecentAccountingPronouncementsOrganizationAndBasisOfPresentationNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/OrganizationBasisOfPresentationAndRecentAccountingPronouncementsPolicies" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#OrganizationBasisOfPresentationAndRecentAccountingPronouncementsPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/OrganizationBasisOfPresentationAndRecentAccountingPronouncementsRecentAccountingPronouncementsDetails1" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#OrganizationBasisOfPresentationAndRecentAccountingPronouncementsRecentAccountingPronouncementsDetails1" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/OrganizationBasisOfPresentationAndRecentAccountingPronouncementsRecentAccountingPronouncementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#OrganizationBasisOfPresentationAndRecentAccountingPronouncementsRecentAccountingPronouncementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/OrganizationBasisOfPresentationAndRecentAccountingPronouncementsRecentAccountingPronouncementsdetails2" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#OrganizationBasisOfPresentationAndRecentAccountingPronouncementsRecentAccountingPronouncementsdetails2" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/OrganizationBasisOfPresentationAndRecentAccountingPronouncementsTables" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#OrganizationBasisOfPresentationAndRecentAccountingPronouncementsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/OtherNonOperatingIncome" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#OtherNonOperatingIncome" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/OtherNonOperatingIncomeDetails1" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#OtherNonOperatingIncomeDetails1" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/OtherNonOperatingIncomeNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#OtherNonOperatingIncomeNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/OtherNonOperatingIncomeTables" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#OtherNonOperatingIncomeTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/PensionAndPostretirementPlans" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#PensionAndPostretirementPlans" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/PensionAndPostretirementPlansAssetAllocationDetails2" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#PensionAndPostretirementPlansAssetAllocationDetails2" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/PensionAndPostretirementPlansNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#PensionAndPostretirementPlansNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/PensionAndPostretirementPlansTables" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#PensionAndPostretirementPlansTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/PensionAndPostretirementPlansTotalBenefitCostDetails1" xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#PensionAndPostretirementPlansTotalBenefitCostDetails1" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAociBalancesDetails2" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_6AB86AA20F315F8282007FA9797AEFB1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_D8E204C15C5491796C547FA97979AF85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_6AB86AA20F315F8282007FA9797AEFB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_D8E204C15C5491796C547FA97979AF85" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_BAF07FD641F20AE02A5E7FA97979D039" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_D8E204C15C5491796C547FA97979AF85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_BAF07FD641F20AE02A5E7FA97979D039" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_4F1B7A28CB8CCB0C5BB77FA9797AEE5D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_BAF07FD641F20AE02A5E7FA97979D039" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_4F1B7A28CB8CCB0C5BB77FA9797AEE5D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_4F1B7A28CB8CCB0C5BB77FA9797AEE5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_BAF07FD641F20AE02A5E7FA97979D039" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_4F1B7A28CB8CCB0C5BB77FA9797AEE5D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AociIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AociIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember_DB42E78DBABB4A4F7E287FA9797A1D2E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_4F1B7A28CB8CCB0C5BB77FA9797AEE5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AociIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember_DB42E78DBABB4A4F7E287FA9797A1D2E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember_F4AADC2A821E96A794627FA9797A57B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AociIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember_DB42E78DBABB4A4F7E287FA9797A1D2E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember_F4AADC2A821E96A794627FA9797A57B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember_F779168498FDBF3DCE507FA9797A3972" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AociIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember_DB42E78DBABB4A4F7E287FA9797A1D2E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember_F779168498FDBF3DCE507FA9797A3972" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_43ACDBECC8806667CB4F7FA9797A30B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AociIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember_DB42E78DBABB4A4F7E287FA9797A1D2E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_43ACDBECC8806667CB4F7FA9797A30B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedNetGainLossFromDesignatedOrQualifyingCashFlowHedgesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetGainLossFromDesignatedOrQualifyingCashFlowHedgesMember_72A67FC4E356EB56444E7FA9797AD844" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AociIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember_DB42E78DBABB4A4F7E287FA9797A1D2E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetGainLossFromDesignatedOrQualifyingCashFlowHedgesMember_72A67FC4E356EB56444E7FA9797AD844" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_101E24D793300FF94D797FA9797BB2B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_6AB86AA20F315F8282007FA9797AEFB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_101E24D793300FF94D797FA9797BB2B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_C4F754705BCE94973E227FA9797BF026" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_101E24D793300FF94D797FA9797BB2B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_C4F754705BCE94973E227FA9797BF026" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax_5ABEC2F831CA654D281F7FA9797B6308" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_101E24D793300FF94D797FA9797BB2B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax_5ABEC2F831CA654D281F7FA9797B6308" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_AA4CB488B68087DF863E7FA9797BAC54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_101E24D793300FF94D797FA9797BB2B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_AA4CB488B68087DF863E7FA9797BAC54" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_7F5AD95916A01448DF757FA9797B38DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_101E24D793300FF94D797FA9797BB2B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_7F5AD95916A01448DF757FA9797B38DF" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossComponentsOfOciDetails1" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ghc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_3213CFC32D577840364E7FA9798E0134" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" xlink:label="loc_ghc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_21DF849A22F1D79555607FA9798DE932" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ghc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_3213CFC32D577840364E7FA9798E0134" xlink:to="loc_ghc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_21DF849A22F1D79555607FA9798DE932" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_8F3D445CB0596048FDEC7FA9798D4C8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_21DF849A22F1D79555607FA9798DE932" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_8F3D445CB0596048FDEC7FA9798D4C8F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_E06481919E8B978C39257FA9798D8477_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_8F3D445CB0596048FDEC7FA9798D4C8F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_E06481919E8B978C39257FA9798D8477_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_E06481919E8B978C39257FA9798D8477" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_8F3D445CB0596048FDEC7FA9798D4C8F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_E06481919E8B978C39257FA9798D8477" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember_E30660B827C1FBA8C0597FA9798D31E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_E06481919E8B978C39257FA9798D8477" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember_E30660B827C1FBA8C0597FA9798D31E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember_006E9A35011F3D2F01D17FA9798D2B32" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_E06481919E8B978C39257FA9798D8477" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember_006E9A35011F3D2F01D17FA9798D2B32" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_617DC1A3F85A38C44D707FA9798D9E03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_E06481919E8B978C39257FA9798D8477" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_617DC1A3F85A38C44D707FA9798D9E03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetPriorServiceCostCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetPriorServiceCostCreditMember_57AF8286A3526B38DFCA7FA9798D41C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_617DC1A3F85A38C44D707FA9798D9E03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetPriorServiceCostCreditMember_57AF8286A3526B38DFCA7FA9798D41C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetUnamortizedGainLossMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetUnamortizedGainLossMember_DFD01EC7F9E716F89F1B7FA9798E4381" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_617DC1A3F85A38C44D707FA9798D9E03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetUnamortizedGainLossMember_DFD01EC7F9E716F89F1B7FA9798E4381" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentCurtailmentGainsIncludedInNetIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentCurtailmentGainsIncludedInNetIncomeMember_8BB636D60B200DFC356B7FA9798E86E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_617DC1A3F85A38C44D707FA9798D9E03" xlink:to="loc_ghc_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentCurtailmentGainsIncludedInNetIncomeMember_8BB636D60B200DFC356B7FA9798E86E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentCurtailmentAndSettlementIncludedInDistributionMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentCurtailmentAndSettlementIncludedInDistributionMember_520081E2E3DD7B2C343D7FA9798ED7CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_617DC1A3F85A38C44D707FA9798D9E03" xlink:to="loc_ghc_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentCurtailmentAndSettlementIncludedInDistributionMember_520081E2E3DD7B2C343D7FA9798ED7CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedNetGainLossFromDesignatedOrQualifyingCashFlowHedgesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetGainLossFromDesignatedOrQualifyingCashFlowHedgesMember_66560F98320DE1FF34E07FA9798E7E63" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_E06481919E8B978C39257FA9798D8477" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetGainLossFromDesignatedOrQualifyingCashFlowHedgesMember_66560F98320DE1FF34E07FA9798E7E63" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsBeforeTax_5152184CC9767FDF03F37FA9798EBD86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_3213CFC32D577840364E7FA9798E0134" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsBeforeTax_5152184CC9767FDF03F37FA9798EBD86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsTax_E53ABF16A07048F1DFBA7FA9798E111B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_3213CFC32D577840364E7FA9798E0134" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsTax_E53ABF16A07048F1DFBA7FA9798E111B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax_82689AB43D3F0949991E7FA9798ECA3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_3213CFC32D577840364E7FA9798E0134" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax_82689AB43D3F0949991E7FA9798ECA3F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodBeforeTax_20B87CB30C7B6DE030097FA9798E6DD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_3213CFC32D577840364E7FA9798E0134" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodBeforeTax_20B87CB30C7B6DE030097FA9798E6DD9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodTax_CED530C166BDA39366BC7FA9798F749F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_3213CFC32D577840364E7FA9798E0134" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodTax_CED530C166BDA39366BC7FA9798F749F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_A7EE68668A049C1C9D377FA9798F5483" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_3213CFC32D577840364E7FA9798E0134" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_A7EE68668A049C1C9D377FA9798F5483" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTax_7A8EAA759A275A061D927FA979926C43" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_3213CFC32D577840364E7FA9798E0134" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTax_7A8EAA759A275A061D927FA979926C43" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTax_CEE9AD105E0E0B723C5C7FA9799256BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_3213CFC32D577840364E7FA9798E0134" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTax_CEE9AD105E0E0B723C5C7FA9799256BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_8AAF5784E6B8C7D81F057FA979929832" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_3213CFC32D577840364E7FA9798E0134" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_8AAF5784E6B8C7D81F057FA979929832" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationsOutOfAociDetails3" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_13980EFB4B17A5C3340180421A393847" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable_40A4A03FA6B46340D41A80421A38147B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_13980EFB4B17A5C3340180421A393847" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable_40A4A03FA6B46340D41A80421A38147B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_72E5B3926C6F855E914B80421A389861" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable_40A4A03FA6B46340D41A80421A38147B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_72E5B3926C6F855E914B80421A389861" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_054BD6CF449A6DF5FBBD80421A38F810_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_72E5B3926C6F855E914B80421A389861" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_054BD6CF449A6DF5FBBD80421A38F810_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_054BD6CF449A6DF5FBBD80421A38F810" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_72E5B3926C6F855E914B80421A389861" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_054BD6CF449A6DF5FBBD80421A38F810" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember_C356ABC3648E03EE372280421A386B2D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_054BD6CF449A6DF5FBBD80421A38F810" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember_C356ABC3648E03EE372280421A386B2D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember_3A93E1D157C282161A0E80421A38AFD2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_054BD6CF449A6DF5FBBD80421A38F810" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember_3A93E1D157C282161A0E80421A38AFD2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_61124E14E7F24FCC4E3280421A384691" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_054BD6CF449A6DF5FBBD80421A38F810" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_61124E14E7F24FCC4E3280421A384691" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetPriorServiceCostCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetPriorServiceCostCreditMember_F7FDB55EC50917AC6F6180421A38A024" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_61124E14E7F24FCC4E3280421A384691" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetPriorServiceCostCreditMember_F7FDB55EC50917AC6F6180421A38A024" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetUnamortizedGainLossMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetUnamortizedGainLossMember_045B9DC593CED26C73FF80421A39359A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_61124E14E7F24FCC4E3280421A384691" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetUnamortizedGainLossMember_045B9DC593CED26C73FF80421A39359A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentCurtailmentGainsIncludedInNetIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentCurtailmentGainsIncludedInNetIncomeMember_5BEE37030C71799153AE80421A39FD58" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_61124E14E7F24FCC4E3280421A384691" xlink:to="loc_ghc_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentCurtailmentGainsIncludedInNetIncomeMember_5BEE37030C71799153AE80421A39FD58" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedNetGainLossFromDesignatedOrQualifyingCashFlowHedgesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetGainLossFromDesignatedOrQualifyingCashFlowHedgesMember_06AE9D21860410CCA42080421A3920A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_054BD6CF449A6DF5FBBD80421A38F810" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetGainLossFromDesignatedOrQualifyingCashFlowHedgesMember_06AE9D21860410CCA42080421A3920A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_286B03A6844C9117FBE380421A39AD68" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable_40A4A03FA6B46340D41A80421A38147B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_286B03A6844C9117FBE380421A39AD68" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_C14952C5A19A5E2C0FEF80421A398E1C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_286B03A6844C9117FBE380421A39AD68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_C14952C5A19A5E2C0FEF80421A398E1C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_C14952C5A19A5E2C0FEF80421A398E1C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_286B03A6844C9117FBE380421A39AD68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_C14952C5A19A5E2C0FEF80421A398E1C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_9D7C82861401043F077C80421A39BF60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_C14952C5A19A5E2C0FEF80421A398E1C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_9D7C82861401043F077C80421A39BF60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_6B5C74CEB2587AC3D21980421A39E5FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_13980EFB4B17A5C3340180421A393847" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_6B5C74CEB2587AC3D21980421A39E5FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodBeforeTax_234F1BA9558F773FAF0D80421A39E0BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_13980EFB4B17A5C3340180421A393847" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodBeforeTax_234F1BA9558F773FAF0D80421A39E0BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodTax_E3BDEBB1A54325B00F2780421A3A1465" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_13980EFB4B17A5C3340180421A393847" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodTax_E3BDEBB1A54325B00F2780421A3A1465" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_80E3F9CB8E5ACE7DBE5D80421A3A96C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_13980EFB4B17A5C3340180421A393847" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_80E3F9CB8E5ACE7DBE5D80421A3A96C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_85E620E5254988EE4F1480421A3A50F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_13980EFB4B17A5C3340180421A393847" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_85E620E5254988EE4F1480421A3A50F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_78B3BC73E5A5DA83EE8B80421A3AF489" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_13980EFB4B17A5C3340180421A393847" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_78B3BC73E5A5DA83EE8B80421A3AF489" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_09A4534A5C4F9B8C9B8D80421A3AF40C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_13980EFB4B17A5C3340180421A393847" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_09A4534A5C4F9B8C9B8D80421A3AF40C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/AcquisitionsAndDispositionsOfBusinesses" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/AcquisitionsAndDispositionsOfBusinessesAcquisitionsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B83A74A8EAE66C9446A880305610C284" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_CA5B5561511EA8B586FF8030560DC542" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B83A74A8EAE66C9446A880305610C284" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_CA5B5561511EA8B586FF8030560DC542" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OwnershipAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OwnershipAxis_7C60170EC67AFD2EE9648030560D908E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_CA5B5561511EA8B586FF8030560DC542" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OwnershipAxis_7C60170EC67AFD2EE9648030560D908E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OwnershipDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OwnershipDomain_122C348CBEA558D9CA508030560EF321_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OwnershipAxis_7C60170EC67AFD2EE9648030560D908E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OwnershipDomain_122C348CBEA558D9CA508030560EF321_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OwnershipDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OwnershipDomain_122C348CBEA558D9CA508030560EF321" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OwnershipAxis_7C60170EC67AFD2EE9648030560D908E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OwnershipDomain_122C348CBEA558D9CA508030560EF321" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_HometownHomeHealthandHospiceMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_HometownHomeHealthandHospiceMember_51A5802F8C1D3E97C2A68030560EBC9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OwnershipDomain_122C348CBEA558D9CA508030560EF321" xlink:to="loc_ghc_HometownHomeHealthandHospiceMember_51A5802F8C1D3E97C2A68030560EBC9B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_HooverTreatedWoodProductsMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_HooverTreatedWoodProductsMember_30FFA9A1288A6C516C198030560EFA49" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OwnershipDomain_122C348CBEA558D9CA508030560EF321" xlink:to="loc_ghc_HooverTreatedWoodProductsMember_30FFA9A1288A6C516C198030560EFA49" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_GenesisMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_GenesisMember_E54B36692213639030FB8030560E0718" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OwnershipDomain_122C348CBEA558D9CA508030560EF321" xlink:to="loc_ghc_GenesisMember_E54B36692213639030FB8030560E0718" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_RedMarkerMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_RedMarkerMember_ECBFBE2D9D3EA078BC1F8030560EBD38" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OwnershipDomain_122C348CBEA558D9CA508030560EF321" xlink:to="loc_ghc_RedMarkerMember_ECBFBE2D9D3EA078BC1F8030560EBD38" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_ManderPortmanWoodwardMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ManderPortmanWoodwardMember_808FA4EA9B859819161B8030560E0C5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OwnershipDomain_122C348CBEA558D9CA508030560EF321" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ManderPortmanWoodwardMember_808FA4EA9B859819161B8030560E0C5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_OsborneBooksMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_OsborneBooksMember_C1F8396ED62302D3244E8030560E9E44" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OwnershipDomain_122C348CBEA558D9CA508030560EF321" xlink:to="loc_ghc_OsborneBooksMember_C1F8396ED62302D3244E8030560E9E44" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_ElectriCableAssembliesMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ElectriCableAssembliesMember_8E13D1388C8B74A804738030560EF136" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OwnershipDomain_122C348CBEA558D9CA508030560EF321" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ElectriCableAssembliesMember_8E13D1388C8B74A804738030560EF136" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_B9B84716FB006B87B5348030560E732C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_CA5B5561511EA8B586FF8030560DC542" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_B9B84716FB006B87B5348030560E732C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_5EB4FD377ACAF0589C348030560E4C2B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_B9B84716FB006B87B5348030560E732C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_5EB4FD377ACAF0589C348030560E4C2B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_5EB4FD377ACAF0589C348030560E4C2B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_B9B84716FB006B87B5348030560E732C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_5EB4FD377ACAF0589C348030560E4C2B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_D1CA9B37CD4A1FD3C2BE8030560E1679" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_5EB4FD377ACAF0589C348030560E4C2B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_D1CA9B37CD4A1FD3C2BE8030560E1679" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6EDCB233D7575DD0554D8030560ED293" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_CA5B5561511EA8B586FF8030560DC542" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6EDCB233D7575DD0554D8030560ED293" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_DEBADD7FE2577D79CA9C8030560E607D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6EDCB233D7575DD0554D8030560ED293" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_DEBADD7FE2577D79CA9C8030560E607D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_DEBADD7FE2577D79CA9C8030560E607D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6EDCB233D7575DD0554D8030560ED293" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_DEBADD7FE2577D79CA9C8030560E607D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_ResidentialHealthcareGroupIncMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ResidentialHealthcareGroupIncMember_118452A7FE04E9AE904C8030560E66A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_DEBADD7FE2577D79CA9C8030560E607D" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ResidentialHealthcareGroupIncMember_118452A7FE04E9AE904C8030560E66A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_6DBC39DA32AB543A63038030560E9380" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_CA5B5561511EA8B586FF8030560DC542" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_6DBC39DA32AB543A63038030560E9380" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_C5A9CF7441A7C43171D58030560F05EC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_6DBC39DA32AB543A63038030560E9380" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_C5A9CF7441A7C43171D58030560F05EC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_C5A9CF7441A7C43171D58030560F05EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_6DBC39DA32AB543A63038030560E9380" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_C5A9CF7441A7C43171D58030560F05EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_ResidentialHospiceIllinoisMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ResidentialHospiceIllinoisMember_324B6B723554E0F50F898030560F0047" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_C5A9CF7441A7C43171D58030560F05EC" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ResidentialHospiceIllinoisMember_324B6B723554E0F50F898030560F0047" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_ResidentialHomeHealthIllinoisMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ResidentialHomeHealthIllinoisMember_9022A45CAB3BB936E5188030560F270A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_C5A9CF7441A7C43171D58030560F05EC" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ResidentialHomeHealthIllinoisMember_9022A45CAB3BB936E5188030560F270A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_F48C208D508B519511B48030560F1F7E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_CA5B5561511EA8B586FF8030560DC542" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_F48C208D508B519511B48030560F1F7E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_0947999EC1C124E6EA718030560F01B6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_F48C208D508B519511B48030560F1F7E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_0947999EC1C124E6EA718030560F01B6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_0947999EC1C124E6EA718030560F01B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_F48C208D508B519511B48030560F1F7E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_0947999EC1C124E6EA718030560F01B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_HometownHomeHealthandHospiceMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_HometownHomeHealthandHospiceMember_F893E34DA8D630DD77E18030560FBEEE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_0947999EC1C124E6EA718030560F01B6" xlink:to="loc_ghc_HometownHomeHealthandHospiceMember_F893E34DA8D630DD77E18030560FBEEE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_HooverTreatedWoodProductsMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_HooverTreatedWoodProductsMember_38453F149CF3FA440B3A8030560F5E84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_0947999EC1C124E6EA718030560F01B6" xlink:to="loc_ghc_HooverTreatedWoodProductsMember_38453F149CF3FA440B3A8030560F5E84" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_GenesisMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_GenesisMember_9F0F2F951024AEBA4D2C8030560F7D8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_0947999EC1C124E6EA718030560F01B6" xlink:to="loc_ghc_GenesisMember_9F0F2F951024AEBA4D2C8030560F7D8E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_RedMarkerMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_RedMarkerMember_1D61B645BABB980513CE8030560F7F45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_0947999EC1C124E6EA718030560F01B6" xlink:to="loc_ghc_RedMarkerMember_1D61B645BABB980513CE8030560F7F45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_ManderPortmanWoodwardMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ManderPortmanWoodwardMember_C366CA6D6493D8719F578030560FC40E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_0947999EC1C124E6EA718030560F01B6" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ManderPortmanWoodwardMember_C366CA6D6493D8719F578030560FC40E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_OsborneBooksMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_OsborneBooksMember_1100CF7120CA285AE0528030560FEEBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_0947999EC1C124E6EA718030560F01B6" xlink:to="loc_ghc_OsborneBooksMember_1100CF7120CA285AE0528030560FEEBF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_GroupDekkoMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_GroupDekkoMember_F96C08BCCCCF307AE34C8030560F7AD3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_0947999EC1C124E6EA718030560F01B6" xlink:to="loc_ghc_GroupDekkoMember_F96C08BCCCCF307AE34C8030560F7AD3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_ElectriCableAssembliesMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ElectriCableAssembliesMember_68237A8ECC8DA965EBF88030560FD6F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_GroupDekkoMember_F96C08BCCCCF307AE34C8030560F7AD3" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ElectriCableAssembliesMember_68237A8ECC8DA965EBF88030560FD6F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_SmartProsMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_SmartProsMember_32A1365F0B60C7737AFC8030560FCC1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_0947999EC1C124E6EA718030560F01B6" xlink:to="loc_ghc_SmartProsMember_32A1365F0B60C7737AFC8030560FCC1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_CurrentYearAcquisitionsMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CurrentYearAcquisitionsMember_8FB9F9EBED8A0D3056A48030560FCD63" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_0947999EC1C124E6EA718030560F01B6" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CurrentYearAcquisitionsMember_8FB9F9EBED8A0D3056A48030560FCD63" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_18FF642BBA8E1427749780305610BAC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_CA5B5561511EA8B586FF8030560DC542" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_18FF642BBA8E1427749780305610BAC8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_33136F938B0A3963A2F88030561012A7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_18FF642BBA8E1427749780305610BAC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_33136F938B0A3963A2F88030561012A7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_33136F938B0A3963A2F88030561012A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_18FF642BBA8E1427749780305610BAC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_33136F938B0A3963A2F88030561012A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_OtherBusinessesMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_OtherBusinessesMember_1A78554A155E016A9DE880305610913E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_33136F938B0A3963A2F88030561012A7" xlink:to="loc_ghc_OtherBusinessesMember_1A78554A155E016A9DE880305610913E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_EducationMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_EducationMember_A7EC442AFD2D7099B9BD803056106427" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_33136F938B0A3963A2F88030561012A7" xlink:to="loc_ghc_EducationMember_A7EC442AFD2D7099B9BD803056106427" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_TelevisionBroadcastingMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TelevisionBroadcastingMember_BF0483E922C57E85073B803056101473" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_33136F938B0A3963A2F88030561012A7" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TelevisionBroadcastingMember_BF0483E922C57E85073B803056101473" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_72E2F5B0C355D9E238A28030561020F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_CA5B5561511EA8B586FF8030560DC542" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_72E2F5B0C355D9E238A28030561020F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_4DDAA0E9FFDF506D21A4803056104915_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_72E2F5B0C355D9E238A28030561020F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_4DDAA0E9FFDF506D21A4803056104915_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_4DDAA0E9FFDF506D21A4803056104915" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_72E2F5B0C355D9E238A28030561020F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_4DDAA0E9FFDF506D21A4803056104915" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_TestPreparationMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TestPreparationMember_56A03E25E80825BDDDA2803056100BF3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_4DDAA0E9FFDF506D21A4803056104915" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TestPreparationMember_56A03E25E80825BDDDA2803056100BF3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_HigherEducationMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_HigherEducationMember_B32CBC63FA499C3C93A4803056102163" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_4DDAA0E9FFDF506D21A4803056104915" xlink:to="loc_ghc_HigherEducationMember_B32CBC63FA499C3C93A4803056102163" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_KaplanInternationalMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KaplanInternationalMember_5D5EA9BCC7E1C22F7B01803056104361" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_4DDAA0E9FFDF506D21A4803056104915" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KaplanInternationalMember_5D5EA9BCC7E1C22F7B01803056104361" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfBusinessesAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfBusinessesAcquired_90E600ADEA6D07883F0B803056106466" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B83A74A8EAE66C9446A880305610C284" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfBusinessesAcquired_90E600ADEA6D07883F0B803056106466" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_DD47EE84733A20573A8180305610E774" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B83A74A8EAE66C9446A880305610C284" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_DD47EE84733A20573A8180305610E774" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedPensionandOtherPostRetirementBenefitsLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_ghc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedPensionandOtherPostRetirementBenefitsLiabilities_8E286C90D83A83326E8180305610096A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B83A74A8EAE66C9446A880305610C284" xlink:to="loc_ghc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedPensionandOtherPostRetirementBenefitsLiabilities_8E286C90D83A83326E8180305610096A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_A12AF6F5B0D40F6E760880305610B7A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B83A74A8EAE66C9446A880305610C284" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_A12AF6F5B0D40F6E760880305610B7A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessthan100PercentRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestFairValue" xlink:label="loc_ghc_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessthan100PercentRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestFairValue_27613A5DC83C3E817F00803056108E3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B83A74A8EAE66C9446A880305610C284" xlink:to="loc_ghc_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessthan100PercentRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestFairValue_27613A5DC83C3E817F00803056108E3E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityTransactionCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityTransactionCosts_648061E1A11356281877803056113F6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B83A74A8EAE66C9446A880305610C284" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityTransactionCosts_648061E1A11356281877803056113F6A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillExpectedTaxDeductibleAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillExpectedTaxDeductibleAmount_6FD57CF195DF65B67FE880305611386D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B83A74A8EAE66C9446A880305610C284" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillExpectedTaxDeductibleAmount_6FD57CF195DF65B67FE880305611386D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationRevenueOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationRevenueOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual_44B069CF312302AF7ACE8030561152C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B83A74A8EAE66C9446A880305610C284" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationRevenueOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual_44B069CF312302AF7ACE8030561152C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationEarningsOrLossOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationEarningsOrLossOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual_4A5C950E496587DC559680305611A707" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B83A74A8EAE66C9446A880305610C284" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationEarningsOrLossOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual_4A5C950E496587DC559680305611A707" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillPurchaseAccountingAdjustments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillPurchaseAccountingAdjustments_079E28BFB89A1BC70D0F80305611C95D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B83A74A8EAE66C9446A880305610C284" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillPurchaseAccountingAdjustments_079E28BFB89A1BC70D0F80305611C95D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_NumberOfTelevisionStationsIncludedInAgreementToAcquire" xlink:label="loc_ghc_NumberOfTelevisionStationsIncludedInAgreementToAcquire_9E54817D49ECFA76A06580305611E7E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B83A74A8EAE66C9446A880305610C284" xlink:to="loc_ghc_NumberOfTelevisionStationsIncludedInAgreementToAcquire_9E54817D49ECFA76A06580305611E7E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_NumberofBusinessLines" xlink:label="loc_ghc_NumberofBusinessLines_27ADE2E7BF667D5E99B6803056119448" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B83A74A8EAE66C9446A880305610C284" xlink:to="loc_ghc_NumberofBusinessLines_27ADE2E7BF667D5E99B6803056119448" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_AAF98805436E2B256C178030561163C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_B83A74A8EAE66C9446A880305610C284" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_AAF98805436E2B256C178030561163C8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/AcquisitionsAndDispositionsOfBusinessesAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDetails1" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BDABD1AAD7CF6ED51A8F895A1B61342E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_0AE28281EE120F020E06895A1B611FB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BDABD1AAD7CF6ED51A8F895A1B61342E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_0AE28281EE120F020E06895A1B611FB6" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_C4AA72F7B45B037FC331895A1B617A67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_0AE28281EE120F020E06895A1B611FB6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_C4AA72F7B45B037FC331895A1B617A67" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_9E104516B7CB14F6CE0A895A1B61D170_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_C4AA72F7B45B037FC331895A1B617A67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_9E104516B7CB14F6CE0A895A1B61D170_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_9E104516B7CB14F6CE0A895A1B61D170" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_C4AA72F7B45B037FC331895A1B617A67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_9E104516B7CB14F6CE0A895A1B61D170" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_E33B4A95A71C7157416F895A1B619E1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_9E104516B7CB14F6CE0A895A1B61D170" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_E33B4A95A71C7157416F895A1B619E1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TrademarksAndTradeNamesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TrademarksAndTradeNamesMember_A4192EDB24F071AE950E895A1B611E80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_9E104516B7CB14F6CE0A895A1B61D170" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TrademarksAndTradeNamesMember_A4192EDB24F071AE950E895A1B611E80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember_9C5B446641FCEF0D9531895A1B6182FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_9E104516B7CB14F6CE0A895A1B61D170" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember_9C5B446641FCEF0D9531895A1B6182FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember_4A52A5964D3FA4E2D576895A1B6103AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_9E104516B7CB14F6CE0A895A1B61D170" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember_4A52A5964D3FA4E2D576895A1B6103AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DatabasesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DatabasesMember_C06EFA5A3188893AF8E4895A1B61B361" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_9E104516B7CB14F6CE0A895A1B61D170" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DatabasesMember_C06EFA5A3188893AF8E4895A1B61B361" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_307476C506EDA074A819895A1B61902F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_0AE28281EE120F020E06895A1B611FB6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_307476C506EDA074A819895A1B61902F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_DB87D6373E9A2610461F895A1B612411_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_307476C506EDA074A819895A1B61902F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_DB87D6373E9A2610461F895A1B612411_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_DB87D6373E9A2610461F895A1B612411" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_307476C506EDA074A819895A1B61902F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_DB87D6373E9A2610461F895A1B612411" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TrademarksAndTradeNamesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TrademarksAndTradeNamesMember_D7015D6756358E3AD22B895A1B61A601" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_DB87D6373E9A2610461F895A1B612411" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TrademarksAndTradeNamesMember_D7015D6756358E3AD22B895A1B61A601" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember_4BE49B2DB2BD3914FED5895A1B61FDF2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_DB87D6373E9A2610461F895A1B612411" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember_4BE49B2DB2BD3914FED5895A1B61FDF2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_518A23BAD5AF3742D343895A1B61116B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_0AE28281EE120F020E06895A1B611FB6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_518A23BAD5AF3742D343895A1B61116B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_E10D194C164D8DB8F4E2895A1B616A64_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_518A23BAD5AF3742D343895A1B61116B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_E10D194C164D8DB8F4E2895A1B616A64_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_E10D194C164D8DB8F4E2895A1B616A64" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_518A23BAD5AF3742D343895A1B61116B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_E10D194C164D8DB8F4E2895A1B616A64" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesOfIndividuallyImmaterialBusinessAcquisitionsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesOfIndividuallyImmaterialBusinessAcquisitionsMember_5D91F40A1F8E04A99E3E895A1B613A94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_E10D194C164D8DB8F4E2895A1B616A64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesOfIndividuallyImmaterialBusinessAcquisitionsMember_5D91F40A1F8E04A99E3E895A1B613A94" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables_56BFE7B1C4D19C79A5A5895A1B61A826" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BDABD1AAD7CF6ED51A8F895A1B61342E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables_56BFE7B1C4D19C79A5A5895A1B61A826" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedInventory" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedInventory_B9C6312680C31EBE745B895A1B61C616" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BDABD1AAD7CF6ED51A8F895A1B61342E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedInventory_B9C6312680C31EBE745B895A1B61C616" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsOther" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsOther_0699B808506ECCC805A0895A1B614765" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BDABD1AAD7CF6ED51A8F895A1B61342E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsOther_0699B808506ECCC805A0895A1B614765" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment_575FEDE4299D48AD35FC895A1B61A752" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BDABD1AAD7CF6ED51A8F895A1B61342E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment_575FEDE4299D48AD35FC895A1B61A752" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_45908B8485AAC3C40C76895A1B61A75B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BDABD1AAD7CF6ED51A8F895A1B61342E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_45908B8485AAC3C40C76895A1B61A75B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssets_F7BF3BF17A370887178C895A1B615FB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BDABD1AAD7CF6ED51A8F895A1B61342E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssets_F7BF3BF17A370887178C895A1B615FB4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles_3F65972B0A19D5375C9E895A1B611A07" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BDABD1AAD7CF6ED51A8F895A1B61342E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles_3F65972B0A19D5375C9E895A1B611A07" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedPensionandOtherPostRetirementBenefitsLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_ghc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedPensionandOtherPostRetirementBenefitsLiabilities_538E4A6D514493857177895A1B616EE0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BDABD1AAD7CF6ED51A8F895A1B61342E" xlink:to="loc_ghc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedPensionandOtherPostRetirementBenefitsLiabilities_538E4A6D514493857177895A1B616EE0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_E54E9747AA148C058CF2895A1B61F9F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BDABD1AAD7CF6ED51A8F895A1B61342E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_E54E9747AA148C058CF2895A1B61F9F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxLiabilities_212C77817C492D773AE9895A1B6148C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BDABD1AAD7CF6ED51A8F895A1B61342E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxLiabilities_212C77817C492D773AE9895A1B6148C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessthan100PercentRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestFairValue" xlink:label="loc_ghc_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessthan100PercentRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestFairValue_1F85558F48D6A3626007895A1B613975" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BDABD1AAD7CF6ED51A8F895A1B61342E" xlink:to="loc_ghc_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessthan100PercentRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestFairValue_1F85558F48D6A3626007895A1B613975" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillandLiabilitiesAssumedLessNoncontrollingInterestNetOfCashReceived" xlink:label="loc_ghc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillandLiabilitiesAssumedLessNoncontrollingInterestNetOfCashReceived_47C560B8243C2A722D35895A1B61075C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BDABD1AAD7CF6ED51A8F895A1B61342E" xlink:to="loc_ghc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillandLiabilitiesAssumedLessNoncontrollingInterestNetOfCashReceived_47C560B8243C2A722D35895A1B61075C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedLessNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedLessNoncontrollingInterest_A47AC8014FA0B68E7E87895A1B615EE6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BDABD1AAD7CF6ED51A8F895A1B61342E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedLessNoncontrollingInterest_A47AC8014FA0B68E7E87895A1B615EE6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilities_3BB6B866F7B5591B34B3895A1B61CD68" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BDABD1AAD7CF6ED51A8F895A1B61342E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilities_3BB6B866F7B5591B34B3895A1B61CD68" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets_19B47F1971A61A8DACC2895A1B61CF5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BDABD1AAD7CF6ED51A8F895A1B61342E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets_19B47F1971A61A8DACC2895A1B61CF5D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents_31893DDA6CC4B4BCE7E0895A1B615088" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BDABD1AAD7CF6ED51A8F895A1B61342E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents_31893DDA6CC4B4BCE7E0895A1B615088" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife_6F5F3B511844697003CC895A1B614F5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BDABD1AAD7CF6ED51A8F895A1B61342E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife_6F5F3B511844697003CC895A1B614F5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedInvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures" xlink:label="loc_ghc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedInvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_82F74E9829C67DB1E93E895A1B61B85B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_BDABD1AAD7CF6ED51A8F895A1B61342E" xlink:to="loc_ghc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedInvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_82F74E9829C67DB1E93E895A1B61B85B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/AcquisitionsAndDispositionsOfBusinessesDispositionsAndOtherNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_4E5BA039086BEE94AE4B9EE705E2DE80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_3F735DB4D4BD560F9E149EE705DFFF39" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_4E5BA039086BEE94AE4B9EE705E2DE80" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_3F735DB4D4BD560F9E149EE705DFFF39" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_D9452CF474688AFAAC819EE705DFED1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_3F735DB4D4BD560F9E149EE705DFFF39" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_D9452CF474688AFAAC819EE705DFED1B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_CB394FB3300422DAC71C9EE705DFCEC1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_D9452CF474688AFAAC819EE705DFED1B" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_CB394FB3300422DAC71C9EE705DFCEC1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_CB394FB3300422DAC71C9EE705DFCEC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_D9452CF474688AFAAC819EE705DFED1B" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_CB394FB3300422DAC71C9EE705DFCEC1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_KHECampusesMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KHECampusesMember_E09205347D2ABAC6EDD49EE705DF94D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_CB394FB3300422DAC71C9EE705DFCEC1" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KHECampusesMember_E09205347D2ABAC6EDD49EE705DF94D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_KaplanChinaMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KaplanChinaMember_3AF7CE3EFA08B5B65EA19EE705E0DC1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_CB394FB3300422DAC71C9EE705DFCEC1" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KaplanChinaMember_3AF7CE3EFA08B5B65EA19EE705E0DC1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_CelticHealthcareIncMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CelticHealthcareIncMember_0439056DB20152A8E2AD9EE705E02A32" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_CB394FB3300422DAC71C9EE705DFCEC1" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CelticHealthcareIncMember_0439056DB20152A8E2AD9EE705E02A32" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_ResidentialHealthcareGroupIncMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ResidentialHealthcareGroupIncMember_4A552B46D553E4663B4D9EE705E03745" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_CB394FB3300422DAC71C9EE705DFCEC1" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ResidentialHealthcareGroupIncMember_4A552B46D553E4663B4D9EE705E03745" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember_9B24C0329C7E38A9EDFD9EE705E071D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_CB394FB3300422DAC71C9EE705DFCEC1" xlink:to="loc_ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember_9B24C0329C7E38A9EDFD9EE705E071D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_295BD74F1859ABCE981F9EE705E18571" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_3F735DB4D4BD560F9E149EE705DFFF39" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_295BD74F1859ABCE981F9EE705E18571" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5B619D5F5DB4250903B49EE705E1D0B6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_295BD74F1859ABCE981F9EE705E18571" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5B619D5F5DB4250903B49EE705E1D0B6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5B619D5F5DB4250903B49EE705E1D0B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_295BD74F1859ABCE981F9EE705E18571" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5B619D5F5DB4250903B49EE705E1D0B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_EducationMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_EducationMember_9035F7E2A6EFBEDC762B9EE705E147AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5B619D5F5DB4250903B49EE705E1D0B6" xlink:to="loc_ghc_EducationMember_9035F7E2A6EFBEDC762B9EE705E147AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_33576710EA8A632C7EC69EE705E1EDF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_3F735DB4D4BD560F9E149EE705DFFF39" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_33576710EA8A632C7EC69EE705E1EDF8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_AE2F0F7478BE4A2920B39EE705E17D7E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_33576710EA8A632C7EC69EE705E1EDF8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_AE2F0F7478BE4A2920B39EE705E17D7E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_AE2F0F7478BE4A2920B39EE705E17D7E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_33576710EA8A632C7EC69EE705E1EDF8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_AE2F0F7478BE4A2920B39EE705E17D7E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_HigherEducationMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_HigherEducationMember_663EED20E011AD9411579EE705E1FC33" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_AE2F0F7478BE4A2920B39EE705E17D7E" xlink:to="loc_ghc_HigherEducationMember_663EED20E011AD9411579EE705E1FC33" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_KaplanInternationalMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KaplanInternationalMember_90D8D5B6880C549ABA609EE705E18E43" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_AE2F0F7478BE4A2920B39EE705E17D7E" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KaplanInternationalMember_90D8D5B6880C549ABA609EE705E18E43" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_TransactionAxis" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_BA5D211CC9CAE989C4C09EE705E1D850" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_3F735DB4D4BD560F9E149EE705DFFF39" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_BA5D211CC9CAE989C4C09EE705E1D850" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_TransactionTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_4E5B56FBE46A5DD71F219EE705E14289_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_BA5D211CC9CAE989C4C09EE705E1D850" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_4E5B56FBE46A5DD71F219EE705E14289_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_TransactionTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_4E5B56FBE46A5DD71F219EE705E14289" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_BA5D211CC9CAE989C4C09EE705E1D850" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_4E5B56FBE46A5DD71F219EE705E14289" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_SaleOfKHECampusesBusinessMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_SaleOfKHECampusesBusinessMember_F12BC40734116A1E5CE69EE705E147E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_4E5B56FBE46A5DD71F219EE705E14289" xlink:to="loc_ghc_SaleOfKHECampusesBusinessMember_F12BC40734116A1E5CE69EE705E147E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_ResidentialAndMichiganHospitalJointVentureMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ResidentialAndMichiganHospitalJointVentureMember_EF2546DB5B81EBBE9E4F9EE705E1ADBA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_4E5B56FBE46A5DD71F219EE705E14289" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ResidentialAndMichiganHospitalJointVentureMember_EF2546DB5B81EBBE9E4F9EE705E1ADBA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_291F7ECDA6FC61530D6B9EE705E163A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_3F735DB4D4BD560F9E149EE705DFFF39" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_291F7ECDA6FC61530D6B9EE705E163A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_1E6C3A991712B6DC8B699EE705E1D40A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_291F7ECDA6FC61530D6B9EE705E163A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_1E6C3A991712B6DC8B699EE705E1D40A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_1E6C3A991712B6DC8B699EE705E1D40A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_291F7ECDA6FC61530D6B9EE705E163A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_1E6C3A991712B6DC8B699EE705E1D40A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_4CCA20EA3754B23CF4619EE705E1A0D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_3F735DB4D4BD560F9E149EE705DFFF39" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_4CCA20EA3754B23CF4619EE705E1A0D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_FAF8864E2F46F4F994D09EE705E234B8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_4CCA20EA3754B23CF4619EE705E1A0D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_FAF8864E2F46F4F994D09EE705E234B8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_FAF8864E2F46F4F994D09EE705E234B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_4CCA20EA3754B23CF4619EE705E1A0D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_FAF8864E2F46F4F994D09EE705E234B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_CelticHealthcareAlleghenyHealthNetworkJointVentureMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CelticHealthcareAlleghenyHealthNetworkJointVentureMember_1D7B13DE4F813C96BE299EE705E2F133" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_FAF8864E2F46F4F994D09EE705E234B8" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CelticHealthcareAlleghenyHealthNetworkJointVentureMember_1D7B13DE4F813C96BE299EE705E2F133" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_PercentageOfJointVentureSold" xlink:label="loc_ghc_PercentageOfJointVentureSold_043DDB88ECC10D5D4EF79EE705E2F37E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_4E5BA039086BEE94AE4B9EE705E2DE80" xlink:to="loc_ghc_PercentageOfJointVentureSold_043DDB88ECC10D5D4EF79EE705E2F37E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_BD069338FBBF5B420D119EE705E2DB5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_4E5BA039086BEE94AE4B9EE705E2DE80" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_BD069338FBBF5B420D119EE705E2DB5D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_NoncontrollingInterestPurchased" xlink:label="loc_ghc_NoncontrollingInterestPurchased_8C82DCE57DD3E549CC789EE705E22177" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_4E5BA039086BEE94AE4B9EE705E2DE80" xlink:to="loc_ghc_NoncontrollingInterestPurchased_8C82DCE57DD3E549CC789EE705E22177" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestChangeInRedemptionValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestChangeInRedemptionValue_F1AB64F4F39DC5B177209EE705E20C9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_4E5BA039086BEE94AE4B9EE705E2DE80" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestChangeInRedemptionValue_F1AB64F4F39DC5B177209EE705E20C9C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCommonRedemptionValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCommonRedemptionValue_095B520F6AC5423F02279EE705E2823D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_4E5BA039086BEE94AE4B9EE705E2DE80" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCommonRedemptionValue_095B520F6AC5423F02279EE705E2823D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_NoncontrollingInterestExchanged" xlink:label="loc_ghc_NoncontrollingInterestExchanged_3592D10D00D2E6B3886C9EE705E2C69D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_4E5BA039086BEE94AE4B9EE705E2DE80" xlink:to="loc_ghc_NoncontrollingInterestExchanged_3592D10D00D2E6B3886C9EE705E2C69D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByNoncontrollingOwners" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByNoncontrollingOwners_63606DEACEE0978B36869EE705E2A697" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_4E5BA039086BEE94AE4B9EE705E2DE80" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByNoncontrollingOwners_63606DEACEE0978B36869EE705E2A697" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent_6C94B7F2532DB66E9F289EE705E2DB38" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_4E5BA039086BEE94AE4B9EE705E2DE80" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent_6C94B7F2532DB66E9F289EE705E2DB38" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_NumberOfNationallyAccreditedGroundCampusesSold" xlink:label="loc_ghc_NumberOfNationallyAccreditedGroundCampusesSold_AD4E253647B69572D99D9EE705E246DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_4E5BA039086BEE94AE4B9EE705E2DE80" xlink:to="loc_ghc_NumberOfNationallyAccreditedGroundCampusesSold_AD4E253647B69572D99D9EE705E246DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure_91B4E1A205321D967EC29EE705E28E81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_4E5BA039086BEE94AE4B9EE705E2DE80" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure_91B4E1A205321D967EC29EE705E28E81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_LengthOfGuarantee" xlink:label="loc_ghc_LengthOfGuarantee_93AEB807950C16F7323C9EE705E38CC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_4E5BA039086BEE94AE4B9EE705E2DE80" xlink:to="loc_ghc_LengthOfGuarantee_93AEB807950C16F7323C9EE705E38CC1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssets" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssets_36211CD1944A0CAE27109EE705E356BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_4E5BA039086BEE94AE4B9EE705E2DE80" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssets_36211CD1944A0CAE27109EE705E356BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_ImmaterialErrorCorrectionAmount" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ImmaterialErrorCorrectionAmount_7947E75BE92E1FA448AE9EE705E3C722" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_4E5BA039086BEE94AE4B9EE705E2DE80" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ImmaterialErrorCorrectionAmount_7947E75BE92E1FA448AE9EE705E3C722" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_NumberOfBusinessesDisposed" xlink:label="loc_ghc_NumberOfBusinessesDisposed_EC87885FA7DC220106E69EE705E32F66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_4E5BA039086BEE94AE4B9EE705E2DE80" xlink:to="loc_ghc_NumberOfBusinessesDisposed_EC87885FA7DC220106E69EE705E32F66" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_NumberOfNationallyAccreditedGroundCampusesToBeSold" xlink:label="loc_ghc_NumberOfNationallyAccreditedGroundCampusesToBeSold_B4F8A17768895FC002379EE705E37A17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_4E5BA039086BEE94AE4B9EE705E2DE80" xlink:to="loc_ghc_NumberOfNationallyAccreditedGroundCampusesToBeSold_B4F8A17768895FC002379EE705E37A17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeconsolidationGainOrLossAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeconsolidationGainOrLossAmount_A43BD6AE112A158580A99EE705E3275E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_4E5BA039086BEE94AE4B9EE705E2DE80" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeconsolidationGainOrLossAmount_A43BD6AE112A158580A99EE705E3275E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/AcquisitionsAndDispositionsOfBusinessesProFormaFinancialsDetails2" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/AcquisitionsAndDispositionsOfBusinessesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/BusinessSegments" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/BusinessSegmentsInformationByOperatingSegmentDetails1" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_3CA68DEF3081DA40D71C98EA7F60B70D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_63F2873ABBCF36AA0B4C98EA7F5C2222" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_3CA68DEF3081DA40D71C98EA7F60B70D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_63F2873ABBCF36AA0B4C98EA7F5C2222" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_04730325C68315BEB4B098EA7F5D060C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_63F2873ABBCF36AA0B4C98EA7F5C2222" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_04730325C68315BEB4B098EA7F5D060C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_C2BF44BCB88E0A19BCB398EA7F5D3274_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_04730325C68315BEB4B098EA7F5D060C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_C2BF44BCB88E0A19BCB398EA7F5D3274_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_C2BF44BCB88E0A19BCB398EA7F5D3274" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_04730325C68315BEB4B098EA7F5D060C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_C2BF44BCB88E0A19BCB398EA7F5D3274" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_DAC65C36A577CAEBC11D98EA7F5D4352" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_C2BF44BCB88E0A19BCB398EA7F5D3274" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_DAC65C36A577CAEBC11D98EA7F5D4352" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember_0F8CB155DCDD2E5D549098EA7F5D8927" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_C2BF44BCB88E0A19BCB398EA7F5D3274" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember_0F8CB155DCDD2E5D549098EA7F5D8927" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember_F7AAD9E8FD5ABF596ECA98EA7F5D6D28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_C2BF44BCB88E0A19BCB398EA7F5D3274" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember_F7AAD9E8FD5ABF596ECA98EA7F5D6D28" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_87FB3BE0AD1CB198623698EA7F5DB775" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_63F2873ABBCF36AA0B4C98EA7F5C2222" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_87FB3BE0AD1CB198623698EA7F5DB775" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_637C429DB4F6F03BE7B898EA7F5D80BA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_87FB3BE0AD1CB198623698EA7F5DB775" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_637C429DB4F6F03BE7B898EA7F5D80BA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_637C429DB4F6F03BE7B898EA7F5D80BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_87FB3BE0AD1CB198623698EA7F5DB775" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_637C429DB4F6F03BE7B898EA7F5D80BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_EducationMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_EducationMember_6D4F69143F89D16B075C98EA7F5D3D9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_637C429DB4F6F03BE7B898EA7F5D80BA" xlink:to="loc_ghc_EducationMember_6D4F69143F89D16B075C98EA7F5D3D9E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_CableMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CableMember_65C4117B4E1033AB98D498EA7F5E24BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_637C429DB4F6F03BE7B898EA7F5D80BA" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CableMember_65C4117B4E1033AB98D498EA7F5E24BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_NewspaperPublishingMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_NewspaperPublishingMember_02E88734F3999F87908898EA7F5E3E92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_637C429DB4F6F03BE7B898EA7F5D80BA" xlink:to="loc_ghc_NewspaperPublishingMember_02E88734F3999F87908898EA7F5E3E92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_TelevisionBroadcastingMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TelevisionBroadcastingMember_96E4949E21153B73BA2498EA7F5E9B21" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_637C429DB4F6F03BE7B898EA7F5D80BA" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TelevisionBroadcastingMember_96E4949E21153B73BA2498EA7F5E9B21" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_CorporateOfficeMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CorporateOfficeMember_466DF7575A6E506259C398EA7F5E7FFD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_637C429DB4F6F03BE7B898EA7F5D80BA" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CorporateOfficeMember_466DF7575A6E506259C398EA7F5E7FFD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember_7E1A9E7E3EC48339E09598EA7F5E709E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_637C429DB4F6F03BE7B898EA7F5D80BA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember_7E1A9E7E3EC48339E09598EA7F5E709E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis_3DBC9BCF59AE8C05998E98EA7F5EC2DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_63F2873ABBCF36AA0B4C98EA7F5C2222" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis_3DBC9BCF59AE8C05998E98EA7F5EC2DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain_2E7194EF57A351EFC69C98EA7F5E77F4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis_3DBC9BCF59AE8C05998E98EA7F5EC2DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain_2E7194EF57A351EFC69C98EA7F5E77F4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain_2E7194EF57A351EFC69C98EA7F5E77F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis_3DBC9BCF59AE8C05998E98EA7F5EC2DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain_2E7194EF57A351EFC69C98EA7F5E77F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_KaplanCorporateAndOtherMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KaplanCorporateAndOtherMember_1FBA2BF7B1422AEA625B98EA7F5E09AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain_2E7194EF57A351EFC69C98EA7F5E77F4" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KaplanCorporateAndOtherMember_1FBA2BF7B1422AEA625B98EA7F5E09AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReportableSubsegmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReportableSubsegmentsMember_76E5D37E2422C71D1FC598EA7F5E6624" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain_2E7194EF57A351EFC69C98EA7F5E77F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReportableSubsegmentsMember_76E5D37E2422C71D1FC598EA7F5E6624" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember_B033F679B7BBB753DA2E98EA7F5FB077" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain_2E7194EF57A351EFC69C98EA7F5E77F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember_B033F679B7BBB753DA2E98EA7F5FB077" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntersubsegmentEliminationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntersubsegmentEliminationsMember_7532E5258FEED1314F0F98EA7F5F2707" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain_2E7194EF57A351EFC69C98EA7F5E77F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntersubsegmentEliminationsMember_7532E5258FEED1314F0F98EA7F5F2707" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_6FF067B4B00233A8405198EA7F5F2907" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_63F2873ABBCF36AA0B4C98EA7F5C2222" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_6FF067B4B00233A8405198EA7F5F2907" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_94A16F1AE0E2805DD08598EA7F5FF672_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_6FF067B4B00233A8405198EA7F5F2907" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_94A16F1AE0E2805DD08598EA7F5FF672_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_94A16F1AE0E2805DD08598EA7F5FF672" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_6FF067B4B00233A8405198EA7F5F2907" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_94A16F1AE0E2805DD08598EA7F5FF672" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_HigherEducationMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_HigherEducationMember_8E56323908735927B4FF98EA7F5F8ED2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_94A16F1AE0E2805DD08598EA7F5FF672" xlink:to="loc_ghc_HigherEducationMember_8E56323908735927B4FF98EA7F5F8ED2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_TestPreparationMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TestPreparationMember_622231B00C7103DD617E98EA7F5FB104" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_94A16F1AE0E2805DD08598EA7F5FF672" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TestPreparationMember_622231B00C7103DD617E98EA7F5FB104" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_KaplanInternationalMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KaplanInternationalMember_A95B48EBA7D33C4A206A98EA7F605D3A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_94A16F1AE0E2805DD08598EA7F5FF672" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KaplanInternationalMember_A95B48EBA7D33C4A206A98EA7F605D3A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_KaplanCorporateAndOtherMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KaplanCorporateAndOtherMember_0E9FB330087CE486AF8E98EA7F609E4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_94A16F1AE0E2805DD08598EA7F5FF672" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KaplanCorporateAndOtherMember_0E9FB330087CE486AF8E98EA7F609E4B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_956465AED0C33733460598EA7F60656E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_3CA68DEF3081DA40D71C98EA7F60B70D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_956465AED0C33733460598EA7F60656E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_CEDDAA71D308B526319C98EA7F60E85A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_3CA68DEF3081DA40D71C98EA7F60B70D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_CEDDAA71D308B526319C98EA7F60E85A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_F593A821AE725009611398EA7F60D9B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_3CA68DEF3081DA40D71C98EA7F60B70D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_F593A821AE725009611398EA7F60D9B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet_F3C99C798B1E9D35AD2798EA7F609A14" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_3CA68DEF3081DA40D71C98EA7F60B70D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet_F3C99C798B1E9D35AD2798EA7F609A14" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_2839E9074BF3D513475A98EA7F620778" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_3CA68DEF3081DA40D71C98EA7F60B70D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_2839E9074BF3D513475A98EA7F620778" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_98A24FF28A0B68B5369798EA7F625306" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_3CA68DEF3081DA40D71C98EA7F60B70D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_98A24FF28A0B68B5369798EA7F625306" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Depreciation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_6B42E584F4F5522A8C1898EA7F625C40" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_3CA68DEF3081DA40D71C98EA7F60B70D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_6B42E584F4F5522A8C1898EA7F625C40" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_82C11F42CB7B7851201598EA7F624DEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_3CA68DEF3081DA40D71C98EA7F60B70D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_82C11F42CB7B7851201598EA7F624DEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssetsAndImpairmentOfGoodwillAndOtherLongLivedAssets" xlink:label="loc_ghc_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssetsAndImpairmentOfGoodwillAndOtherLongLivedAssets_A77F7F708695C82F495598EA7F625250" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_3CA68DEF3081DA40D71C98EA7F60B70D" xlink:to="loc_ghc_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssetsAndImpairmentOfGoodwillAndOtherLongLivedAssets_A77F7F708695C82F495598EA7F625250" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_ImpairmentOfGoodwillAndOtherLongLivedAssets" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ImpairmentOfGoodwillAndOtherLongLivedAssets_A663D723AC1374C89D1598EA7F622216" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_3CA68DEF3081DA40D71C98EA7F60B70D" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ImpairmentOfGoodwillAndOtherLongLivedAssets_A663D723AC1374C89D1598EA7F622216" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost_FB1C20F6B43C92A96BDB98EA7F6275FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_3CA68DEF3081DA40D71C98EA7F60B70D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost_FB1C20F6B43C92A96BDB98EA7F6275FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_IdentifiableAssets" xlink:label="loc_ghc_IdentifiableAssets_2E0332371F022DADC85198EA7F62414C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_3CA68DEF3081DA40D71C98EA7F60B70D" xlink:to="loc_ghc_IdentifiableAssets_2E0332371F022DADC85198EA7F62414C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecurities_E99C5E05E368F196983498EA7F62CFD3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_3CA68DEF3081DA40D71C98EA7F60B70D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecurities_E99C5E05E368F196983498EA7F62CFD3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_29BF1317ED36A48681A698EA7F628ADE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_3CA68DEF3081DA40D71C98EA7F60B70D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_29BF1317ED36A48681A698EA7F628ADE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsNoncurrent_374E709BAF1E9DA4A99298EA7F62F807" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_3CA68DEF3081DA40D71C98EA7F60B70D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsNoncurrent_374E709BAF1E9DA4A99298EA7F62F807" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_44FAE3BA585AE1D2C5E598EA7F63B064" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_3CA68DEF3081DA40D71C98EA7F60B70D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_44FAE3BA585AE1D2C5E598EA7F63B064" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperation_EBDFD6E095B81FF2E3C398EA7F6357A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_3CA68DEF3081DA40D71C98EA7F60B70D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperation_EBDFD6E095B81FF2E3C398EA7F6357A2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/BusinessSegmentsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_BusinessSegmentsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ghc_BusinessSegmentsLineItems_74B9047F65FABE1CFDC2842B1A966527" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_BusinessSegmentsTable" xlink:label="loc_ghc_BusinessSegmentsTable_74E77C2913E8753F0F29842B1A93AA55" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ghc_BusinessSegmentsLineItems_74B9047F65FABE1CFDC2842B1A966527" xlink:to="loc_ghc_BusinessSegmentsTable_74E77C2913E8753F0F29842B1A93AA55" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_PriorPeriodAdjustmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_ghc_PriorPeriodAdjustmentsAxis_D26DB7D7C53A81A88EC9842B1A94BA80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_BusinessSegmentsTable_74E77C2913E8753F0F29842B1A93AA55" xlink:to="loc_ghc_PriorPeriodAdjustmentsAxis_D26DB7D7C53A81A88EC9842B1A94BA80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_PriorPeriodAdjustmentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_ghc_PriorPeriodAdjustmentsDomain_A79D5241C47E3F5319DA842B1A94CC06_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ghc_PriorPeriodAdjustmentsAxis_D26DB7D7C53A81A88EC9842B1A94BA80" xlink:to="loc_ghc_PriorPeriodAdjustmentsDomain_A79D5241C47E3F5319DA842B1A94CC06_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_PriorPeriodAdjustmentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_ghc_PriorPeriodAdjustmentsDomain_A79D5241C47E3F5319DA842B1A94CC06" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ghc_PriorPeriodAdjustmentsAxis_D26DB7D7C53A81A88EC9842B1A94BA80" xlink:to="loc_ghc_PriorPeriodAdjustmentsDomain_A79D5241C47E3F5319DA842B1A94CC06" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_Periodsfrom2011toQ22015Member" xlink:label="loc_ghc_Periodsfrom2011toQ22015Member_A01AAB3658BD8CC209F1842B1A9490DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_PriorPeriodAdjustmentsDomain_A79D5241C47E3F5319DA842B1A94CC06" xlink:to="loc_ghc_Periodsfrom2011toQ22015Member_A01AAB3658BD8CC209F1842B1A9490DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_64DA1D820822C5107762842B1A946683" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_BusinessSegmentsTable_74E77C2913E8753F0F29842B1A93AA55" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_64DA1D820822C5107762842B1A946683" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_DCCFF0BEBD7F9750C6A1842B1A9415CF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_64DA1D820822C5107762842B1A946683" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_DCCFF0BEBD7F9750C6A1842B1A9415CF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_DCCFF0BEBD7F9750C6A1842B1A9415CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_64DA1D820822C5107762842B1A946683" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_DCCFF0BEBD7F9750C6A1842B1A9415CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_HigherEducationMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_HigherEducationMember_C7E8731EF1073A116023842B1A94FC99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_DCCFF0BEBD7F9750C6A1842B1A9415CF" xlink:to="loc_ghc_HigherEducationMember_C7E8731EF1073A116023842B1A94FC99" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_TestPreparationMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TestPreparationMember_67115AF5BE9FB0CA3F95842B1A94ED8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_DCCFF0BEBD7F9750C6A1842B1A9415CF" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TestPreparationMember_67115AF5BE9FB0CA3F95842B1A94ED8B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_KaplanInternationalMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KaplanInternationalMember_18A1350A988B7CF5CCE4842B1A940B8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_DCCFF0BEBD7F9750C6A1842B1A9415CF" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KaplanInternationalMember_18A1350A988B7CF5CCE4842B1A940B8B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_KaplanCorporateAndOtherMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KaplanCorporateAndOtherMember_A6775F2ECF53D51748F9842B1A9497D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_DCCFF0BEBD7F9750C6A1842B1A9415CF" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KaplanCorporateAndOtherMember_A6775F2ECF53D51748F9842B1A9497D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReportableSubsegmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReportableSubsegmentsMember_95048DAE7433E6E8FCB5842B1A947D11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_DCCFF0BEBD7F9750C6A1842B1A9415CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReportableSubsegmentsMember_95048DAE7433E6E8FCB5842B1A947D11" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis_9D040F5AE0FA06B9A0A2842B1A9448A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_BusinessSegmentsTable_74E77C2913E8753F0F29842B1A93AA55" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis_9D040F5AE0FA06B9A0A2842B1A9448A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain_649D4A1A6DCDFE57CF26842B1A944780_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis_9D040F5AE0FA06B9A0A2842B1A9448A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain_649D4A1A6DCDFE57CF26842B1A944780_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain_649D4A1A6DCDFE57CF26842B1A944780" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis_9D040F5AE0FA06B9A0A2842B1A9448A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain_649D4A1A6DCDFE57CF26842B1A944780" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReportableSubsegmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReportableSubsegmentsMember_FEDAEBBAF0EF68CB5805842B1A94F960" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain_649D4A1A6DCDFE57CF26842B1A944780" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReportableSubsegmentsMember_FEDAEBBAF0EF68CB5805842B1A94F960" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_3334462E82FDF19D4140842B1A95A5A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_BusinessSegmentsTable_74E77C2913E8753F0F29842B1A93AA55" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_3334462E82FDF19D4140842B1A95A5A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_0DB94D516511A95E0F41842B1A95EB83_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_3334462E82FDF19D4140842B1A95A5A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_0DB94D516511A95E0F41842B1A95EB83_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_0DB94D516511A95E0F41842B1A95EB83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_3334462E82FDF19D4140842B1A95A5A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_0DB94D516511A95E0F41842B1A95EB83" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_EducationMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_EducationMember_82790C78CAB78E91D77F842B1A954E2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_0DB94D516511A95E0F41842B1A95EB83" xlink:to="loc_ghc_EducationMember_82790C78CAB78E91D77F842B1A954E2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_TelevisionBroadcastingMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TelevisionBroadcastingMember_7212F4F6A5C2B7C31C22842B1A95F5C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_0DB94D516511A95E0F41842B1A95EB83" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TelevisionBroadcastingMember_7212F4F6A5C2B7C31C22842B1A95F5C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember_703A61235CB47106356F842B1A968D22" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_0DB94D516511A95E0F41842B1A95EB83" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember_703A61235CB47106356F842B1A968D22" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember_8827BC41150D79B3ED3C842B1A96E48C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_0DB94D516511A95E0F41842B1A95EB83" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember_8827BC41150D79B3ED3C842B1A96E48C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_0EB365B3610B7553D583842B1A968CD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_BusinessSegmentsTable_74E77C2913E8753F0F29842B1A93AA55" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_0EB365B3610B7553D583842B1A968CD9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_CA5B99822CADB53C9ECD842B1A96A470_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_0EB365B3610B7553D583842B1A968CD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_CA5B99822CADB53C9ECD842B1A96A470_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_CA5B99822CADB53C9ECD842B1A96A470" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_0EB365B3610B7553D583842B1A968CD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_CA5B99822CADB53C9ECD842B1A96A470" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_A6597B86AA940F1401BC842B1A96ABEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_CA5B99822CADB53C9ECD842B1A96A470" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_A6597B86AA940F1401BC842B1A96ABEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments_6D36D695894BBD3D1EE2842B1A963C20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_BusinessSegmentsLineItems_74B9047F65FABE1CFDC2842B1A966527" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments_6D36D695894BBD3D1EE2842B1A963C20" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_ImmaterialErrorCorrectionAmount" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ImmaterialErrorCorrectionAmount_5F2F7CA24905A5A2BB8C842B1A9669AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_BusinessSegmentsLineItems_74B9047F65FABE1CFDC2842B1A966527" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ImmaterialErrorCorrectionAmount_5F2F7CA24905A5A2BB8C842B1A9669AD" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/BusinessSegmentsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_7A329051166506D95B4D7FA97947C8DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_AEFE55AB7A558DB500027FA97947B925" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_7A329051166506D95B4D7FA97947C8DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_AEFE55AB7A558DB500027FA97947B925" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_5620A1784785008AC6F07FA9794772FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_AEFE55AB7A558DB500027FA97947B925" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_5620A1784785008AC6F07FA9794772FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B9E730C7E77108030E207FA97947BB7C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_5620A1784785008AC6F07FA9794772FD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B9E730C7E77108030E207FA97947BB7C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B9E730C7E77108030E207FA97947BB7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_5620A1784785008AC6F07FA9794772FD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B9E730C7E77108030E207FA97947BB7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_EducationMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_EducationMember_34678B97C83AA9BB8B237FA97947FFCE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B9E730C7E77108030E207FA97947BB7C" xlink:to="loc_ghc_EducationMember_34678B97C83AA9BB8B237FA97947FFCE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock_41BFC0EFFDAAE51D3F1B7FA9794781E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_7A329051166506D95B4D7FA97947C8DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock_41BFC0EFFDAAE51D3F1B7FA9794781E7" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2CCF28131AB9737FAA2C8149544204F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_794B95711E5F46E6F662814954415434" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2CCF28131AB9737FAA2C8149544204F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_794B95711E5F46E6F662814954415434" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_23923ED15C223E75A82D814954414180" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_794B95711E5F46E6F662814954415434" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_23923ED15C223E75A82D814954414180" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_1A9EE19C7581977D48E681495441E985_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_23923ED15C223E75A82D814954414180" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_1A9EE19C7581977D48E681495441E985_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_1A9EE19C7581977D48E681495441E985" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_23923ED15C223E75A82D814954414180" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_1A9EE19C7581977D48E681495441E985" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_C35B2EA380A4AFD7954181495441C4BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_794B95711E5F46E6F662814954415434" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_C35B2EA380A4AFD7954181495441C4BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_85EBFA3FD23CB08EAE978149544124BB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_C35B2EA380A4AFD7954181495441C4BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_85EBFA3FD23CB08EAE978149544124BB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_85EBFA3FD23CB08EAE978149544124BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_C35B2EA380A4AFD7954181495441C4BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_85EBFA3FD23CB08EAE978149544124BB" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/Contingencies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/ContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_1B3269A01DC8EA4C48538491EB912AD0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_52914D5477B8C77000808491EB81A861" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_1B3269A01DC8EA4C48538491EB912AD0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_52914D5477B8C77000808491EB81A861" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis_A8F1814D549A29B44E428491EB8156CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_52914D5477B8C77000808491EB81A861" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis_A8F1814D549A29B44E428491EB8156CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_DE6F6C5B6C2FA52C87028491EB81E890_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis_A8F1814D549A29B44E428491EB8156CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_DE6F6C5B6C2FA52C87028491EB81E890_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_DE6F6C5B6C2FA52C87028491EB81E890" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis_A8F1814D549A29B44E428491EB8156CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_DE6F6C5B6C2FA52C87028491EB81E890" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_DiazCaseMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_DiazCaseMember_FA5CBB97C7BF2DEA04AC8491EB91533A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_DE6F6C5B6C2FA52C87028491EB81E890" xlink:to="loc_ghc_DiazCaseMember_FA5CBB97C7BF2DEA04AC8491EB91533A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_DiazClaimsMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_DiazClaimsMember_CC7CC1B422CBA23B76448491EB9144EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_DiazCaseMember_FA5CBB97C7BF2DEA04AC8491EB91533A" xlink:to="loc_ghc_DiazClaimsMember_CC7CC1B422CBA23B76448491EB9144EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_UrquillaDiazAndJajdelskiCasesMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_UrquillaDiazAndJajdelskiCasesMember_5983C6B116565F3833E38491EB91A4F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_DE6F6C5B6C2FA52C87028491EB81E890" xlink:to="loc_ghc_UrquillaDiazAndJajdelskiCasesMember_5983C6B116565F3833E38491EB91A4F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_JajdelskiCaseMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_JajdelskiCaseMember_99F9C65187848490F9CD84A204A7EA85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_DE6F6C5B6C2FA52C87028491EB81E890" xlink:to="loc_ghc_JajdelskiCaseMember_99F9C65187848490F9CD84A204A7EA85" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_F73856FCDF9A60BEFB288491EB912BB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_52914D5477B8C77000808491EB81A861" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_F73856FCDF9A60BEFB288491EB912BB4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3697DBE263942C6351EC8491EB91E7DC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_F73856FCDF9A60BEFB288491EB912BB4" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3697DBE263942C6351EC8491EB91E7DC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3697DBE263942C6351EC8491EB91E7DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_F73856FCDF9A60BEFB288491EB912BB4" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3697DBE263942C6351EC8491EB91E7DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_TitleIVParticipatingInstitutionsIncludingBroomallPAandPittsburghPAandKaplanUniversityMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TitleIVParticipatingInstitutionsIncludingBroomallPAandPittsburghPAandKaplanUniversityMember_D52C58540C381B48C8E78491EB91F4EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3697DBE263942C6351EC8491EB91E7DC" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TitleIVParticipatingInstitutionsIncludingBroomallPAandPittsburghPAandKaplanUniversityMember_D52C58540C381B48C8E78491EB91F4EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_TitleIVParticipatingInstitutionsIncludingBroomallPAAndPittsburghPAMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TitleIVParticipatingInstitutionsIncludingBroomallPAAndPittsburghPAMember_2263971A54D3C525C31A8491EB9138DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3697DBE263942C6351EC8491EB91E7DC" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TitleIVParticipatingInstitutionsIncludingBroomallPAAndPittsburghPAMember_2263971A54D3C525C31A8491EB9138DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_KaplanUniversityMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KaplanUniversityMember_B0BCD2D99862CA4149208491EB91FD42" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3697DBE263942C6351EC8491EB91E7DC" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KaplanUniversityMember_B0BCD2D99862CA4149208491EB91FD42" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_16A4776CFDBA6209CB3F8491EB91374F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_52914D5477B8C77000808491EB81A861" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_16A4776CFDBA6209CB3F8491EB91374F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1705E5612DD794143FA68491EB91742B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_16A4776CFDBA6209CB3F8491EB91374F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1705E5612DD794143FA68491EB91742B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1705E5612DD794143FA68491EB91742B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_16A4776CFDBA6209CB3F8491EB91374F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1705E5612DD794143FA68491EB91742B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_EducationMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_EducationMember_D4D173748B76C766372E8491EB91DD7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1705E5612DD794143FA68491EB91742B" xlink:to="loc_ghc_EducationMember_D4D173748B76C766372E8491EB91DD7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_TransactionAxis" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_C9ACF0D3DCD4D7BC025C8491EB91BCE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_52914D5477B8C77000808491EB81A861" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_C9ACF0D3DCD4D7BC025C8491EB91BCE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_TransactionTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_3490771858AC7F0D65FC8491EB919548_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_C9ACF0D3DCD4D7BC025C8491EB91BCE7" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_3490771858AC7F0D65FC8491EB919548_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_TransactionTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_3490771858AC7F0D65FC8491EB919548" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_C9ACF0D3DCD4D7BC025C8491EB91BCE7" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_3490771858AC7F0D65FC8491EB919548" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_SaleOfKHECampusesBusinessMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_SaleOfKHECampusesBusinessMember_84A4F9231171570F869E8491EB917626" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_3490771858AC7F0D65FC8491EB919548" xlink:to="loc_ghc_SaleOfKHECampusesBusinessMember_84A4F9231171570F869E8491EB917626" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_EA48D495DA3D918E88988491EB919139" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_52914D5477B8C77000808491EB81A861" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_EA48D495DA3D918E88988491EB919139" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_CDC74999FE8FE6E9418B8491EB917329_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_EA48D495DA3D918E88988491EB919139" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_CDC74999FE8FE6E9418B8491EB917329_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_CDC74999FE8FE6E9418B8491EB917329" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_EA48D495DA3D918E88988491EB919139" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_CDC74999FE8FE6E9418B8491EB917329" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_FF5ADDBA25197A3FD6D78491EB9199DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_CDC74999FE8FE6E9418B8491EB917329" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_FF5ADDBA25197A3FD6D78491EB9199DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_BE28C52D293F8F6F09798491EB91F4B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_52914D5477B8C77000808491EB81A861" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_BE28C52D293F8F6F09798491EB91F4B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_AD8D921A4F8BA349B33F8491EB911ECB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_BE28C52D293F8F6F09798491EB91F4B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_AD8D921A4F8BA349B33F8491EB911ECB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_AD8D921A4F8BA349B33F8491EB911ECB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_BE28C52D293F8F6F09798491EB91F4B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_AD8D921A4F8BA349B33F8491EB911ECB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_HigherEducationMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_HigherEducationMember_449AAAEA8C534F1397968491EB91E1D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_AD8D921A4F8BA349B33F8491EB911ECB" xlink:to="loc_ghc_HigherEducationMember_449AAAEA8C534F1397968491EB91E1D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_3B17B257D4B2C873FA1C8491EB91483C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_52914D5477B8C77000808491EB81A861" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_3B17B257D4B2C873FA1C8491EB91483C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_6439FB406577E56285DE8491EB91EDA5_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_3B17B257D4B2C873FA1C8491EB91483C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_6439FB406577E56285DE8491EB91EDA5_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_6439FB406577E56285DE8491EB91EDA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_3B17B257D4B2C873FA1C8491EB91483C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_6439FB406577E56285DE8491EB91EDA5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_741AEA67383BB993F9F98491EB911C0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_6439FB406577E56285DE8491EB91EDA5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_741AEA67383BB993F9F98491EB911C0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyPendingClaimsNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyPendingClaimsNumber_E4FEF8DCAA75BBDFE9F98491EB91CBFD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_1B3269A01DC8EA4C48538491EB912AD0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyPendingClaimsNumber_E4FEF8DCAA75BBDFE9F98491EB91CBFD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyEstimateOfPossibleLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyEstimateOfPossibleLoss_D0B1849F6FC7D6B9D11D8491EB91BBE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_1B3269A01DC8EA4C48538491EB912AD0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyEstimateOfPossibleLoss_D0B1849F6FC7D6B9D11D8491EB91BBE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_NumberOfUnsealedCasesFiledByFormerEmployeesUnderUSFederalFalseClaimsAct" xlink:label="loc_ghc_NumberOfUnsealedCasesFiledByFormerEmployeesUnderUSFederalFalseClaimsAct_7541013A453D0F6390BC8491EB91036E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_1B3269A01DC8EA4C48538491EB912AD0" xlink:to="loc_ghc_NumberOfUnsealedCasesFiledByFormerEmployeesUnderUSFederalFalseClaimsAct_7541013A453D0F6390BC8491EB91036E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_SeparateComplaintsIncludedInASeriesOfRulingsOn" xlink:label="loc_ghc_SeparateComplaintsIncludedInASeriesOfRulingsOn_4BFA0DDD8CFEA9EEADD78491EB91DF89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_1B3269A01DC8EA4C48538491EB912AD0" xlink:to="loc_ghc_SeparateComplaintsIncludedInASeriesOfRulingsOn_4BFA0DDD8CFEA9EEADD78491EB91DF89" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_RemainingEmploymentClaimInTheDiazComplaint" xlink:label="loc_ghc_RemainingEmploymentClaimInTheDiazComplaint_3A18045167ACBF410AB9849381721A26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_1B3269A01DC8EA4C48538491EB912AD0" xlink:to="loc_ghc_RemainingEmploymentClaimInTheDiazComplaint_3A18045167ACBF410AB9849381721A26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_NumberOfDismissedAllegationsReversedByTheUSCircuitCourtForTheNinthJudicialCircuit" xlink:label="loc_ghc_NumberOfDismissedAllegationsReversedByTheUSCircuitCourtForTheNinthJudicialCircuit_8B5E85919A3ADB1ED05D8491EB91DCF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_1B3269A01DC8EA4C48538491EB912AD0" xlink:to="loc_ghc_NumberOfDismissedAllegationsReversedByTheUSCircuitCourtForTheNinthJudicialCircuit_8B5E85919A3ADB1ED05D8491EB91DCF9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_NumberOfPendingProgramReviews" xlink:label="loc_ghc_NumberOfPendingProgramReviews_87510113278A7E580F648491EB916B46" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_1B3269A01DC8EA4C48538491EB912AD0" xlink:to="loc_ghc_NumberOfPendingProgramReviews_87510113278A7E580F648491EB916B46" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_NumberOfClaimsAffirmedForDismissalbyUSCourtofAppeals" xlink:label="loc_ghc_NumberOfClaimsAffirmedForDismissalbyUSCourtofAppeals_376D4087241915447A928491EB913CF1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_1B3269A01DC8EA4C48538491EB912AD0" xlink:to="loc_ghc_NumberOfClaimsAffirmedForDismissalbyUSCourtofAppeals_376D4087241915447A928491EB913CF1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_NumberofClaimsAppealed" xlink:label="loc_ghc_NumberofClaimsAppealed_FA0068C84DA260116CC38491EB91E3F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_1B3269A01DC8EA4C48538491EB912AD0" xlink:to="loc_ghc_NumberofClaimsAppealed_FA0068C84DA260116CC38491EB91E3F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_NumberofClaimsReveredAndRemandedbyUSCourtofAppeals" xlink:label="loc_ghc_NumberofClaimsReveredAndRemandedbyUSCourtofAppeals_34C6A968F7DDFEA2F7588491EB917654" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_1B3269A01DC8EA4C48538491EB912AD0" xlink:to="loc_ghc_NumberofClaimsReveredAndRemandedbyUSCourtofAppeals_34C6A968F7DDFEA2F7588491EB917654" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_NumberOfPreliminaryProgramReviewReportsReceived" xlink:label="loc_ghc_NumberOfPreliminaryProgramReviewReportsReceived_638915CFD88DE85D6CAC8491EB914DA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_1B3269A01DC8EA4C48538491EB912AD0" xlink:to="loc_ghc_NumberOfPreliminaryProgramReviewReportsReceived_638915CFD88DE85D6CAC8491EB914DA0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_LengthOfFullReviewOfStudentFiles" xlink:label="loc_ghc_LengthOfFullReviewOfStudentFiles_50280A506B5D11C89C8B8491EB91BE2C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_1B3269A01DC8EA4C48538491EB912AD0" xlink:to="loc_ghc_LengthOfFullReviewOfStudentFiles_50280A506B5D11C89C8B8491EB91BE2C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_AccreditationTermReaffirmed" xlink:label="loc_ghc_AccreditationTermReaffirmed_3F3E1DE3E0A477274C6D8491EB912AA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_1B3269A01DC8EA4C48538491EB912AD0" xlink:to="loc_ghc_AccreditationTermReaffirmed_3F3E1DE3E0A477274C6D8491EB912AA3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/Debt" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/DebtDetails1" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_09952D4DF712E11A2B0598ECDBF0E7D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_DebtTable" xlink:label="loc_ghc_DebtTable_845DE62E60467D41341398ECDBEE02A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_09952D4DF712E11A2B0598ECDBF0E7D3" xlink:to="loc_ghc_DebtTable_845DE62E60467D41341398ECDBEE02A1" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_67C9F8713B681E9FEC6F98ECDBEEF73C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_DebtTable_845DE62E60467D41341398ECDBEE02A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_67C9F8713B681E9FEC6F98ECDBEEF73C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2DE0C78E4684AD7DE19498ECDBEE0F10_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_67C9F8713B681E9FEC6F98ECDBEEF73C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2DE0C78E4684AD7DE19498ECDBEE0F10_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2DE0C78E4684AD7DE19498ECDBEE0F10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_67C9F8713B681E9FEC6F98ECDBEEF73C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2DE0C78E4684AD7DE19498ECDBEE0F10" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_EducationMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_EducationMember_CEF9C6E275E3CE8CDC8698ECDBEF804D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2DE0C78E4684AD7DE19498ECDBEE0F10" xlink:to="loc_ghc_EducationMember_CEF9C6E275E3CE8CDC8698ECDBEF804D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_C0A29BE1CB3FD3C596ED98ECDBEFD574" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_DebtTable_845DE62E60467D41341398ECDBEE02A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_C0A29BE1CB3FD3C596ED98ECDBEFD574" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_9301F118C87923C2DA4798ECDBEF5AD6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_C0A29BE1CB3FD3C596ED98ECDBEFD574" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_9301F118C87923C2DA4798ECDBEF5AD6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_9301F118C87923C2DA4798ECDBEF5AD6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_C0A29BE1CB3FD3C596ED98ECDBEFD574" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_9301F118C87923C2DA4798ECDBEF5AD6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_SevenPointTwoFivePercentUnsecuredNotesDueFebruaryOneTwoThousandAndNineteenMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_SevenPointTwoFivePercentUnsecuredNotesDueFebruaryOneTwoThousandAndNineteenMember_D00428E94C0959F3CEBF98ECDBEFB1DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_9301F118C87923C2DA4798ECDBEF5AD6" xlink:to="loc_ghc_SevenPointTwoFivePercentUnsecuredNotesDueFebruaryOneTwoThousandAndNineteenMember_D00428E94C0959F3CEBF98ECDBEFB1DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_FourYearRevolvingCreditAgreementDatedJuneSeventeenthTwoThousandElevenMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_FourYearRevolvingCreditAgreementDatedJuneSeventeenthTwoThousandElevenMember_3C3D8F588E442FF2DC7398ECDBEF738F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_9301F118C87923C2DA4798ECDBEF5AD6" xlink:to="loc_ghc_FourYearRevolvingCreditAgreementDatedJuneSeventeenthTwoThousandElevenMember_3C3D8F588E442FF2DC7398ECDBEF738F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_FourHundredFiftyMillionUSDollarPortionOfRevolverMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_FourHundredFiftyMillionUSDollarPortionOfRevolverMember_47F41496B86596492E7F98ECDBF04698" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_FourYearRevolvingCreditAgreementDatedJuneSeventeenthTwoThousandElevenMember_3C3D8F588E442FF2DC7398ECDBEF738F" xlink:to="loc_ghc_FourHundredFiftyMillionUSDollarPortionOfRevolverMember_47F41496B86596492E7F98ECDBF04698" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_KaplanFourYearCreditAgreementDatedJuly142016Member" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KaplanFourYearCreditAgreementDatedJuly142016Member_D32D1D24A5991244C47F98ECDBF0E21D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_FourYearRevolvingCreditAgreementDatedJuneSeventeenthTwoThousandElevenMember_3C3D8F588E442FF2DC7398ECDBEF738F" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KaplanFourYearCreditAgreementDatedJuly142016Member_D32D1D24A5991244C47F98ECDBF0E21D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_FiftyMillionAustralianDollarPortionOfRevolverMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_FiftyMillionAustralianDollarPortionOfRevolverMember_ACEB6A78AAD645FE0EFC98ECDBF05482" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_FourYearRevolvingCreditAgreementDatedJuneSeventeenthTwoThousandElevenMember_3C3D8F588E442FF2DC7398ECDBEF738F" xlink:to="loc_ghc_FiftyMillionAustralianDollarPortionOfRevolverMember_ACEB6A78AAD645FE0EFC98ECDBF05482" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnsecuredDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredDebt_5A22E34EAC5677E7E02298ECDBF07B19" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_09952D4DF712E11A2B0598ECDBF0E7D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredDebt_5A22E34EAC5677E7E02298ECDBF07B19" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_ADAA958201998B257E1398ECDBF02DDC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_09952D4DF712E11A2B0598ECDBF0E7D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_ADAA958201998B257E1398ECDBF02DDC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLongTermDebt_51AEFCF170987A137A3698ECDBF5F0A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_09952D4DF712E11A2B0598ECDBF0E7D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLongTermDebt_51AEFCF170987A137A3698ECDBF5F0A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtLongtermAndShorttermCombinedAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtLongtermAndShorttermCombinedAmount_CD15F35ECEE58C44376498ECDBF55139" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_09952D4DF712E11A2B0598ECDBF0E7D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtLongtermAndShorttermCombinedAmount_CD15F35ECEE58C44376498ECDBF55139" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtCurrent_4F2B7EF82CE27277204798ECDBF5A2DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_09952D4DF712E11A2B0598ECDBF0E7D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtCurrent_4F2B7EF82CE27277204798ECDBF5A2DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_47F852487E8D47785A5C98ECDBF51874" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_09952D4DF712E11A2B0598ECDBF0E7D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_47F852487E8D47785A5C98ECDBF51874" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_8A09EF77F333950AF56298ECDBF5A024" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_09952D4DF712E11A2B0598ECDBF0E7D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_8A09EF77F333950AF56298ECDBF5A024" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/DebtNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_2054FA581CE4420CF4048487C455CD14" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_DebtTable" xlink:label="loc_ghc_DebtTable_90484F0ECD5C6BA9749A8487C4510037" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_2054FA581CE4420CF4048487C455CD14" xlink:to="loc_ghc_DebtTable_90484F0ECD5C6BA9749A8487C4510037" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_42F09D6864EE720CF36B8487C451FCE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_DebtTable_90484F0ECD5C6BA9749A8487C4510037" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_42F09D6864EE720CF36B8487C451FCE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_A4DF1A15DB6A01070A578487C451D24B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_42F09D6864EE720CF36B8487C451FCE7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_A4DF1A15DB6A01070A578487C451D24B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_A4DF1A15DB6A01070A578487C451D24B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_42F09D6864EE720CF36B8487C451FCE7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_A4DF1A15DB6A01070A578487C451D24B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_CableMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CableMember_BBD5B082D2165BAEF9FA8487C451A131" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_A4DF1A15DB6A01070A578487C451D24B" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CableMember_BBD5B082D2165BAEF9FA8487C451A131" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_EducationMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_EducationMember_9229B14BAA1FEBD2CF028487C4513F12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_A4DF1A15DB6A01070A578487C451D24B" xlink:to="loc_ghc_EducationMember_9229B14BAA1FEBD2CF028487C4513F12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_6A1DBEDA7EBE5E56F7718487C4513176" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_DebtTable_90484F0ECD5C6BA9749A8487C4510037" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_6A1DBEDA7EBE5E56F7718487C4513176" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_65AF7EEC0372006F19CD8487C4518269_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_6A1DBEDA7EBE5E56F7718487C4513176" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_65AF7EEC0372006F19CD8487C4518269_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_65AF7EEC0372006F19CD8487C4518269" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_6A1DBEDA7EBE5E56F7718487C4513176" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_65AF7EEC0372006F19CD8487C4518269" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_SevenPointTwoFivePercentUnsecuredNotesDueFebruaryOneTwoThousandAndNineteenMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_SevenPointTwoFivePercentUnsecuredNotesDueFebruaryOneTwoThousandAndNineteenMember_1AF1AA7147D82796665C8487C452CD4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_65AF7EEC0372006F19CD8487C4518269" xlink:to="loc_ghc_SevenPointTwoFivePercentUnsecuredNotesDueFebruaryOneTwoThousandAndNineteenMember_1AF1AA7147D82796665C8487C452CD4E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_FourYearRevolvingCreditAgreementDatedJuneSeventeenthTwoThousandElevenMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_FourYearRevolvingCreditAgreementDatedJuneSeventeenthTwoThousandElevenMember_5A5B491DB05FCB1D3B8D8487C4520DA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_65AF7EEC0372006F19CD8487C4518269" xlink:to="loc_ghc_FourYearRevolvingCreditAgreementDatedJuneSeventeenthTwoThousandElevenMember_5A5B491DB05FCB1D3B8D8487C4520DA2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_FiftyMillionAustralianDollarPortionOfRevolverMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_FiftyMillionAustralianDollarPortionOfRevolverMember_1146976DA3EB508FFF5D8487C452A50B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_FourYearRevolvingCreditAgreementDatedJuneSeventeenthTwoThousandElevenMember_5A5B491DB05FCB1D3B8D8487C4520DA2" xlink:to="loc_ghc_FiftyMillionAustralianDollarPortionOfRevolverMember_1146976DA3EB508FFF5D8487C452A50B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_FourHundredFiftyMillionUSDollarPortionOfRevolverMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_FourHundredFiftyMillionUSDollarPortionOfRevolverMember_3DF55F24A97B7D0E6C7F8487C4524E13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_FourYearRevolvingCreditAgreementDatedJuneSeventeenthTwoThousandElevenMember_5A5B491DB05FCB1D3B8D8487C4520DA2" xlink:to="loc_ghc_FourHundredFiftyMillionUSDollarPortionOfRevolverMember_3DF55F24A97B7D0E6C7F8487C4524E13" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_4A4BCB0936C1E0F7783F8487C452A3BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_65AF7EEC0372006F19CD8487C4518269" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_4A4BCB0936C1E0F7783F8487C452A3BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_OtherIndebtednessMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_OtherIndebtednessMember_1734412EEE87278A337C8487C4523107" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_65AF7EEC0372006F19CD8487C4518269" xlink:to="loc_ghc_OtherIndebtednessMember_1734412EEE87278A337C8487C4523107" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_FiveYearRevolvingCreditAgreementDatedJuneTwentynineTwoThousandFifteenMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_FiveYearRevolvingCreditAgreementDatedJuneTwentynineTwoThousandFifteenMember_4234D9402FC5CAFE5A0B8487C4526F02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_65AF7EEC0372006F19CD8487C4518269" xlink:to="loc_ghc_FiveYearRevolvingCreditAgreementDatedJuneTwentynineTwoThousandFifteenMember_4234D9402FC5CAFE5A0B8487C4526F02" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_KaplanFourYearCreditAgreementDatedJuly142016Member" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KaplanFourYearCreditAgreementDatedJuly142016Member_3CA32C7BE5300F58CE8A8487C4537C69" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_65AF7EEC0372006F19CD8487C4518269" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KaplanFourYearCreditAgreementDatedJuly142016Member_3CA32C7BE5300F58CE8A8487C4537C69" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_TransactionAxis" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_19D95EEA248A70744D1B8487C453209D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_DebtTable_90484F0ECD5C6BA9749A8487C4510037" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_19D95EEA248A70744D1B8487C453209D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_TransactionTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_AEB2F8CD3FB3E168EBB38487C453EEC6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_19D95EEA248A70744D1B8487C453209D" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_AEB2F8CD3FB3E168EBB38487C453EEC6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_TransactionTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_AEB2F8CD3FB3E168EBB38487C453EEC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_19D95EEA248A70744D1B8487C453209D" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_AEB2F8CD3FB3E168EBB38487C453EEC6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_CableSpinOffMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CableSpinOffMember_AE149E12F1855AD54F288487C453B104" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_AEB2F8CD3FB3E168EBB38487C453EEC6" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CableSpinOffMember_AE149E12F1855AD54F288487C453B104" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_E18039E76F2385FE62818487C453431D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_DebtTable_90484F0ECD5C6BA9749A8487C4510037" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_E18039E76F2385FE62818487C453431D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_7387B52684F8E40AA9728487C4532200_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_E18039E76F2385FE62818487C453431D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_7387B52684F8E40AA9728487C4532200_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_7387B52684F8E40AA9728487C4532200" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_E18039E76F2385FE62818487C453431D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_7387B52684F8E40AA9728487C4532200" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FederalFundsEffectiveSwapRateMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FederalFundsEffectiveSwapRateMember_DFC5F4233BF83EF4AE6B8487C4532304" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_7387B52684F8E40AA9728487C4532200" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FederalFundsEffectiveSwapRateMember_DFC5F4233BF83EF4AE6B8487C4532304" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EurodollarMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EurodollarMember_5CA2BFD3B2818803EEE38487C4536F03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_7387B52684F8E40AA9728487C4532200" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EurodollarMember_5CA2BFD3B2818803EEE38487C4536F03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_F17EB0A12AB51F5ED0148487C4535526" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_7387B52684F8E40AA9728487C4532200" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_F17EB0A12AB51F5ED0148487C4535526" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_89888EFFF125EE3984CE8487C453327B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_DebtTable_90484F0ECD5C6BA9749A8487C4510037" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_89888EFFF125EE3984CE8487C453327B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_62E17BEF119875DC2B2A8487C454B4BB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_89888EFFF125EE3984CE8487C453327B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_62E17BEF119875DC2B2A8487C454B4BB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_62E17BEF119875DC2B2A8487C454B4BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_89888EFFF125EE3984CE8487C453327B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_62E17BEF119875DC2B2A8487C454B4BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_59767054E2DB49D4CDD08487C454DC69" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_62E17BEF119875DC2B2A8487C454B4BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_59767054E2DB49D4CDD08487C454DC69" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_D2DF677B28BAE877F21F8487C4542B37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_62E17BEF119875DC2B2A8487C454B4BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_D2DF677B28BAE877F21F8487C4542B37" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_8AF8F4FE504D83E2DA858487C45456A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_DebtTable_90484F0ECD5C6BA9749A8487C4510037" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_8AF8F4FE504D83E2DA858487C45456A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_76E5CA84226F213831218487C4548B75_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_8AF8F4FE504D83E2DA858487C45456A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_76E5CA84226F213831218487C4548B75_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_76E5CA84226F213831218487C4548B75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_8AF8F4FE504D83E2DA858487C45456A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_76E5CA84226F213831218487C4548B75" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_6E4D1B237AA38AF1AE388487C4548968" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_76E5CA84226F213831218487C4548B75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_6E4D1B237AA38AF1AE388487C4548968" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_E6E5F3F78CD336650CB68487C454F166" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_DebtTable_90484F0ECD5C6BA9749A8487C4510037" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_E6E5F3F78CD336650CB68487C454F166" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_221F22159246BAB3EAD58487C454D0F5_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_E6E5F3F78CD336650CB68487C454F166" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_221F22159246BAB3EAD58487C454D0F5_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_221F22159246BAB3EAD58487C454D0F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodAxis_E6E5F3F78CD336650CB68487C454F166" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_221F22159246BAB3EAD58487C454D0F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodOneMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodOneMember_01237EB5EA490A107F6C8487C45460C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_221F22159246BAB3EAD58487C454D0F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodOneMember_01237EB5EA490A107F6C8487C45460C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodTwoMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodTwoMember_1325DBF347313EE8764A8487C45403E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_221F22159246BAB3EAD58487C454D0F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodTwoMember_1325DBF347313EE8764A8487C45403E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodThreeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodThreeMember_1AC726B2AA4CB8EAAE2A8487C4546669" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodDomain_221F22159246BAB3EAD58487C454D0F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPeriodThreeMember_1AC726B2AA4CB8EAAE2A8487C4546669" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_C2D006CDCF0E4A71D9A18487C45405EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_DebtTable_90484F0ECD5C6BA9749A8487C4510037" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_C2D006CDCF0E4A71D9A18487C45405EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_88C56C8721A9D9E475628487C454D902_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_C2D006CDCF0E4A71D9A18487C45405EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_88C56C8721A9D9E475628487C454D902_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_88C56C8721A9D9E475628487C454D902" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_C2D006CDCF0E4A71D9A18487C45405EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_88C56C8721A9D9E475628487C454D902" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_SevenPointTwoFivePercentUnsecuredNotesDueFebruaryOneTwoThousandAndNineteenMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_SevenPointTwoFivePercentUnsecuredNotesDueFebruaryOneTwoThousandAndNineteenMember_6CCF9A2BCDBD0354C7098487C454EFC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_88C56C8721A9D9E475628487C454D902" xlink:to="loc_ghc_SevenPointTwoFivePercentUnsecuredNotesDueFebruaryOneTwoThousandAndNineteenMember_6CCF9A2BCDBD0354C7098487C454EFC4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_C236DB6031859013F5998487C4552EB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_88C56C8721A9D9E475628487C454D902" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_C236DB6031859013F5998487C4552EB8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_OtherIndebtednessMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_OtherIndebtednessMember_1A13AF051158276A15AD8487C455031E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_88C56C8721A9D9E475628487C454D902" xlink:to="loc_ghc_OtherIndebtednessMember_1A13AF051158276A15AD8487C455031E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_KaplanFourYearCreditAgreementDatedJuly142016Member" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KaplanFourYearCreditAgreementDatedJuly142016Member_7A2E5E0834ABAAA5640C8487C455CB22" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_88C56C8721A9D9E475628487C454D902" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KaplanFourYearCreditAgreementDatedJuly142016Member_7A2E5E0834ABAAA5640C8487C455CB22" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_1303BE5AB43AC4E8E80F8487C455C11E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_2054FA581CE4420CF4048487C455CD14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_1303BE5AB43AC4E8E80F8487C455C11E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_A1F5CA9D5A5390DD388E8487C4552A4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_2054FA581CE4420CF4048487C455CD14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_A1F5CA9D5A5390DD388E8487C4552A4B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate_098994C8DC0BF7F7BD278487C4558D12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_2054FA581CE4420CF4048487C455CD14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate_098994C8DC0BF7F7BD278487C4558D12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity_D3BB9E216BE41F70C5018487C455C66B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_2054FA581CE4420CF4048487C455CD14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity_D3BB9E216BE41F70C5018487C455C66B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_6B36E9DEDF7266C477FB8487C45582ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_2054FA581CE4420CF4048487C455CD14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_6B36E9DEDF7266C477FB8487C45582ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentageOfPrincipalAmountRedeemed" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentageOfPrincipalAmountRedeemed_B40D1B9BA734515726A98487C455037C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_2054FA581CE4420CF4048487C455CD14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentageOfPrincipalAmountRedeemed_B40D1B9BA734515726A98487C455037C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_DebtInstrumentCovenantLeverageRatioMaximum" xlink:label="loc_ghc_DebtInstrumentCovenantLeverageRatioMaximum_0474386275C507A5DAA28487C455E2F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_2054FA581CE4420CF4048487C455CD14" xlink:to="loc_ghc_DebtInstrumentCovenantLeverageRatioMaximum_0474386275C507A5DAA28487C455E2F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_DebtInstrumentCovenantInterestCoverageRatioMinimum" xlink:label="loc_ghc_DebtInstrumentCovenantInterestCoverageRatioMinimum_89305C82C746F4ED3D518487C45514C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_2054FA581CE4420CF4048487C455CD14" xlink:to="loc_ghc_DebtInstrumentCovenantInterestCoverageRatioMinimum_89305C82C746F4ED3D518487C45514C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_2DEF291AA7B65E537F538487C455F369" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_2054FA581CE4420CF4048487C455CD14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_2DEF291AA7B65E537F538487C455F369" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount" xlink:label="loc_invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount_2E2B0A1A35139828D2AF8487C45511EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_2054FA581CE4420CF4048487C455CD14" xlink:to="loc_invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount_2E2B0A1A35139828D2AF8487C45511EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate_DCEB3BFEABD62D181BA38487C45520D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_2054FA581CE4420CF4048487C455CD14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate_DCEB3BFEABD62D181BA38487C45520D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate_9AC35D93F5B48E7EA7E88487C4558D06" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_2054FA581CE4420CF4048487C455CD14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate_9AC35D93F5B48E7EA7E88487C4558D06" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_AverageOutstandingDebtAmount" xlink:label="loc_ghc_AverageOutstandingDebtAmount_34FCA9F839209D0B80008487C455C5E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_2054FA581CE4420CF4048487C455CD14" xlink:to="loc_ghc_AverageOutstandingDebtAmount_34FCA9F839209D0B80008487C455C5E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateDuringPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateDuringPeriod_6BAC4D97BE6ED24CA9368487C4562A0A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_2054FA581CE4420CF4048487C455CD14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateDuringPeriod_6BAC4D97BE6ED24CA9368487C4562A0A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt_A0CF6BAC8F07466269538487C4568490" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_2054FA581CE4420CF4048487C455CD14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt_A0CF6BAC8F07466269538487C4568490" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue_CE73A35770D7507D8B9A8487C4560641" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_2054FA581CE4420CF4048487C455CD14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue_CE73A35770D7507D8B9A8487C4560641" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnsecuredDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredDebt_62C0726197C4817E20258487C4562AAC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_2054FA581CE4420CF4048487C455CD14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredDebt_62C0726197C4817E20258487C4562AAC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_3A06CCBEB7EC686080D68487C45643FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_2054FA581CE4420CF4048487C455CD14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_3A06CCBEB7EC686080D68487C45643FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm_CD2BDFDB1C093FEBA11C8487C456A144" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_2054FA581CE4420CF4048487C455CD14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm_CD2BDFDB1C093FEBA11C8487C456A144" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateRangeStart1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateRangeStart1_8662C5663565252EE0058487C4565A17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_2054FA581CE4420CF4048487C455CD14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateRangeStart1_8662C5663565252EE0058487C4565A17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_DebtInstrumentPricePercentageOfOutstandingBalanceRedeemed" xlink:label="loc_ghc_DebtInstrumentPricePercentageOfOutstandingBalanceRedeemed_4C1665F6FC3E40B277988487C45675EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_2054FA581CE4420CF4048487C455CD14" xlink:to="loc_ghc_DebtInstrumentPricePercentageOfOutstandingBalanceRedeemed_4C1665F6FC3E40B277988487C45675EC" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/DebtTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1A77B7DFA53116FBF4337FA97F3E91DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A43960CC440937B8723A7FA97F3DDDC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1A77B7DFA53116FBF4337FA97F3E91DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A43960CC440937B8723A7FA97F3DDDC5" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_CA3643740ED1528CC7057FA97F3D98A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A43960CC440937B8723A7FA97F3DDDC5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_CA3643740ED1528CC7057FA97F3D98A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_E8825F649777509A7B2E7FA97F3D2FC4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_CA3643740ED1528CC7057FA97F3D98A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_E8825F649777509A7B2E7FA97F3D2FC4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_E8825F649777509A7B2E7FA97F3D2FC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_CA3643740ED1528CC7057FA97F3D98A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_E8825F649777509A7B2E7FA97F3D2FC4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_16DAA34BD2BDBF176A317FA97F3D7F00" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_E8825F649777509A7B2E7FA97F3D2FC4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_16DAA34BD2BDBF176A317FA97F3D7F00" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_882C8F20020F0237939E7FA97F3E73BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_E8825F649777509A7B2E7FA97F3D2FC4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_882C8F20020F0237939E7FA97F3E73BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentType" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentType_514ADB3AD0C7456FD8297FA97F3E8287" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1A77B7DFA53116FBF4337FA97F3E91DC" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentType_514ADB3AD0C7456FD8297FA97F3E8287" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag" xlink:label="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_923CA75EE979F81BC2B07FA97F3E79A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1A77B7DFA53116FBF4337FA97F3E91DC" xlink:to="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_923CA75EE979F81BC2B07FA97F3E79A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_58759B42BF8B0E89C6AC7FA97F3EBFE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1A77B7DFA53116FBF4337FA97F3E91DC" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_58759B42BF8B0E89C6AC7FA97F3EBFE8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_766B9FB241EF021EEF7D7FA97F3E0D50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1A77B7DFA53116FBF4337FA97F3E91DC" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_766B9FB241EF021EEF7D7FA97F3E0D50" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_723A6044FFAB48E44CB87FA97F3EF713" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1A77B7DFA53116FBF4337FA97F3E91DC" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_723A6044FFAB48E44CB87FA97F3EF713" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_TradingSymbol" xlink:label="loc_dei_TradingSymbol_9C284EC97A5272E4B48C7FA97F3EA31B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1A77B7DFA53116FBF4337FA97F3E91DC" xlink:to="loc_dei_TradingSymbol_9C284EC97A5272E4B48C7FA97F3EA31B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_7D1A100BADA3C08ED3F77FA97F3FB255" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1A77B7DFA53116FBF4337FA97F3E91DC" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_7D1A100BADA3C08ED3F77FA97F3FB255" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_87B94A067583FE8B5DF97FA97F3F6B4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1A77B7DFA53116FBF4337FA97F3E91DC" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_87B94A067583FE8B5DF97FA97F3F6B4E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:label="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_9948A1AF6BC3C3D195357FA97F3F6803" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1A77B7DFA53116FBF4337FA97F3E91DC" xlink:to="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_9948A1AF6BC3C3D195357FA97F3F6803" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_1CCC22A2752E1A5ABC097FA97F3FEDBE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1A77B7DFA53116FBF4337FA97F3E91DC" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_1CCC22A2752E1A5ABC097FA97F3FEDBE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_12085BC4BA622E4496D97FA97F3FECB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1A77B7DFA53116FBF4337FA97F3E91DC" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_12085BC4BA622E4496D97FA97F3FECB8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails1" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodLineItems_D9E975A80A48563587A48493A3048490" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodTable" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodTable_DE7250399FD43E1DFFC48493A30455ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodLineItems_D9E975A80A48563587A48493A3048490" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodTable_DE7250399FD43E1DFFC48493A30455ED" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_74CDF38EE773D7E403B08493A3047CA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodTable_DE7250399FD43E1DFFC48493A30455ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_74CDF38EE773D7E403B08493A3047CA0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_FE5249036E54072069178493A3041842_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_74CDF38EE773D7E403B08493A3047CA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_FE5249036E54072069178493A3041842_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_FE5249036E54072069178493A3041842" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_74CDF38EE773D7E403B08493A3047CA0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_FE5249036E54072069178493A3041842" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_8E44748FF0DB2137C6DE8493A304789A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_FE5249036E54072069178493A3041842" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_8E44748FF0DB2137C6DE8493A304789A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_2B67C0F4458FDB38F1288493A304E66B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_FE5249036E54072069178493A3041842" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_2B67C0F4458FDB38F1288493A304E66B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_E5D04082155ECEE51CE68493A304E8D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodLineItems_D9E975A80A48563587A48493A3048490" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_E5D04082155ECEE51CE68493A304E8D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_DividendsPaidCommonStockAndSharebasedCompensationCash" xlink:label="loc_ghc_DividendsPaidCommonStockAndSharebasedCompensationCash_02D828113C47BD0EDDB58493A3045AB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodLineItems_D9E975A80A48563587A48493A3048490" xlink:to="loc_ghc_DividendsPaidCommonStockAndSharebasedCompensationCash_02D828113C47BD0EDDB58493A3045AB8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UndistributedEarnings" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UndistributedEarnings_A87D98315F0C48CF8C2F8493A3046F2E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodLineItems_D9E975A80A48563587A48493A3048490" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UndistributedEarnings_A87D98315F0C48CF8C2F8493A3046F2E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_PercentageOfUndistributedEarningsAllocatedToCommonStockholders" xlink:label="loc_ghc_PercentageOfUndistributedEarningsAllocatedToCommonStockholders_6219757BF54A0D5AFE4D8493A3044622" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodLineItems_D9E975A80A48563587A48493A3048490" xlink:to="loc_ghc_PercentageOfUndistributedEarningsAllocatedToCommonStockholders_6219757BF54A0D5AFE4D8493A3044622" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_UndistributedEarningsAllocatedToCommonStockholders" xlink:label="loc_ghc_UndistributedEarningsAllocatedToCommonStockholders_624623EFCB6443EE5EBE8493A304D5FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodLineItems_D9E975A80A48563587A48493A3048490" xlink:to="loc_ghc_UndistributedEarningsAllocatedToCommonStockholders_624623EFCB6443EE5EBE8493A304D5FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash_844E4679A4C6A2EB0FBF8493A304F950" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodLineItems_D9E975A80A48563587A48493A3048490" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash_844E4679A4C6A2EB0FBF8493A304F950" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_78369AB9C289C5CDE4598493A304DC83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodLineItems_D9E975A80A48563587A48493A3048490" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_78369AB9C289C5CDE4598493A304DC83" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_AdditionalUndistributedEarningsDueToDilutiveStockOptions" xlink:label="loc_ghc_AdditionalUndistributedEarningsDueToDilutiveStockOptions_9A2CED7AF304457EFEB78493A3043BFD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodLineItems_D9E975A80A48563587A48493A3048490" xlink:to="loc_ghc_AdditionalUndistributedEarningsDueToDilutiveStockOptions_9A2CED7AF304457EFEB78493A3043BFD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted_9B40A6187F41DC732E428493A304A6E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodLineItems_D9E975A80A48563587A48493A3048490" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted_9B40A6187F41DC732E428493A304A6E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_3EEF87AAD3428EA761C88493A30491F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodLineItems_D9E975A80A48563587A48493A3048490" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_3EEF87AAD3428EA761C88493A30491F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_F98EE7A6D763B10A6DAE8493A304B285" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodLineItems_D9E975A80A48563587A48493A3048490" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_F98EE7A6D763B10A6DAE8493A304B285" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_F9CF12B8867B6C7D341E8493A3041255" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodLineItems_D9E975A80A48563587A48493A3048490" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_F9CF12B8867B6C7D341E8493A3041255" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_IncomePerShareFromContinuingOperationsToCommonStockholdersAbstract" xlink:label="loc_ghc_IncomePerShareFromContinuingOperationsToCommonStockholdersAbstract_8AAC6931557FB8F9B5D08493A3044E35" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodLineItems_D9E975A80A48563587A48493A3048490" xlink:to="loc_ghc_IncomePerShareFromContinuingOperationsToCommonStockholdersAbstract_8AAC6931557FB8F9B5D08493A3044E35" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_17FF8DF574BFBAB3C9848493A304569D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodLineItems_D9E975A80A48563587A48493A3048490" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_17FF8DF574BFBAB3C9848493A304569D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_A32A687A779CC78165AC8493A3040891" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodLineItems_D9E975A80A48563587A48493A3048490" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_A32A687A779CC78165AC8493A3040891" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails2" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/EarningsPerShareNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_8C32D38298F04C6821B67FA97A4B3F5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_9DA6EAB37A4B96B643A67FA97A496767" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_8C32D38298F04C6821B67FA97A4B3F5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_9DA6EAB37A4B96B643A67FA97A496767" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_97FE5FD10E592FBD4A477FA97A49164F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_9DA6EAB37A4B96B643A67FA97A496767" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_97FE5FD10E592FBD4A477FA97A49164F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_32F9E71EAB8E988738237FA97A49C08D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_97FE5FD10E592FBD4A477FA97A49164F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_32F9E71EAB8E988738237FA97A49C08D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_32F9E71EAB8E988738237FA97A49C08D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_97FE5FD10E592FBD4A477FA97A49164F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_32F9E71EAB8E988738237FA97A49C08D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_94037F8D714359FD80FA7FA97A4AB73B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_32F9E71EAB8E988738237FA97A49C08D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_94037F8D714359FD80FA7FA97A4AB73B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_60AB6F642A9B5ABAA3B07FA97A4A8B9D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_32F9E71EAB8E988738237FA97A49C08D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_60AB6F642A9B5ABAA3B07FA97A4A8B9D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_74D04A42BCD91FC7AC4B7FA97A4B3595" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_8C32D38298F04C6821B67FA97A4B3F5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_74D04A42BCD91FC7AC4B7FA97A4B3595" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_E41AF1C2B2EE08BD0B3B7FA97A4BFE06" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_8C32D38298F04C6821B67FA97A4B3F5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_E41AF1C2B2EE08BD0B3B7FA97A4BFE06" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsDetails1" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_418AAD3DD061B5C756997FA97A7353A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_38E2898194FCD88391417FA97A719BF2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_418AAD3DD061B5C756997FA97A7353A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_38E2898194FCD88391417FA97A719BF2" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_A9D39D5B6FC6243F2F5B7FA97A717D0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_38E2898194FCD88391417FA97A719BF2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_A9D39D5B6FC6243F2F5B7FA97A717D0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_A61E7288E4AE0BF5D50D7FA97A7153C5_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_A9D39D5B6FC6243F2F5B7FA97A717D0E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_A61E7288E4AE0BF5D50D7FA97A7153C5_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_A61E7288E4AE0BF5D50D7FA97A7153C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_A9D39D5B6FC6243F2F5B7FA97A717D0E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_A61E7288E4AE0BF5D50D7FA97A7153C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_095F4403B330D00001FB7FA97A710EE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_A61E7288E4AE0BF5D50D7FA97A7153C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_095F4403B330D00001FB7FA97A710EE1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_536DF48E9F2464B83CB97FA97A723C8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_38E2898194FCD88391417FA97A719BF2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_536DF48E9F2464B83CB97FA97A723C8B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_76DD335819CCCFC9E8677FA97A72CB3C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_536DF48E9F2464B83CB97FA97A723C8B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_76DD335819CCCFC9E8677FA97A72CB3C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_76DD335819CCCFC9E8677FA97A72CB3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_536DF48E9F2464B83CB97FA97A723C8B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_76DD335819CCCFC9E8677FA97A72CB3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_F29CE35B8FB3D005DDE57FA97A72038C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_76DD335819CCCFC9E8677FA97A72CB3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_F29CE35B8FB3D005DDE57FA97A72038C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_9A15421F5B64329D7A077FA97A727F62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_76DD335819CCCFC9E8677FA97A72CB3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_9A15421F5B64329D7A077FA97A727F62" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_436F095CCCC0D43554FC7FA97A7251B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_76DD335819CCCFC9E8677FA97A72CB3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_436F095CCCC0D43554FC7FA97A7251B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_E2430CD51D009F2A6AC57FA97A72634C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_38E2898194FCD88391417FA97A719BF2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_E2430CD51D009F2A6AC57FA97A72634C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_A3E2D38E992CE5EF07097FA97A7247DD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_E2430CD51D009F2A6AC57FA97A72634C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_A3E2D38E992CE5EF07097FA97A7247DD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_A3E2D38E992CE5EF07097FA97A7247DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_E2430CD51D009F2A6AC57FA97A72634C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_A3E2D38E992CE5EF07097FA97A7247DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_SevenPointTwoFivePercentUnsecuredNotesDueFebruaryOneTwoThousandAndNineteenMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_SevenPointTwoFivePercentUnsecuredNotesDueFebruaryOneTwoThousandAndNineteenMember_3E250CB138C08DF328C47FA97A7207C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_A3E2D38E992CE5EF07097FA97A7247DD" xlink:to="loc_ghc_SevenPointTwoFivePercentUnsecuredNotesDueFebruaryOneTwoThousandAndNineteenMember_3E250CB138C08DF328C47FA97A7207C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_FourYearRevolvingCreditAgreementDatedJuneSeventeenthTwoThousandElevenMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_FourYearRevolvingCreditAgreementDatedJuneSeventeenthTwoThousandElevenMember_D7B8D7C93BF53DA017A97FA97A72D1E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_A3E2D38E992CE5EF07097FA97A7247DD" xlink:to="loc_ghc_FourYearRevolvingCreditAgreementDatedJuneSeventeenthTwoThousandElevenMember_D7B8D7C93BF53DA017A97FA97A72D1E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_FiftyMillionAustralianDollarPortionOfRevolverMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_FiftyMillionAustralianDollarPortionOfRevolverMember_B611F8C172D78740576F7FA97A735A7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_FourYearRevolvingCreditAgreementDatedJuneSeventeenthTwoThousandElevenMember_D7B8D7C93BF53DA017A97FA97A72D1E2" xlink:to="loc_ghc_FiftyMillionAustralianDollarPortionOfRevolverMember_B611F8C172D78740576F7FA97A735A7D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_80428DDCE1CC7CBDDC3D7FA97A732D60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_418AAD3DD061B5C756997FA97A7353A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_80428DDCE1CC7CBDDC3D7FA97A732D60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsAtCarryingValue_439F788426FDCB06A6777FA97A732B1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_80428DDCE1CC7CBDDC3D7FA97A732D60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsAtCarryingValue_439F788426FDCB06A6777FA97A732B1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_CommercialPaperTotal" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CommercialPaperTotal_312F6440BCDCD4ECE27A7FA97A736269" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_80428DDCE1CC7CBDDC3D7FA97A732D60" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CommercialPaperTotal_312F6440BCDCD4ECE27A7FA97A736269" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecurities_EEC442F9C3BF66FA291B7FA97A73ADEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_80428DDCE1CC7CBDDC3D7FA97A732D60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecurities_EEC442F9C3BF66FA291B7FA97A73ADEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherShortTermInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherShortTermInvestments_9157EC01F1BD9F2A7B0C7FA97A737FDD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_80428DDCE1CC7CBDDC3D7FA97A732D60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherShortTermInvestments_9157EC01F1BD9F2A7B0C7FA97A737FDD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeAssetAtFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeAssetAtFairValue_2598B03B2EB24105DEFA7FA97A735803" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_80428DDCE1CC7CBDDC3D7FA97A732D60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeAssetAtFairValue_2598B03B2EB24105DEFA7FA97A735803" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure_4DA71784FF5FD3DCAA9E7FA97A736DB7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_80428DDCE1CC7CBDDC3D7FA97A732D60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure_4DA71784FF5FD3DCAA9E7FA97A736DB7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_024591D590195EEEE3F87FA97A73D6F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_418AAD3DD061B5C756997FA97A7353A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_024591D590195EEEE3F87FA97A73D6F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationLiabilityCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationLiabilityCurrentAndNoncurrent_A48D2FDF7B8A7DA7C6807FA97A748842" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_024591D590195EEEE3F87FA97A73D6F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationLiabilityCurrentAndNoncurrent_A48D2FDF7B8A7DA7C6807FA97A748842" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeLiabilityAtFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeLiabilityAtFairValue_167EA5A34B6BE58F17B87FA97A741153" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_024591D590195EEEE3F87FA97A73D6F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeLiabilityAtFairValue_167EA5A34B6BE58F17B87FA97A741153" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_MandatorilyRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_ghc_MandatorilyRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestFairValueDisclosure_F1141ED1B08E3673AE9E7FA97A74D081" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_024591D590195EEEE3F87FA97A73D6F0" xlink:to="loc_ghc_MandatorilyRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestFairValueDisclosure_F1141ED1B08E3673AE9E7FA97A74D081" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue_78F59C4DE7748FBFA5057FA97A74F828" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_024591D590195EEEE3F87FA97A73D6F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue_78F59C4DE7748FBFA5057FA97A74F828" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityFairValueOfAmountOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityFairValueOfAmountOutstanding_B690103B20E0B62FD4757FA97A746487" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_024591D590195EEEE3F87FA97A73D6F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityFairValueOfAmountOutstanding_B690103B20E0B62FD4757FA97A746487" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_0D73BB4E90E08A2AE17D7FA97A74879F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_024591D590195EEEE3F87FA97A73D6F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_0D73BB4E90E08A2AE17D7FA97A74879F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_07E148E4BE5678433DD18493A3624AA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_E97AE925669371A9A5578493A3624010" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_07E148E4BE5678433DD18493A3624AA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_E97AE925669371A9A5578493A3624010" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_41411BDB12ACA8DD9BB78493A3627499" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_E97AE925669371A9A5578493A3624010" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_41411BDB12ACA8DD9BB78493A3627499" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_AC148968BEB725DDA7278493A362B99C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_41411BDB12ACA8DD9BB78493A3627499" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_AC148968BEB725DDA7278493A362B99C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_AC148968BEB725DDA7278493A362B99C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_41411BDB12ACA8DD9BB78493A3627499" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_AC148968BEB725DDA7278493A362B99C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_VocationalSchoolCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_VocationalSchoolCompanyMember_3C60A51839CA7FDDBD488493A3621638" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_AC148968BEB725DDA7278493A362B99C" xlink:to="loc_ghc_VocationalSchoolCompanyMember_3C60A51839CA7FDDBD488493A3621638" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_CF424F107AFB85B1187D8493A362039A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_E97AE925669371A9A5578493A3624010" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_CF424F107AFB85B1187D8493A362039A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_201304F18E7F2317E35E8493A3622459_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_CF424F107AFB85B1187D8493A362039A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_201304F18E7F2317E35E8493A3622459_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_201304F18E7F2317E35E8493A3622459" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOperatingActivitiesSegmentAxis_CF424F107AFB85B1187D8493A362039A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_201304F18E7F2317E35E8493A3622459" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDiscontinuedOperationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDiscontinuedOperationsMember_6F7A5BD49343C47306BA8493A3629D2C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentOperatingActivitiesDomain_201304F18E7F2317E35E8493A3622459" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDiscontinuedOperationsMember_6F7A5BD49343C47306BA8493A3629D2C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_69971A24A500C62BAD748493A362F503" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_07E148E4BE5678433DD18493A3624AA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_69971A24A500C62BAD748493A362F503" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostmethodInvestmentsOtherThanTemporaryImpairment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostmethodInvestmentsOtherThanTemporaryImpairment_CF2E7732A8FFADC865B08493A3625181" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_07E148E4BE5678433DD18493A3624AA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostmethodInvestmentsOtherThanTemporaryImpairment_CF2E7732A8FFADC865B08493A3625181" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_FABD83281E80DE7EA49C8493A3627203" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_07E148E4BE5678433DD18493A3624AA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_FABD83281E80DE7EA49C8493A3627203" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf_112C3BCF3CA9150AB6CC8493A362293E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_07E148E4BE5678433DD18493A3624AA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf_112C3BCF3CA9150AB6CC8493A362293E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsFinitelived" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsFinitelived_70185F1DAC10841C63B78493A3628792" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_07E148E4BE5678433DD18493A3624AA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsFinitelived_70185F1DAC10841C63B78493A3628792" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssets" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsChangesInCarryingAmountOfGoodwillDetails1" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_D59C96BAA5B61FD6529E8493A39094D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_2F72B0E8A8C9D7D0DF288493A3909C1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_D59C96BAA5B61FD6529E8493A39094D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_2F72B0E8A8C9D7D0DF288493A3909C1F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_1A5A3389D5B134A0BFEC8493A39056BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_2F72B0E8A8C9D7D0DF288493A3909C1F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_1A5A3389D5B134A0BFEC8493A39056BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6256FEDE44ED529C45CE8493A39079C0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_1A5A3389D5B134A0BFEC8493A39056BC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6256FEDE44ED529C45CE8493A39079C0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6256FEDE44ED529C45CE8493A39079C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_1A5A3389D5B134A0BFEC8493A39056BC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6256FEDE44ED529C45CE8493A39079C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_EducationMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_EducationMember_EABC113053B111B52C518493A3905A8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6256FEDE44ED529C45CE8493A39079C0" xlink:to="loc_ghc_EducationMember_EABC113053B111B52C518493A3905A8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_TelevisionBroadcastingMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TelevisionBroadcastingMember_4D2559185C0566A2AE8B8493A390B18F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6256FEDE44ED529C45CE8493A39079C0" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TelevisionBroadcastingMember_4D2559185C0566A2AE8B8493A390B18F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_OtherBusinessesMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_OtherBusinessesMember_32F0E64B7E8AD898BAB88493A390511A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6256FEDE44ED529C45CE8493A39079C0" xlink:to="loc_ghc_OtherBusinessesMember_32F0E64B7E8AD898BAB88493A390511A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_774965708BBD3BAE34BF8493A390274E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_2F72B0E8A8C9D7D0DF288493A3909C1F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_774965708BBD3BAE34BF8493A390274E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_3D6BB8A9B8CB3843F13E8493A3900139_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_774965708BBD3BAE34BF8493A390274E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_3D6BB8A9B8CB3843F13E8493A3900139_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_3D6BB8A9B8CB3843F13E8493A3900139" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_774965708BBD3BAE34BF8493A390274E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_3D6BB8A9B8CB3843F13E8493A3900139" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_HigherEducationMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_HigherEducationMember_C27A563F0E8C53A1C5F48493A390628F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_3D6BB8A9B8CB3843F13E8493A3900139" xlink:to="loc_ghc_HigherEducationMember_C27A563F0E8C53A1C5F48493A390628F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_TestPreparationMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TestPreparationMember_7F66FCB216F43E3942BD8493A390A79B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_3D6BB8A9B8CB3843F13E8493A3900139" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TestPreparationMember_7F66FCB216F43E3942BD8493A390A79B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_KaplanInternationalMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KaplanInternationalMember_EA5A1F988657972544E18493A390266A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_3D6BB8A9B8CB3843F13E8493A3900139" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KaplanInternationalMember_EA5A1F988657972544E18493A390266A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_D31E6403B0444CAFECA28493A3906769" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_D59C96BAA5B61FD6529E8493A39094D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_D31E6403B0444CAFECA28493A3906769" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillGross_01FBF6EC602BFF848E7A8493A3908F4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_D31E6403B0444CAFECA28493A3906769" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillGross_01FBF6EC602BFF848E7A8493A3908F4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss_27316058A68B606A6BB58493A39055F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_D31E6403B0444CAFECA28493A3906769" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss_27316058A68B606A6BB58493A39055F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_7AC0272D75EF5E4746678493A390DA2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_D31E6403B0444CAFECA28493A3906769" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_7AC0272D75EF5E4746678493A390DA2F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillPurchaseAccountingAdjustments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillPurchaseAccountingAdjustments_B904843AB565F9200BA88493A390E77B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_D31E6403B0444CAFECA28493A3906769" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillPurchaseAccountingAdjustments_B904843AB565F9200BA88493A390E77B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod_E3557119B224D2EC48778493A3904EE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_D31E6403B0444CAFECA28493A3906769" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod_E3557119B224D2EC48778493A3904EE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_A7488E9A6F198E9B7ADC8493A390229C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_D31E6403B0444CAFECA28493A3906769" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_A7488E9A6F198E9B7ADC8493A390229C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillWrittenOffRelatedToSaleOfBusinessUnit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillWrittenOffRelatedToSaleOfBusinessUnit_7444286221D84C3D15CF8493A390B68B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_D31E6403B0444CAFECA28493A3906769" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillWrittenOffRelatedToSaleOfBusinessUnit_7444286221D84C3D15CF8493A390B68B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_GoodwillReclassifiedToAssetsHeldForSale" xlink:label="loc_ghc_GoodwillReclassifiedToAssetsHeldForSale_33F884B24FD02ACB9A868493A390B920" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_D31E6403B0444CAFECA28493A3906769" xlink:to="loc_ghc_GoodwillReclassifiedToAssetsHeldForSale_33F884B24FD02ACB9A868493A390B920" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLoss_5C49B9089442861D6CEE8493A3902C5E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_D31E6403B0444CAFECA28493A3906769" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLoss_5C49B9089442861D6CEE8493A3902C5E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_353B732F378A679C2A787FA97B216185" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_CDE4850351602D9D4C6D7FA97B20F414" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_353B732F378A679C2A787FA97B216185" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_CDE4850351602D9D4C6D7FA97B20F414" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_798BAF4F264A5FD96F887FA97B203DC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_CDE4850351602D9D4C6D7FA97B20F414" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_798BAF4F264A5FD96F887FA97B203DC4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_4B34CABF4B72E45A51767FA97B2151EE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_798BAF4F264A5FD96F887FA97B203DC4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_4B34CABF4B72E45A51767FA97B2151EE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_4B34CABF4B72E45A51767FA97B2151EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_798BAF4F264A5FD96F887FA97B203DC4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_4B34CABF4B72E45A51767FA97B2151EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_KaplanMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KaplanMember_351480D73681C7DF96217FA97B216A68" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_4B34CABF4B72E45A51767FA97B2151EE" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KaplanMember_351480D73681C7DF96217FA97B216A68" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_EF828409653E94692C2F7FA97B21EA31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_CDE4850351602D9D4C6D7FA97B20F414" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_EF828409653E94692C2F7FA97B21EA31" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_BDD1C3F3FFF31E4384C87FA97B212B06_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_EF828409653E94692C2F7FA97B21EA31" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_BDD1C3F3FFF31E4384C87FA97B212B06_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_BDD1C3F3FFF31E4384C87FA97B212B06" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_EF828409653E94692C2F7FA97B21EA31" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_BDD1C3F3FFF31E4384C87FA97B212B06" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_ForneyMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ForneyMember_6FB01CBB962970089AFD7FA97B216305" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_BDD1C3F3FFF31E4384C87FA97B212B06" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ForneyMember_6FB01CBB962970089AFD7FA97B216305" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsFinitelived" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsFinitelived_DEECAA81AD2C58A3BDB87FA97B218D39" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_353B732F378A679C2A787FA97B216185" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsFinitelived_DEECAA81AD2C58A3BDB87FA97B218D39" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_3B116AC175BD40C7FDAD7FA97B22F1A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_353B732F378A679C2A787FA97B216185" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_3B116AC175BD40C7FDAD7FA97B22F1A3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsOtherIntangibleAssetsDetails2" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_0B8D362979120B90A8567FA97AE3A47A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_CB1EDEE2E89B781BDF997FA97AE16EBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_0B8D362979120B90A8567FA97AE3A47A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_CB1EDEE2E89B781BDF997FA97AE16EBF" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_DE838E15361605B1CE817FA97AE21650" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_CB1EDEE2E89B781BDF997FA97AE16EBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_DE838E15361605B1CE817FA97AE21650" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_0EFA408F4D70DFAECBE57FA97AE20D75_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_DE838E15361605B1CE817FA97AE21650" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_0EFA408F4D70DFAECBE57FA97AE20D75_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_0EFA408F4D70DFAECBE57FA97AE20D75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_DE838E15361605B1CE817FA97AE21650" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_0EFA408F4D70DFAECBE57FA97AE20D75" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_B03790B1FE8CC3F2670B7FA97AE2079E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_0EFA408F4D70DFAECBE57FA97AE20D75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_B03790B1FE8CC3F2670B7FA97AE2079E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TrademarksAndTradeNamesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TrademarksAndTradeNamesMember_359B228AA1E693EA1AE47FA97AE2C836" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_0EFA408F4D70DFAECBE57FA97AE20D75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TrademarksAndTradeNamesMember_359B228AA1E693EA1AE47FA97AE2C836" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractBasedIntangibleAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractBasedIntangibleAssetsMember_254A5DB44B16C90C8A407FA97AE2D797" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_0EFA408F4D70DFAECBE57FA97AE20D75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractBasedIntangibleAssetsMember_254A5DB44B16C90C8A407FA97AE2D797" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DatabasesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DatabasesMember_C558617B11C045220E957FA97AE2726F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_0EFA408F4D70DFAECBE57FA97AE20D75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DatabasesMember_C558617B11C045220E957FA97AE2726F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember_5F76A0F88A9A7BAE835B7FA97AE36E7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_0EFA408F4D70DFAECBE57FA97AE20D75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember_5F76A0F88A9A7BAE835B7FA97AE36E7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember_E3157FE673A8ECE2FD917FA97AE34293" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_0EFA408F4D70DFAECBE57FA97AE20D75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember_E3157FE673A8ECE2FD917FA97AE34293" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_E63F023478067658CE967FA97AE3F037" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_CB1EDEE2E89B781BDF997FA97AE16EBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_E63F023478067658CE967FA97AE3F037" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_4A0245038C5178A8C4557FA97AE3036D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_E63F023478067658CE967FA97AE3F037" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_4A0245038C5178A8C4557FA97AE3036D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_4A0245038C5178A8C4557FA97AE3036D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_E63F023478067658CE967FA97AE3F037" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_4A0245038C5178A8C4557FA97AE3036D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_1416BFF995F572A9ABDE7FA97AE37870" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_4A0245038C5178A8C4557FA97AE3036D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_1416BFF995F572A9ABDE7FA97AE37870" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_066D722CD1FF56C5619B7FA97AE3B5DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_4A0245038C5178A8C4557FA97AE3036D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_066D722CD1FF56C5619B7FA97AE3B5DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_2E9C0ADD9C96EB6FF6D77FA97AE4255F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_0B8D362979120B90A8567FA97AE3A47A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_2E9C0ADD9C96EB6FF6D77FA97AE4255F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_EFDFB44DA80A6F41ECC97FA97AE48267" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_0B8D362979120B90A8567FA97AE3A47A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_EFDFB44DA80A6F41ECC97FA97AE48267" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_189C169877F98ED480E27FA97AE4567E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_0B8D362979120B90A8567FA97AE3A47A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_189C169877F98ED480E27FA97AE4567E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_10AB5C59ACC09757F8747FA97AE4A0BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_0B8D362979120B90A8567FA97AE3A47A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_10AB5C59ACC09757F8747FA97AE4A0BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_4AC04B897BBCA06FEF917FA97AE50A5E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_7C1DE2408E867E1438687FA97AE44660" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_4AC04B897BBCA06FEF917FA97AE50A5E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_7C1DE2408E867E1438687FA97AE44660" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_403EC0FE59417B9F19177FA97AE40592" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_7C1DE2408E867E1438687FA97AE44660" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_403EC0FE59417B9F19177FA97AE40592" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_64C35A9E5B102501F1767FA97AE49AC6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_403EC0FE59417B9F19177FA97AE40592" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_64C35A9E5B102501F1767FA97AE49AC6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_64C35A9E5B102501F1767FA97AE49AC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_403EC0FE59417B9F19177FA97AE40592" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_64C35A9E5B102501F1767FA97AE49AC6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TrademarksAndTradeNamesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TrademarksAndTradeNamesMember_77F21A17F0C0C2EE4F4B7FA97AE57486" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_64C35A9E5B102501F1767FA97AE49AC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TrademarksAndTradeNamesMember_77F21A17F0C0C2EE4F4B7FA97AE57486" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingAndBroadcastRightsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingAndBroadcastRightsMember_AAE7D80C01A4755820497FA97AE57EA7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_64C35A9E5B102501F1767FA97AE49AC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingAndBroadcastRightsMember_AAE7D80C01A4755820497FA97AE57EA7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_LicensureAndAccreditationMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_LicensureAndAccreditationMember_351A2DC56BE761286D097FA97AE5BEEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_64C35A9E5B102501F1767FA97AE49AC6" xlink:to="loc_ghc_LicensureAndAccreditationMember_351A2DC56BE761286D097FA97AE5BEEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_32B43B3041E89E6AEE9E7FA97AE5EBDD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_4AC04B897BBCA06FEF917FA97AE50A5E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_32B43B3041E89E6AEE9E7FA97AE5EBDD" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_AC4D4B0D9ECFC7DABD067FA97B340282" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_85291C6317304C06C1BB7FA97B34CEE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_AC4D4B0D9ECFC7DABD067FA97B340282" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_85291C6317304C06C1BB7FA97B34CEE8" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_E844F17ABCE57F8978587FA97B34F675" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_85291C6317304C06C1BB7FA97B34CEE8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_E844F17ABCE57F8978587FA97B34F675" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_C0F3E66F11FCC63880607FA97B34D9A5_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_E844F17ABCE57F8978587FA97B34F675" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_C0F3E66F11FCC63880607FA97B34D9A5_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_C0F3E66F11FCC63880607FA97B34D9A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_E844F17ABCE57F8978587FA97B34F675" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_C0F3E66F11FCC63880607FA97B34D9A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_EducationMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_EducationMember_0587813E090C5BA2B75C7FA97B3408D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_C0F3E66F11FCC63880607FA97B34D9A5" xlink:to="loc_ghc_EducationMember_0587813E090C5BA2B75C7FA97B3408D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTextBlock_C9520E92F7D24874CACC7FA97B3411FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_AC4D4B0D9ECFC7DABD067FA97B340282" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTextBlock_C9520E92F7D24874CACC7FA97B3411FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_ScheduleofFiniteandIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ScheduleofFiniteandIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTableTextBlock_3EAE52CA87497E40121D7FA97B3462C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_AC4D4B0D9ECFC7DABD067FA97B340282" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ScheduleofFiniteandIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTableTextBlock_3EAE52CA87497E40121D7FA97B3462C5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/Investments" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/InvestmentsInvestmentsInMarketableEquitySecuritiesDetails1" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/InvestmentsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_79BE111CDD6581026BD285B364F96C33" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable_5DEA4FA856B5BBD79C8A85B364F28787" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_79BE111CDD6581026BD285B364F96C33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable_5DEA4FA856B5BBD79C8A85B364F28787" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_3C9ED80C93C539EF32E385B364F271F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable_5DEA4FA856B5BBD79C8A85B364F28787" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_3C9ED80C93C539EF32E385B364F271F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_8F9DC3E8E7AE2F8D8B9485B364F2B282_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_3C9ED80C93C539EF32E385B364F271F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_8F9DC3E8E7AE2F8D8B9485B364F2B282_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_8F9DC3E8E7AE2F8D8B9485B364F2B282" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_3C9ED80C93C539EF32E385B364F271F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_8F9DC3E8E7AE2F8D8B9485B364F2B282" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_MarkelCorporationMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_MarkelCorporationMember_A9911D5C78C6FA9EDAC985B364F27372" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_8F9DC3E8E7AE2F8D8B9485B364F2B282" xlink:to="loc_ghc_MarkelCorporationMember_A9911D5C78C6FA9EDAC985B364F27372" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_HomeHeroMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_HomeHeroMember_C0E986ABF95D8E1F906E85B364F3DEAF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_8F9DC3E8E7AE2F8D8B9485B364F2B282" xlink:to="loc_ghc_HomeHeroMember_C0E986ABF95D8E1F906E85B364F3DEAF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_ResidentialHomeHealthIllinoisMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ResidentialHomeHealthIllinoisMember_470B0A3CDEBF2BCFCD0C85B364F34644" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_8F9DC3E8E7AE2F8D8B9485B364F2B282" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ResidentialHomeHealthIllinoisMember_470B0A3CDEBF2BCFCD0C85B364F34644" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_ResidentialHospiceIllinoisMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ResidentialHospiceIllinoisMember_74B642D4AEF1DD12C2A785B364F8741C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_8F9DC3E8E7AE2F8D8B9485B364F2B282" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ResidentialHospiceIllinoisMember_74B642D4AEF1DD12C2A785B364F8741C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_ResidentialAndMichiganHospitalJointVentureMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ResidentialAndMichiganHospitalJointVentureMember_879FA1F65ACCA34EACCF85B364F987D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_8F9DC3E8E7AE2F8D8B9485B364F2B282" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ResidentialAndMichiganHospitalJointVentureMember_879FA1F65ACCA34EACCF85B364F987D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_CelticHealthcareAlleghenyHealthNetworkJointVentureMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CelticHealthcareAlleghenyHealthNetworkJointVentureMember_738E25F123068412F87B85B364F9EE89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_8F9DC3E8E7AE2F8D8B9485B364F2B282" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CelticHealthcareAlleghenyHealthNetworkJointVentureMember_738E25F123068412F87B85B364F9EE89" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_YorkJointVentureMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_YorkJointVentureMember_2C39F657D3FE2F83CD0385B364F92299" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_8F9DC3E8E7AE2F8D8B9485B364F2B282" xlink:to="loc_ghc_YorkJointVentureMember_2C39F657D3FE2F83CD0385B364F92299" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_F3E3918C3A166A566AAE85B364F929F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable_5DEA4FA856B5BBD79C8A85B364F28787" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_F3E3918C3A166A566AAE85B364F929F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_0B37B000E70388C7DBE685B364F91F73_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_F3E3918C3A166A566AAE85B364F929F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_0B37B000E70388C7DBE685B364F91F73_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_0B37B000E70388C7DBE685B364F91F73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_F3E3918C3A166A566AAE85B364F929F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_0B37B000E70388C7DBE685B364F91F73" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_C5EDAA3173B41F6FB1AE85B364F98136" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_0B37B000E70388C7DBE685B364F91F73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_C5EDAA3173B41F6FB1AE85B364F98136" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_A8C75EBA47EF36FD46D885B364F9306C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable_5DEA4FA856B5BBD79C8A85B364F28787" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_A8C75EBA47EF36FD46D885B364F9306C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_61B8D6715A9CA0F3AFC685B364F98F21_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_A8C75EBA47EF36FD46D885B364F9306C" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_61B8D6715A9CA0F3AFC685B364F98F21_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_61B8D6715A9CA0F3AFC685B364F98F21" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_A8C75EBA47EF36FD46D885B364F9306C" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_61B8D6715A9CA0F3AFC685B364F98F21" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_ResidentialHealthcareGroupIncMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ResidentialHealthcareGroupIncMember_CB3EB71A26A059E4FEE785B364F9720C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_61B8D6715A9CA0F3AFC685B364F98F21" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ResidentialHealthcareGroupIncMember_CB3EB71A26A059E4FEE785B364F9720C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_CelticHealthcareIncMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CelticHealthcareIncMember_B0F29667DAF5351ABDA285B364F98BF7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_61B8D6715A9CA0F3AFC685B364F98F21" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CelticHealthcareIncMember_B0F29667DAF5351ABDA285B364F98BF7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_YorkUniversityMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_YorkUniversityMember_C9019504B43074C55FCC85B364F978EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_61B8D6715A9CA0F3AFC685B364F98F21" xlink:to="loc_ghc_YorkUniversityMember_C9019504B43074C55FCC85B364F978EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_CelticAndResidentialMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CelticAndResidentialMember_77252EA129569E9E06E185B5B9CA674F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_61B8D6715A9CA0F3AFC685B364F98F21" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CelticAndResidentialMember_77252EA129569E9E06E185B5B9CA674F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_CommercialPaperAndMoneyMarketInvestments" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CommercialPaperAndMoneyMarketInvestments_A4938CD3435B70B2D6F185B364F959F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_79BE111CDD6581026BD285B364F96C33" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CommercialPaperAndMoneyMarketInvestments_A4938CD3435B70B2D6F185B364F959F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_NumberOfSharesHeldInInvestment" xlink:label="loc_ghc_NumberOfSharesHeldInInvestment_F1F8C6CB83236A86DA8F85B364F96A38" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_79BE111CDD6581026BD285B364F96C33" xlink:to="loc_ghc_NumberOfSharesHeldInInvestment_F1F8C6CB83236A86DA8F85B364F96A38" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecurities_8B99D40E04D9E88F19D085B364F9A013" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_79BE111CDD6581026BD285B364F96C33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecurities_8B99D40E04D9E88F19D085B364F9A013" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquity_183181950C8238B4541885B364FA2667" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_79BE111CDD6581026BD285B364F96C33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquity_183181950C8238B4541885B364FA2667" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquityAcquired" xlink:label="loc_ghc_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquityAcquired_4E6FA5A332DEA4C0BCA085B364FA2C03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_79BE111CDD6581026BD285B364F96C33" xlink:to="loc_ghc_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquityAcquired_4E6FA5A332DEA4C0BCA085B364FA2C03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainsLossesSaleProceeds" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainsLossesSaleProceeds_E23E109264E56F7D67FD85B364FA740D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_79BE111CDD6581026BD285B364F96C33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainsLossesSaleProceeds_E23E109264E56F7D67FD85B364FA740D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties_89E21EC1C878692C18E185B364FA2E30" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_79BE111CDD6581026BD285B364F96C33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties_89E21EC1C878692C18E185B364FA2E30" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdvancesToAffiliate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdvancesToAffiliate_E661A36A28A7CEDDEEAA85B364FA5E44" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_79BE111CDD6581026BD285B364F96C33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdvancesToAffiliate_E661A36A28A7CEDDEEAA85B364FA5E44" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitment_5D3071D03B3BC89F5F3685B364FA1FA1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_79BE111CDD6581026BD285B364F96C33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitment_5D3071D03B3BC89F5F3685B364FA1FA1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_LoanReceivablePaymentTerms" xlink:label="loc_ghc_LoanReceivablePaymentTerms_8A76BE35FB8D15A03C9685B364FA331C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_79BE111CDD6581026BD285B364F96C33" xlink:to="loc_ghc_LoanReceivablePaymentTerms_8A76BE35FB8D15A03C9685B364FA331C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionRate_A54E90CBCAC7BEAC09D985B364FA5D5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_79BE111CDD6581026BD285B364F96C33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionRate_A54E90CBCAC7BEAC09D985B364FA5D5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesRealizedGainLossExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesRealizedGainLossExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairments_8A0B5DF10F6CA391861B85B364FA90B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_79BE111CDD6581026BD285B364F96C33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesRealizedGainLossExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairments_8A0B5DF10F6CA391861B85B364FA90B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_67CD3381BB36BBA6F9AE85B364FBDE13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_79BE111CDD6581026BD285B364F96C33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_67CD3381BB36BBA6F9AE85B364FBDE13" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_ProceedsFromSalesOfMarketableSecuritiesSettled" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ProceedsFromSalesOfMarketableSecuritiesSettled_79F1690704E3F8FF955285B364FB4516" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_79BE111CDD6581026BD285B364F96C33" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ProceedsFromSalesOfMarketableSecuritiesSettled_79F1690704E3F8FF955285B364FB4516" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesRealizedGainLossOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesRealizedGainLossOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsAmount_EFFC2E08A246FE71429C85B364FB83D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_79BE111CDD6581026BD285B364F96C33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesRealizedGainLossOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsAmount_EFFC2E08A246FE71429C85B364FB83D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_275E88C8D62FAFD925D085B364FB1438" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_79BE111CDD6581026BD285B364F96C33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_275E88C8D62FAFD925D085B364FB1438" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/InvestmentsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/OrganizationBasisOfPresentationAndRecentAccountingPronouncements" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/OrganizationBasisOfPresentationAndRecentAccountingPronouncementsOrganizationAndBasisOfPresentationNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B443AE8BCCF15262D7889DFB5986A9D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_24AECF4AF67E9D92F5939DFB5986040F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B443AE8BCCF15262D7889DFB5986A9D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_24AECF4AF67E9D92F5939DFB5986040F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_PriorPeriodAdjustmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_ghc_PriorPeriodAdjustmentsAxis_3F0DA97659F195D437A39DFB5986BE39" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_24AECF4AF67E9D92F5939DFB5986040F" xlink:to="loc_ghc_PriorPeriodAdjustmentsAxis_3F0DA97659F195D437A39DFB5986BE39" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_PriorPeriodAdjustmentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_ghc_PriorPeriodAdjustmentsDomain_71EA6EC33B3CDAA36FC19DFB5986CA62_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ghc_PriorPeriodAdjustmentsAxis_3F0DA97659F195D437A39DFB5986BE39" xlink:to="loc_ghc_PriorPeriodAdjustmentsDomain_71EA6EC33B3CDAA36FC19DFB5986CA62_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_PriorPeriodAdjustmentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_ghc_PriorPeriodAdjustmentsDomain_71EA6EC33B3CDAA36FC19DFB5986CA62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ghc_PriorPeriodAdjustmentsAxis_3F0DA97659F195D437A39DFB5986BE39" xlink:to="loc_ghc_PriorPeriodAdjustmentsDomain_71EA6EC33B3CDAA36FC19DFB5986CA62" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_Q32015Member" xlink:label="loc_ghc_Q32015Member_5E66483DF3CC5E645A2A9DFFFA99AE48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_PriorPeriodAdjustmentsDomain_71EA6EC33B3CDAA36FC19DFB5986CA62" xlink:to="loc_ghc_Q32015Member_5E66483DF3CC5E645A2A9DFFFA99AE48" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_1EFB6517478B201F7C7D9DFB5986D200" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_24AECF4AF67E9D92F5939DFB5986040F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_1EFB6517478B201F7C7D9DFB5986D200" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6AE44C4F05E79A2A5C669DFB5986D601_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_1EFB6517478B201F7C7D9DFB5986D200" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6AE44C4F05E79A2A5C669DFB5986D601_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6AE44C4F05E79A2A5C669DFB5986D601" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_1EFB6517478B201F7C7D9DFB5986D200" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6AE44C4F05E79A2A5C669DFB5986D601" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_TelevisionBroadcastingMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TelevisionBroadcastingMember_691566C3014445D50F799DFB59861380" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6AE44C4F05E79A2A5C669DFB5986D601" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TelevisionBroadcastingMember_691566C3014445D50F799DFB59861380" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_EducationMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_EducationMember_42DF75CF372A168230B49DFB5986A950" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6AE44C4F05E79A2A5C669DFB5986D601" xlink:to="loc_ghc_EducationMember_42DF75CF372A168230B49DFB5986A950" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_74A0F587747E5355652E9DFB5986E6D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_24AECF4AF67E9D92F5939DFB5986040F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_74A0F587747E5355652E9DFB5986E6D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_20636FD439288798109B9DFB5986A34B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_74A0F587747E5355652E9DFB5986E6D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_20636FD439288798109B9DFB5986A34B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_20636FD439288798109B9DFB5986A34B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_74A0F587747E5355652E9DFB5986E6D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_20636FD439288798109B9DFB5986A34B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_HigherEducationMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_HigherEducationMember_1508342F9126AFAEA98C9DFCF0294422" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_20636FD439288798109B9DFB5986A34B" xlink:to="loc_ghc_HigherEducationMember_1508342F9126AFAEA98C9DFCF0294422" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_NumberOfTelevisionBroadcastStationsOwned" xlink:label="loc_ghc_NumberOfTelevisionBroadcastStationsOwned_E6EE947B1C314DC975E99DFB59867842" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B443AE8BCCF15262D7889DFB5986A9D6" xlink:to="loc_ghc_NumberOfTelevisionBroadcastStationsOwned_E6EE947B1C314DC975E99DFB59867842" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_PercentageOfOwnershipIndicatingControlForConsolidationPurposes" xlink:label="loc_ghc_PercentageOfOwnershipIndicatingControlForConsolidationPurposes_92BC9D4A057A7D658A7C9DFB5986724F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B443AE8BCCF15262D7889DFB5986A9D6" xlink:to="loc_ghc_PercentageOfOwnershipIndicatingControlForConsolidationPurposes_92BC9D4A057A7D658A7C9DFB5986724F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_ImmaterialErrorCorrectionAmount" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ImmaterialErrorCorrectionAmount_E440D31F972BE00F7F389DFB5986E4A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B443AE8BCCF15262D7889DFB5986A9D6" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ImmaterialErrorCorrectionAmount_E440D31F972BE00F7F389DFB5986E4A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_3BDC5D59AAC3CD715D389DFB5986A553" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B443AE8BCCF15262D7889DFB5986A9D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_3BDC5D59AAC3CD715D389DFB5986A553" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/OrganizationBasisOfPresentationAndRecentAccountingPronouncementsPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/OrganizationBasisOfPresentationAndRecentAccountingPronouncementsRecentAccountingPronouncementsDetails1" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionLineItems_B8929B4DB940889E8F528001BC024ACA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionTable_3150BCB948969A7DDBD78001BC02B68B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionLineItems_B8929B4DB940889E8F528001BC024ACA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionTable_3150BCB948969A7DDBD78001BC02B68B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForChangeInAccountingPrincipleAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForChangeInAccountingPrincipleAxis_4B4DE41AD3A1B6E3A2618001BC02323D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionTable_3150BCB948969A7DDBD78001BC02B68B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForChangeInAccountingPrincipleAxis_4B4DE41AD3A1B6E3A2618001BC02323D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleMember_B95062B61B551031F94F8001BC02C7F2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForChangeInAccountingPrincipleAxis_4B4DE41AD3A1B6E3A2618001BC02323D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleMember_B95062B61B551031F94F8001BC02C7F2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleMember_B95062B61B551031F94F8001BC02C7F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForChangeInAccountingPrincipleAxis_4B4DE41AD3A1B6E3A2618001BC02323D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleMember_B95062B61B551031F94F8001BC02C7F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreviousAccountingGuidanceMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreviousAccountingGuidanceMember_E334794CB74ABE9456CD8001BC02B299" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleMember_B95062B61B551031F94F8001BC02C7F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreviousAccountingGuidanceMember_E334794CB74ABE9456CD8001BC02B299" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementMember_53B3A81F84AB45267D5D8001BC0210B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleMember_B95062B61B551031F94F8001BC02C7F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementMember_53B3A81F84AB45267D5D8001BC0210B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionEffectMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionEffectMember_EBC79E74B60AD51F6BC88001BC027F76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleMember_B95062B61B551031F94F8001BC02C7F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionEffectMember_EBC79E74B60AD51F6BC88001BC027F76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionAxis_67DEABA113D9D0F474928001BC02D03E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionTable_3150BCB948969A7DDBD78001BC02B68B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionAxis_67DEABA113D9D0F474928001BC02D03E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPrinciplesEarlyAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPrinciplesEarlyAdoptionMember_58F31043DF3A3733396C8001BC02FAA4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionAxis_67DEABA113D9D0F474928001BC02D03E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPrinciplesEarlyAdoptionMember_58F31043DF3A3733396C8001BC02FAA4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPrinciplesEarlyAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPrinciplesEarlyAdoptionMember_58F31043DF3A3733396C8001BC02FAA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionAxis_67DEABA113D9D0F474928001BC02D03E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPrinciplesEarlyAdoptionMember_58F31043DF3A3733396C8001BC02FAA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash_53DEB89242EB79F41EBA8001BC025F5E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionLineItems_B8929B4DB940889E8F528001BC024ACA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash_53DEB89242EB79F41EBA8001BC025F5E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_B6A5029DABA225A2AD2C8001BC02C558" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionLineItems_B8929B4DB940889E8F528001BC024ACA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_B6A5029DABA225A2AD2C8001BC02C558" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_3223AF899649072010A78001BC028256" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionLineItems_B8929B4DB940889E8F528001BC024ACA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_3223AF899649072010A78001BC028256" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_3ED95CFA201401722FD58001BC020EE5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionLineItems_B8929B4DB940889E8F528001BC024ACA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_3ED95CFA201401722FD58001BC020EE5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/OrganizationBasisOfPresentationAndRecentAccountingPronouncementsRecentAccountingPronouncementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_73B26FD56488EC659A817FA97DD55197" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_1A141E5FDEF1560171D27FA97DD31C36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_73B26FD56488EC659A817FA97DD55197" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_1A141E5FDEF1560171D27FA97DD31C36" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_371FFBF299B78805FEBC7FA97DD3EC9D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_1A141E5FDEF1560171D27FA97DD31C36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_371FFBF299B78805FEBC7FA97DD3EC9D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_2EBF075485D54994E82A7FA97DD30426_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_371FFBF299B78805FEBC7FA97DD3EC9D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_2EBF075485D54994E82A7FA97DD30426_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_2EBF075485D54994E82A7FA97DD30426" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_371FFBF299B78805FEBC7FA97DD3EC9D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_2EBF075485D54994E82A7FA97DD30426" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_DeferredChargesandOtherAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_DeferredChargesandOtherAssetsMember_4BCFAF515C2B26D8048B7FA97DD3918F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_2EBF075485D54994E82A7FA97DD30426" xlink:to="loc_ghc_DeferredChargesandOtherAssetsMember_4BCFAF515C2B26D8048B7FA97DD3918F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMember_EEA1CCFEC9C5F4A5FD207FA97DD4A434" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_2EBF075485D54994E82A7FA97DD30426" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMember_EEA1CCFEC9C5F4A5FD207FA97DD4A434" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_48D8806E75290672460E7FA97DD44531" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_1A141E5FDEF1560171D27FA97DD31C36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_48D8806E75290672460E7FA97DD44531" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_A58BB42E626070E30A367FA97DD4C45C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_48D8806E75290672460E7FA97DD44531" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_A58BB42E626070E30A367FA97DD4C45C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_A58BB42E626070E30A367FA97DD4C45C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_48D8806E75290672460E7FA97DD44531" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_A58BB42E626070E30A367FA97DD4C45C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementMember_DC359854EE86546EF8007FA97DD4F7A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_A58BB42E626070E30A367FA97DD4C45C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementMember_DC359854EE86546EF8007FA97DD4F7A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201503Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201503Member_3E3AC3AE05FC601E8CF37FA97DD4CB6F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementMember_DC359854EE86546EF8007FA97DD4F7A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201503Member_3E3AC3AE05FC601E8CF37FA97DD4CB6F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_19035168DD3D2C790C537FA97DD41DC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_1A141E5FDEF1560171D27FA97DD31C36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_19035168DD3D2C790C537FA97DD41DC5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_89DA9E4C31EFEABF1FC17FA97DD55C43_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_19035168DD3D2C790C537FA97DD41DC5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_89DA9E4C31EFEABF1FC17FA97DD55C43_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_89DA9E4C31EFEABF1FC17FA97DD55C43" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_19035168DD3D2C790C537FA97DD41DC5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_89DA9E4C31EFEABF1FC17FA97DD55C43" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_SevenPointTwoFivePercentUnsecuredNotesDueFebruaryOneTwoThousandAndNineteenMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_SevenPointTwoFivePercentUnsecuredNotesDueFebruaryOneTwoThousandAndNineteenMember_352B7416E77CE4CC6A957FA97DD5C5EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_89DA9E4C31EFEABF1FC17FA97DD55C43" xlink:to="loc_ghc_SevenPointTwoFivePercentUnsecuredNotesDueFebruaryOneTwoThousandAndNineteenMember_352B7416E77CE4CC6A957FA97DD5C5EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationSharebasedCompensationExcessTaxBenefitAmount" xlink:label="loc_ghc_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationSharebasedCompensationExcessTaxBenefitAmount_8114B5C6EE63A18667F47FA97DD534F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_73B26FD56488EC659A817FA97DD55197" xlink:to="loc_ghc_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationSharebasedCompensationExcessTaxBenefitAmount_8114B5C6EE63A18667F47FA97DD534F9" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/OrganizationBasisOfPresentationAndRecentAccountingPronouncementsRecentAccountingPronouncementsdetails2" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ItemEffectedLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ItemEffectedLineItems_0460823EF6A3370A5EAD8001BE141E22" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProspectiveAdoptionOfNewAccountingPronouncementsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProspectiveAdoptionOfNewAccountingPronouncementsTable_AA13B976060ED0162CFE8001BE14CD45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ItemEffectedLineItems_0460823EF6A3370A5EAD8001BE141E22" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProspectiveAdoptionOfNewAccountingPronouncementsTable_AA13B976060ED0162CFE8001BE14CD45" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProspectiveAdoptionOfNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProspectiveAdoptionOfNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_D116860E6D2537AB20218001BE143672" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProspectiveAdoptionOfNewAccountingPronouncementsTable_AA13B976060ED0162CFE8001BE14CD45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProspectiveAdoptionOfNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_D116860E6D2537AB20218001BE143672" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingGuidanceMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingGuidanceMember_A6ABBB570B5619DCDE3A8001BE14FDAF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProspectiveAdoptionOfNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_D116860E6D2537AB20218001BE143672" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountingGuidanceMember_A6ABBB570B5619DCDE3A8001BE14FDAF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingGuidanceMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingGuidanceMember_A6ABBB570B5619DCDE3A8001BE14FDAF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProspectiveAdoptionOfNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_D116860E6D2537AB20218001BE143672" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountingGuidanceMember_A6ABBB570B5619DCDE3A8001BE14FDAF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreviousAccountingGuidanceMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreviousAccountingGuidanceMember_D293B7C0785AC4ECFB8F8001BE146CC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingGuidanceMember_A6ABBB570B5619DCDE3A8001BE14FDAF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreviousAccountingGuidanceMember_D293B7C0785AC4ECFB8F8001BE146CC6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementMember_539F5B6868B27ECCA9208001BE14FB6B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingGuidanceMember_A6ABBB570B5619DCDE3A8001BE14FDAF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementMember_539F5B6868B27ECCA9208001BE14FB6B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_ASU201707AdoptionMemberMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ASU201707AdoptionMemberMember_3BCFB79904D9FF60B7A18001BE1405B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingGuidanceMember_A6ABBB570B5619DCDE3A8001BE14FDAF" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ASU201707AdoptionMemberMember_3BCFB79904D9FF60B7A18001BE1405B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_E33B20FBA18C0D3616918001BE1473E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ItemEffectedLineItems_0460823EF6A3370A5EAD8001BE141E22" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_E33B20FBA18C0D3616918001BE1473E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_Nonoperatingpensionandpostretirementincome" xlink:label="loc_ghc_Nonoperatingpensionandpostretirementincome_9BBFC161C66C3AA3794C8001BE159D24" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ItemEffectedLineItems_0460823EF6A3370A5EAD8001BE141E22" xlink:to="loc_ghc_Nonoperatingpensionandpostretirementincome_9BBFC161C66C3AA3794C8001BE159D24" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_E8D999331A441ED74E448001BE155F79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ItemEffectedLineItems_0460823EF6A3370A5EAD8001BE141E22" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_E8D999331A441ED74E448001BE155F79" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/OrganizationBasisOfPresentationAndRecentAccountingPronouncementsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionLineItems_991FF29528837783E7537FA97DFC39FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionTable_DC14CBA5C1AF7E36D8467FA97DFB8B80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionLineItems_991FF29528837783E7537FA97DFC39FD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionTable_DC14CBA5C1AF7E36D8467FA97DFB8B80" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionAxis_EFC5C9E9234E8C4AD2F17FA97DFBB00A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionTable_DC14CBA5C1AF7E36D8467FA97DFB8B80" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionAxis_EFC5C9E9234E8C4AD2F17FA97DFBB00A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPrinciplesEarlyAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPrinciplesEarlyAdoptionMember_7ACD6F80B2D407C01FCC7FA97DFCA83F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionAxis_EFC5C9E9234E8C4AD2F17FA97DFBB00A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPrinciplesEarlyAdoptionMember_7ACD6F80B2D407C01FCC7FA97DFCA83F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPrinciplesEarlyAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPrinciplesEarlyAdoptionMember_7ACD6F80B2D407C01FCC7FA97DFCA83F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionAxis_EFC5C9E9234E8C4AD2F17FA97DFBB00A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPrinciplesEarlyAdoptionMember_7ACD6F80B2D407C01FCC7FA97DFCA83F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionTableTextBlock_EDB4B318793BB890802F7FA97DFC255F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionLineItems_991FF29528837783E7537FA97DFC39FD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionTableTextBlock_EDB4B318793BB890802F7FA97DFC255F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfProspectiveAdoptionOfNewAccountingPronouncementsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfProspectiveAdoptionOfNewAccountingPronouncementsTableTextBlock_A4D3FE3A92BE4646FD767FA97DFC4ED2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementEarlyAdoptionLineItems_991FF29528837783E7537FA97DFC39FD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfProspectiveAdoptionOfNewAccountingPronouncementsTableTextBlock_A4D3FE3A92BE4646FD767FA97DFC4ED2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/OtherNonOperatingIncome" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/OtherNonOperatingIncomeDetails1" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseLineItems_5B4756833E5B4DC1D8B89EE7044D3312" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseTable" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseTable_9970FC3D601D3B6EFB629EE7044CAF9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseLineItems_5B4756833E5B4DC1D8B89EE7044D3312" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseTable_9970FC3D601D3B6EFB629EE7044CAF9B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_66365F339ABF268D72499EE7044CC9F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseTable_9970FC3D601D3B6EFB629EE7044CAF9B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_66365F339ABF268D72499EE7044CC9F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_6D7ABF27EECDD11ECF389EE7044DA862_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_66365F339ABF268D72499EE7044CC9F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_6D7ABF27EECDD11ECF389EE7044DA862_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_6D7ABF27EECDD11ECF389EE7044DA862" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_66365F339ABF268D72499EE7044CC9F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_6D7ABF27EECDD11ECF389EE7044DA862" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_2F689BB9C63C04638AE79EE7044D7523" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseTable_9970FC3D601D3B6EFB629EE7044CAF9B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_2F689BB9C63C04638AE79EE7044D7523" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7A440458932F3D9806759EE7044DB59F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_2F689BB9C63C04638AE79EE7044D7523" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7A440458932F3D9806759EE7044DB59F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7A440458932F3D9806759EE7044DB59F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_2F689BB9C63C04638AE79EE7044D7523" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7A440458932F3D9806759EE7044DB59F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_TransactionAxis" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_3B3CC7F95735F17973F19EE7044D6D88" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseTable_9970FC3D601D3B6EFB629EE7044CAF9B" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_3B3CC7F95735F17973F19EE7044D6D88" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_TransactionTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_B4BE266E0C1C6AFE5B729EE7044DFBF0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_3B3CC7F95735F17973F19EE7044D6D88" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_B4BE266E0C1C6AFE5B729EE7044DFBF0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_TransactionTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_B4BE266E0C1C6AFE5B729EE7044DFBF0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_3B3CC7F95735F17973F19EE7044D6D88" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_B4BE266E0C1C6AFE5B729EE7044DFBF0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_BerkshireExchangeTransactionMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_BerkshireExchangeTransactionMember_3C9D0B66D5AF93ED48239EE7044D8B5B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_B4BE266E0C1C6AFE5B729EE7044DFBF0" xlink:to="loc_ghc_BerkshireExchangeTransactionMember_3C9D0B66D5AF93ED48239EE7044D8B5B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1DF7B14E0DC361BAEFCF9EE7044D3EE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseTable_9970FC3D601D3B6EFB629EE7044CAF9B" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1DF7B14E0DC361BAEFCF9EE7044D3EE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_AA2F7772B7FFD098F7F89EE7044D6D47_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1DF7B14E0DC361BAEFCF9EE7044D3EE7" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_AA2F7772B7FFD098F7F89EE7044D6D47_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_AA2F7772B7FFD098F7F89EE7044D6D47" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1DF7B14E0DC361BAEFCF9EE7044D3EE7" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_AA2F7772B7FFD098F7F89EE7044D6D47" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_BerkshireHathawayIncMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_BerkshireHathawayIncMember_60916104C5BFE6DECE3C9EE7044D2F1D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_AA2F7772B7FFD098F7F89EE7044D6D47" xlink:to="loc_ghc_BerkshireHathawayIncMember_60916104C5BFE6DECE3C9EE7044D2F1D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_ClassifiedVenturesLlcMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ClassifiedVenturesLlcMember_BDB0E2BA88E01D5D01079EE7044D3448" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_AA2F7772B7FFD098F7F89EE7044D6D47" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ClassifiedVenturesLlcMember_BDB0E2BA88E01D5D01079EE7044D3448" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTax_4F693312A029D4BAB6FF9EE7044D0761" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseLineItems_5B4756833E5B4DC1D8B89EE7044D3312" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTax_4F693312A029D4BAB6FF9EE7044D0761" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness_D7668BC7988350EA83649EE7044D4B17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseLineItems_5B4756833E5B4DC1D8B89EE7044D3312" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness_D7668BC7988350EA83649EE7044D4B17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment_C902A07BED9083B504C39EE7044D8EE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseLineItems_5B4756833E5B4DC1D8B89EE7044D3312" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment_C902A07BED9083B504C39EE7044D8EE1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesRealizedGainLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesRealizedGainLoss_DF59BD3D1764F18C0FCD9EE7044D4234" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseLineItems_5B4756833E5B4DC1D8B89EE7044D3312" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesRealizedGainLoss_DF59BD3D1764F18C0FCD9EE7044D4234" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeconsolidationGainOrLossAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeconsolidationGainOrLossAmount_51098466B7311F6661719EE7044E2DF1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseLineItems_5B4756833E5B4DC1D8B89EE7044D3312" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeconsolidationGainOrLossAmount_51098466B7311F6661719EE7044E2DF1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingGainsLosses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingGainsLosses_A647CCEE35B06C91D49F9EE7044E75C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseLineItems_5B4756833E5B4DC1D8B89EE7044D3312" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingGainsLosses_A647CCEE35B06C91D49F9EE7044E75C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_E4670C9AE08FD64795EF9EE7044E60DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseLineItems_5B4756833E5B4DC1D8B89EE7044D3312" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_E4670C9AE08FD64795EF9EE7044E60DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesRealizedGainLossOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesRealizedGainLossOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsAmount_EC59FD560965469739019EE7044EB662" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseLineItems_5B4756833E5B4DC1D8B89EE7044D3312" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesRealizedGainLossOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsAmount_EC59FD560965469739019EE7044EB662" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostMethodInvestmentsRealizedGainLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostMethodInvestmentsRealizedGainLoss_54C70C98277B94BD92919EE7044EF077" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseLineItems_5B4756833E5B4DC1D8B89EE7044D3312" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostMethodInvestmentsRealizedGainLoss_54C70C98277B94BD92919EE7044EF077" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentRealizedGainLossOnDisposal" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentRealizedGainLossOnDisposal_459508C90D25796973239EE7044EB97B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseLineItems_5B4756833E5B4DC1D8B89EE7044D3312" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentRealizedGainLossOnDisposal_459508C90D25796973239EE7044EB97B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostmethodInvestmentsOtherThanTemporaryImpairment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostmethodInvestmentsOtherThanTemporaryImpairment_FEB1CFB1A56F567B74319EE7044E9A32" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseLineItems_5B4756833E5B4DC1D8B89EE7044D3312" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostmethodInvestmentsOtherThanTemporaryImpairment_FEB1CFB1A56F567B74319EE7044E9A32" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/OtherNonOperatingIncomeNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseLineItems_AF2EA623826A3A1BB7E19EE7047B7E7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseTable" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseTable_7CCDEF5F6B719D97F0839EE704725BDC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseLineItems_AF2EA623826A3A1BB7E19EE7047B7E7B" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseTable_7CCDEF5F6B719D97F0839EE704725BDC" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_D88AACB71C8BB20F5F129EE70472CD75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseTable_7CCDEF5F6B719D97F0839EE704725BDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_D88AACB71C8BB20F5F129EE70472CD75" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_E860959DDCA63EFA967D9EE70472D3D4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_D88AACB71C8BB20F5F129EE70472CD75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_E860959DDCA63EFA967D9EE70472D3D4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_E860959DDCA63EFA967D9EE70472D3D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_D88AACB71C8BB20F5F129EE70472CD75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_E860959DDCA63EFA967D9EE70472D3D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_KaplanCorporateAndOtherMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KaplanCorporateAndOtherMember_3B8E42AE8B8970CE2CD69EE70472FA35" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_E860959DDCA63EFA967D9EE70472D3D4" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KaplanCorporateAndOtherMember_3B8E42AE8B8970CE2CD69EE70472FA35" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_PriorPeriodAdjustmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_ghc_PriorPeriodAdjustmentsAxis_DBC3B5EAEF822DCBA34C9EE70472206B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseTable_7CCDEF5F6B719D97F0839EE704725BDC" xlink:to="loc_ghc_PriorPeriodAdjustmentsAxis_DBC3B5EAEF822DCBA34C9EE70472206B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_PriorPeriodAdjustmentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_ghc_PriorPeriodAdjustmentsDomain_15E1B48C35C7028AF65A9EE70473E3F7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ghc_PriorPeriodAdjustmentsAxis_DBC3B5EAEF822DCBA34C9EE70472206B" xlink:to="loc_ghc_PriorPeriodAdjustmentsDomain_15E1B48C35C7028AF65A9EE70473E3F7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_PriorPeriodAdjustmentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_ghc_PriorPeriodAdjustmentsDomain_15E1B48C35C7028AF65A9EE70473E3F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ghc_PriorPeriodAdjustmentsAxis_DBC3B5EAEF822DCBA34C9EE70472206B" xlink:to="loc_ghc_PriorPeriodAdjustmentsDomain_15E1B48C35C7028AF65A9EE70473E3F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestatementAdjustmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestatementAdjustmentMember_54D218883B63C2C23CE59EE70473A93D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_PriorPeriodAdjustmentsDomain_15E1B48C35C7028AF65A9EE70473E3F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestatementAdjustmentMember_54D218883B63C2C23CE59EE70473A93D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_1A1BBFE5B41C8146C84D9EE70478FD5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseTable_7CCDEF5F6B719D97F0839EE704725BDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_1A1BBFE5B41C8146C84D9EE70478FD5D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_BAC270440976AC68D85C9EE70478B523_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_1A1BBFE5B41C8146C84D9EE70478FD5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_BAC270440976AC68D85C9EE70478B523_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_BAC270440976AC68D85C9EE70478B523" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_1A1BBFE5B41C8146C84D9EE70478FD5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_BAC270440976AC68D85C9EE70478B523" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember_D90016FAF8E0A3CAD06C9EE70478C219" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_BAC270440976AC68D85C9EE70478B523" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember_D90016FAF8E0A3CAD06C9EE70478C219" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_D35C63077513DBAEA1389EE7047955AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseTable_7CCDEF5F6B719D97F0839EE704725BDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_D35C63077513DBAEA1389EE7047955AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_2749D22D6FBB73D203919EE7047980DA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_D35C63077513DBAEA1389EE7047955AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_2749D22D6FBB73D203919EE7047980DA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_2749D22D6FBB73D203919EE7047980DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_D35C63077513DBAEA1389EE7047955AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_2749D22D6FBB73D203919EE7047980DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_CelticHealthcareAlleghenyHealthNetworkJointVentureMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CelticHealthcareAlleghenyHealthNetworkJointVentureMember_D0AD1A82BAF6BDCE88809EE704798A10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_2749D22D6FBB73D203919EE7047980DA" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CelticHealthcareAlleghenyHealthNetworkJointVentureMember_D0AD1A82BAF6BDCE88809EE704798A10" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_ResidentialAndMichiganHospitalJointVentureMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ResidentialAndMichiganHospitalJointVentureMember_75F01611B4BAD26859469EE70479F078" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_2749D22D6FBB73D203919EE7047980DA" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ResidentialAndMichiganHospitalJointVentureMember_75F01611B4BAD26859469EE70479F078" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_VocationalSchoolCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_VocationalSchoolCompanyMember_BDCFA1EDA9D6F4FB40FF9EE70479EE6F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_2749D22D6FBB73D203919EE7047980DA" xlink:to="loc_ghc_VocationalSchoolCompanyMember_BDCFA1EDA9D6F4FB40FF9EE70479EE6F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_6AC3620C260DDF07A5F99EE70479266E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseTable_7CCDEF5F6B719D97F0839EE704725BDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_6AC3620C260DDF07A5F99EE70479266E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_E59A01785782FEEB98869EE7047971A9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_6AC3620C260DDF07A5F99EE70479266E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_E59A01785782FEEB98869EE7047971A9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_E59A01785782FEEB98869EE7047971A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_6AC3620C260DDF07A5F99EE70479266E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_E59A01785782FEEB98869EE7047971A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_EducationMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_EducationMember_F74711B984D72588FB8F9EE70479BB75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_E59A01785782FEEB98869EE7047971A9" xlink:to="loc_ghc_EducationMember_F74711B984D72588FB8F9EE70479BB75" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_7E2EEE28DB57629BB42F9EE704795D1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseTable_7CCDEF5F6B719D97F0839EE704725BDC" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_7E2EEE28DB57629BB42F9EE704795D1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B03FF917897A01E353CA9EE70479ECAC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_7E2EEE28DB57629BB42F9EE704795D1A" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B03FF917897A01E353CA9EE70479ECAC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B03FF917897A01E353CA9EE70479ECAC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_7E2EEE28DB57629BB42F9EE704795D1A" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B03FF917897A01E353CA9EE70479ECAC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_ColloquyMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ColloquyMember_37AD53AF2D0FD745AEBF9EE7047945BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B03FF917897A01E353CA9EE70479ECAC" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ColloquyMember_37AD53AF2D0FD745AEBF9EE7047945BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_CelticHealthcareIncMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CelticHealthcareIncMember_6DDC1D0525E465ECED579EE70479A489" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B03FF917897A01E353CA9EE70479ECAC" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CelticHealthcareIncMember_6DDC1D0525E465ECED579EE70479A489" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_ClassifiedVenturesLlcMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ClassifiedVenturesLlcMember_F62314AFFFB8EC603A519EE7047959C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B03FF917897A01E353CA9EE70479ECAC" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ClassifiedVenturesLlcMember_F62314AFFFB8EC603A519EE7047959C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_ResidentialHealthcareGroupIncMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ResidentialHealthcareGroupIncMember_01B468B48686BB2D5A179EE7047AA8A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B03FF917897A01E353CA9EE70479ECAC" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ResidentialHealthcareGroupIncMember_01B468B48686BB2D5A179EE7047AA8A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_CE384CCA2090330895B29EE7047A6CFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseTable_7CCDEF5F6B719D97F0839EE704725BDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_CE384CCA2090330895B29EE7047A6CFE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_5DD6547D261401EB4E249EE7047A673D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_CE384CCA2090330895B29EE7047A6CFE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_5DD6547D261401EB4E249EE7047A673D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_5DD6547D261401EB4E249EE7047A673D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_CE384CCA2090330895B29EE7047A6CFE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_5DD6547D261401EB4E249EE7047A673D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_F3B5FB0C3D7494773FF89EE7047A7A56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_5DD6547D261401EB4E249EE7047A673D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_F3B5FB0C3D7494773FF89EE7047A7A56" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_17FBEBA290472B3338EF9EE7047A2D8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_5DD6547D261401EB4E249EE7047A673D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_17FBEBA290472B3338EF9EE7047A2D8E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_TransactionAxis" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_640126C37727C2337C359EE7047A908D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseTable_7CCDEF5F6B719D97F0839EE704725BDC" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_640126C37727C2337C359EE7047A908D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_TransactionTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_735082929D498D47C51E9EE7047B69BD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_640126C37727C2337C359EE7047A908D" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_735082929D498D47C51E9EE7047B69BD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_TransactionTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_735082929D498D47C51E9EE7047B69BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_640126C37727C2337C359EE7047A908D" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_735082929D498D47C51E9EE7047B69BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_CelticHealthcareAlleghenyHealthNetworkJointVentureMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CelticHealthcareAlleghenyHealthNetworkJointVentureMember_0AB5B923EA304D0899299EE7047B78D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_735082929D498D47C51E9EE7047B69BD" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CelticHealthcareAlleghenyHealthNetworkJointVentureMember_0AB5B923EA304D0899299EE7047B78D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_ResidentialAndMichiganHospitalJointVentureMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ResidentialAndMichiganHospitalJointVentureMember_F7C6DC2DD7ED83042A8C9EE7047B6793" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_735082929D498D47C51E9EE7047B69BD" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ResidentialAndMichiganHospitalJointVentureMember_F7C6DC2DD7ED83042A8C9EE7047B6793" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_C03D05B34673DC9EA2E79EE7047BA626" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseLineItems_AF2EA623826A3A1BB7E19EE7047B7E7B" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_C03D05B34673DC9EA2E79EE7047BA626" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment_9CDF177484DBE2F0F87E9EE7047B578F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseLineItems_AF2EA623826A3A1BB7E19EE7047B7E7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment_9CDF177484DBE2F0F87E9EE7047B578F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_2926149E759346E6FA559EE7047B47B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseLineItems_AF2EA623826A3A1BB7E19EE7047B7E7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_2926149E759346E6FA559EE7047B47B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeconsolidationGainOrLossAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeconsolidationGainOrLossAmount_3FEFC92A3139512B4D4D9EE7047B486C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseLineItems_AF2EA623826A3A1BB7E19EE7047B7E7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeconsolidationGainOrLossAmount_3FEFC92A3139512B4D4D9EE7047B486C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostmethodInvestmentsOtherThanTemporaryImpairment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostmethodInvestmentsOtherThanTemporaryImpairment_B1E7A21ABF7D2C9D8BEE9EE7047BA97E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseLineItems_AF2EA623826A3A1BB7E19EE7047B7E7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostmethodInvestmentsOtherThanTemporaryImpairment_B1E7A21ABF7D2C9D8BEE9EE7047BA97E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostMethodInvestmentsRealizedGainLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostMethodInvestmentsRealizedGainLoss_21BB085431EA0A22483D9EE7047B0998" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseLineItems_AF2EA623826A3A1BB7E19EE7047B7E7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostMethodInvestmentsRealizedGainLoss_21BB085431EA0A22483D9EE7047B0998" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness_D47AEC6CB49CA7574CAC9EE7048001A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseLineItems_AF2EA623826A3A1BB7E19EE7047B7E7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness_D47AEC6CB49CA7574CAC9EE7048001A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_NumberOfBusinessesDisposed" xlink:label="loc_ghc_NumberOfBusinessesDisposed_A544D63ED5A0B572C4A39EE704803180" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseLineItems_AF2EA623826A3A1BB7E19EE7047B7E7B" xlink:to="loc_ghc_NumberOfBusinessesDisposed_A544D63ED5A0B572C4A39EE704803180" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_ImmaterialErrorCorrectionAmount" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ImmaterialErrorCorrectionAmount_80A33855B388CC89551F9EE704819F5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseLineItems_AF2EA623826A3A1BB7E19EE7047B7E7B" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ImmaterialErrorCorrectionAmount_80A33855B388CC89551F9EE704819F5D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/OtherNonOperatingIncomeTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/PensionAndPostretirementPlans" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/PensionAndPostretirementPlansAssetAllocationDetails2" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_80AC76802DC28BBAA4AB7FA979F26EB3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_42072002242F539A7C9B7FA979F03B76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_80AC76802DC28BBAA4AB7FA979F26EB3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_42072002242F539A7C9B7FA979F03B76" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_76B9A2678002B9C642F77FA979F00C26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_42072002242F539A7C9B7FA979F03B76" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_76B9A2678002B9C642F77FA979F00C26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_8F990F008325EB5DEF3B7FA979F011FF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_76B9A2678002B9C642F77FA979F00C26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_8F990F008325EB5DEF3B7FA979F011FF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_8F990F008325EB5DEF3B7FA979F011FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_76B9A2678002B9C642F77FA979F00C26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_8F990F008325EB5DEF3B7FA979F011FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2017/country-2017-01-31.xsd#country_US" xlink:label="loc_country_US_DFD60C4000A048D7A1F07FA979F0A1D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_8F990F008325EB5DEF3B7FA979F011FF" xlink:to="loc_country_US_DFD60C4000A048D7A1F07FA979F0A1D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonUsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonUsMember_65C5CDAF74D7E828020D7FA979F0A2DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_8F990F008325EB5DEF3B7FA979F011FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonUsMember_65C5CDAF74D7E828020D7FA979F0A2DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_AECA3354DD0C838806D67FA979F147E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_42072002242F539A7C9B7FA979F03B76" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_AECA3354DD0C838806D67FA979F147E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_5C95F63A7A05740131FB7FA979F17158_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_AECA3354DD0C838806D67FA979F147E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_5C95F63A7A05740131FB7FA979F17158_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_5C95F63A7A05740131FB7FA979F17158" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_AECA3354DD0C838806D67FA979F147E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_5C95F63A7A05740131FB7FA979F17158" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_3B972363EB5EA7371D177FA979F14979" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_5C95F63A7A05740131FB7FA979F17158" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_3B972363EB5EA7371D177FA979F14979" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_BBD93AC044F406B9DD487FA979F17327" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_42072002242F539A7C9B7FA979F03B76" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_BBD93AC044F406B9DD487FA979F17327" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_C58E0177E07138F157747FA979F1FA91_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_BBD93AC044F406B9DD487FA979F17327" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_C58E0177E07138F157747FA979F1FA91_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_C58E0177E07138F157747FA979F1FA91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_BBD93AC044F406B9DD487FA979F17327" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_C58E0177E07138F157747FA979F1FA91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_E560FD43384DB538C7307FA979F1E711" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_C58E0177E07138F157747FA979F1FA91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_E560FD43384DB538C7307FA979F1E711" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityFundsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityFundsMember_5789429CDCB8E00B85C17FA979F1EF36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_C58E0177E07138F157747FA979F1FA91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityFundsMember_5789429CDCB8E00B85C17FA979F1EF36" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember_6FDD136C14F05761B3867FA979F278B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_C58E0177E07138F157747FA979F1FA91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember_6FDD136C14F05761B3867FA979F278B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssetAllocations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssetAllocations_281FCE4106471905B8C77FA979F261EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_80AC76802DC28BBAA4AB7FA979F26EB3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssetAllocations_281FCE4106471905B8C77FA979F261EA" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/PensionAndPostretirementPlansNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_RetirementBenefitsDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ghc_RetirementBenefitsDisclosureLineItems_601DA96A0AE87E1AB06080421A803030" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_D1E9A505BFF61E16A5D880421A7C2DE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ghc_RetirementBenefitsDisclosureLineItems_601DA96A0AE87E1AB06080421A803030" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_D1E9A505BFF61E16A5D880421A7C2DE7" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_C721E719AE76FF2A1ACE80421A7C5583" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_D1E9A505BFF61E16A5D880421A7C2DE7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_C721E719AE76FF2A1ACE80421A7C5583" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_F78863D37D9A8E04403180421A7CD93B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_C721E719AE76FF2A1ACE80421A7C5583" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_F78863D37D9A8E04403180421A7CD93B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_F78863D37D9A8E04403180421A7CD93B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_C721E719AE76FF2A1ACE80421A7C5583" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_F78863D37D9A8E04403180421A7CD93B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_SingleEquityConcentrationMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_SingleEquityConcentrationMember_31DF0D57413BFAC70F5780421A7CE1D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_F78863D37D9A8E04403180421A7CD93B" xlink:to="loc_ghc_SingleEquityConcentrationMember_31DF0D57413BFAC70F5780421A7CE1D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_ConcentrationInSingleEntityTypeOfIndustryForeignCountryOrIndividualFundMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ConcentrationInSingleEntityTypeOfIndustryForeignCountryOrIndividualFundMember_CD13CFE8BCCCA3BD238880421A7CEC68" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_F78863D37D9A8E04403180421A7CD93B" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ConcentrationInSingleEntityTypeOfIndustryForeignCountryOrIndividualFundMember_CD13CFE8BCCCA3BD238880421A7CEC68" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeographicConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeographicConcentrationRiskMember_A3CAF7C67CF51508D53E80421A7C02A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_F78863D37D9A8E04403180421A7CD93B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeographicConcentrationRiskMember_A3CAF7C67CF51508D53E80421A7C02A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_7EAADDCF92C87ED40EEA80421A7CE6A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_D1E9A505BFF61E16A5D880421A7C2DE7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_7EAADDCF92C87ED40EEA80421A7CE6A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_8F202E59A254BCE530A680421A7D5941_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_7EAADDCF92C87ED40EEA80421A7CE6A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_8F202E59A254BCE530A680421A7D5941_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_8F202E59A254BCE530A680421A7D5941" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_7EAADDCF92C87ED40EEA80421A7CE6A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_8F202E59A254BCE530A680421A7D5941" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsTotalMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsTotalMember_C7AC2645A11B4E71DCB280421A7D2C5B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_8F202E59A254BCE530A680421A7D5941" xlink:to="loc_ghc_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsTotalMember_C7AC2645A11B4E71DCB280421A7D2C5B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_2CB23610CA47F92FC0BA80421A7DEEAC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_D1E9A505BFF61E16A5D880421A7C2DE7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_2CB23610CA47F92FC0BA80421A7DEEAC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_6CD61BA670E21756300A80421A7D44E6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_2CB23610CA47F92FC0BA80421A7DEEAC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_6CD61BA670E21756300A80421A7D44E6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_6CD61BA670E21756300A80421A7D44E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_2CB23610CA47F92FC0BA80421A7DEEAC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_6CD61BA670E21756300A80421A7D44E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_SingleEquityConcentrationMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_SingleEquityConcentrationMember_E8A7E0873534E9A20A9E80421A7D2064" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_6CD61BA670E21756300A80421A7D44E6" xlink:to="loc_ghc_SingleEquityConcentrationMember_E8A7E0873534E9A20A9E80421A7D2064" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_ForeignInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ForeignInvestmentsMember_870E1CB9D5BFD1BCB57380421A7D6210" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_6CD61BA670E21756300A80421A7D44E6" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ForeignInvestmentsMember_870E1CB9D5BFD1BCB57380421A7D6210" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember_F907EB2ED578108BAA3A80421A7D684D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_6CD61BA670E21756300A80421A7D44E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember_F907EB2ED578108BAA3A80421A7D684D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_2A067A38CB311A9C8BFB80421A7DCCFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_6CD61BA670E21756300A80421A7D44E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_2A067A38CB311A9C8BFB80421A7DCCFE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityFundsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityFundsMember_AACB0503771CBC8B29B780421A7DD822" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_6CD61BA670E21756300A80421A7D44E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityFundsMember_AACB0503771CBC8B29B780421A7DD822" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_4DC7A6CA6F82FEB02F9D80421A7D8305" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_D1E9A505BFF61E16A5D880421A7C2DE7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_4DC7A6CA6F82FEB02F9D80421A7D8305" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_C3824AE128E2DD6A373480421A7D2CDE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_4DC7A6CA6F82FEB02F9D80421A7D8305" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_C3824AE128E2DD6A373480421A7D2CDE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_C3824AE128E2DD6A373480421A7D2CDE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_4DC7A6CA6F82FEB02F9D80421A7D8305" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_C3824AE128E2DD6A373480421A7D2CDE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_BerkshireHathawayCommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_BerkshireHathawayCommonStockMember_9C17D931EB7167340F0280421A7D3FD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_C3824AE128E2DD6A373480421A7D2CDE" xlink:to="loc_ghc_BerkshireHathawayCommonStockMember_9C17D931EB7167340F0280421A7D3FD9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_28375A30F75DD0466A0F80421A7DDE41" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_D1E9A505BFF61E16A5D880421A7C2DE7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_28375A30F75DD0466A0F80421A7DDE41" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_7B7E86A708A3680DB7E780421A7E6130_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_28375A30F75DD0466A0F80421A7DDE41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_7B7E86A708A3680DB7E780421A7E6130_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_7B7E86A708A3680DB7E780421A7E6130" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_28375A30F75DD0466A0F80421A7DDE41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_7B7E86A708A3680DB7E780421A7E6130" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_905E2550C6C68458C55480421A7EBC9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_7B7E86A708A3680DB7E780421A7E6130" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_905E2550C6C68458C55480421A7EBC9E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember_C5BCA3ED125AB8B892E780421A7E9AC0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_7B7E86A708A3680DB7E780421A7E6130" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember_C5BCA3ED125AB8B892E780421A7E9AC0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_790546390D1305CADA5580421A7E402C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_7B7E86A708A3680DB7E780421A7E6130" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_790546390D1305CADA5580421A7E402C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_EarlyRetirmentProgramExpenseAxis" xlink:label="loc_ghc_EarlyRetirmentProgramExpenseAxis_84EBAA811A903B9041BF80421A7EA3C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_D1E9A505BFF61E16A5D880421A7C2DE7" xlink:to="loc_ghc_EarlyRetirmentProgramExpenseAxis_84EBAA811A903B9041BF80421A7EA3C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_EarlyRetirementProgramExpenseDomain" xlink:label="loc_ghc_EarlyRetirementProgramExpenseDomain_DA02A79775B48DF6BB4B80421A7ECDE4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ghc_EarlyRetirmentProgramExpenseAxis_84EBAA811A903B9041BF80421A7EA3C3" xlink:to="loc_ghc_EarlyRetirementProgramExpenseDomain_DA02A79775B48DF6BB4B80421A7ECDE4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_EarlyRetirementProgramExpenseDomain" xlink:label="loc_ghc_EarlyRetirementProgramExpenseDomain_DA02A79775B48DF6BB4B80421A7ECDE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ghc_EarlyRetirmentProgramExpenseAxis_84EBAA811A903B9041BF80421A7EA3C3" xlink:to="loc_ghc_EarlyRetirementProgramExpenseDomain_DA02A79775B48DF6BB4B80421A7ECDE4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_VoluntaryRetirementIncentiveProgramMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_VoluntaryRetirementIncentiveProgramMember_EF1A88F05EFC7CB120A180421A7F3B56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_EarlyRetirementProgramExpenseDomain_DA02A79775B48DF6BB4B80421A7ECDE4" xlink:to="loc_ghc_VoluntaryRetirementIncentiveProgramMember_EF1A88F05EFC7CB120A180421A7F3B56" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_SeparationIncentiveProgramMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_SeparationIncentiveProgramMember_8F042CEF7FA8CACA929480421A7F967F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_EarlyRetirementProgramExpenseDomain_DA02A79775B48DF6BB4B80421A7ECDE4" xlink:to="loc_ghc_SeparationIncentiveProgramMember_8F042CEF7FA8CACA929480421A7F967F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_C4CB1ED9D56F5342B4D280421A7FC418" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_D1E9A505BFF61E16A5D880421A7C2DE7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_C4CB1ED9D56F5342B4D280421A7FC418" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_22EBE1ECFE1E504677A880421A7F5C78_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_C4CB1ED9D56F5342B4D280421A7FC418" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_22EBE1ECFE1E504677A880421A7F5C78_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_22EBE1ECFE1E504677A880421A7F5C78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_C4CB1ED9D56F5342B4D280421A7FC418" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_22EBE1ECFE1E504677A880421A7F5C78" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_EducationMember" xlink:label="loc_ghc_EducationMember_D241E6C01F2BA781CDE580421A7F5FD8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_22EBE1ECFE1E504677A880421A7F5C78" xlink:to="loc_ghc_EducationMember_D241E6C01F2BA781CDE580421A7F5FD8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_AAAD10A24178C699E26F80421A7F04E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_D1E9A505BFF61E16A5D880421A7C2DE7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_AAAD10A24178C699E26F80421A7F04E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_68BC30BD20132E859A9780421A7F68DD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_AAAD10A24178C699E26F80421A7F04E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_68BC30BD20132E859A9780421A7F68DD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_68BC30BD20132E859A9780421A7F68DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_AAAD10A24178C699E26F80421A7F04E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_68BC30BD20132E859A9780421A7F68DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_178A6E5D7F6CB1F9AAB980421A7FDF0A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_68BC30BD20132E859A9780421A7F68DD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_178A6E5D7F6CB1F9AAB980421A7FDF0A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_45A79F27559B8EFE03F080421A7FD22A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_68BC30BD20132E859A9780421A7F68DD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_45A79F27559B8EFE03F080421A7FD22A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_NetPeriodicBenefitForDefinedBenefitPensionPlansExcludingEarlyRetirementProgramSpecialSeparationBenefitExpenseCurtailmentAndSettlement" xlink:label="loc_ghc_NetPeriodicBenefitForDefinedBenefitPensionPlansExcludingEarlyRetirementProgramSpecialSeparationBenefitExpenseCurtailmentAndSettlement_820C2ECAEEF3EF9CAC1680421A804C36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_RetirementBenefitsDisclosureLineItems_601DA96A0AE87E1AB06080421A803030" xlink:to="loc_ghc_NetPeriodicBenefitForDefinedBenefitPensionPlansExcludingEarlyRetirementProgramSpecialSeparationBenefitExpenseCurtailmentAndSettlement_820C2ECAEEF3EF9CAC1680421A804C36" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToCurtailments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToCurtailments_860725ECAD9BCEFC0B9D80421A807FDD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_RetirementBenefitsDisclosureLineItems_601DA96A0AE87E1AB06080421A803030" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToCurtailments_860725ECAD9BCEFC0B9D80421A807FDD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCostOfProvidingSpecialOrContractualTerminationBenefitRecognizedDuringPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCostOfProvidingSpecialOrContractualTerminationBenefitRecognizedDuringPeriod_C520C0DB0B337EA7458080421A8074AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_RetirementBenefitsDisclosureLineItems_601DA96A0AE87E1AB06080421A803030" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCostOfProvidingSpecialOrContractualTerminationBenefitRecognizedDuringPeriod_C520C0DB0B337EA7458080421A8074AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_PercentofPlanAssetsManagedInternallybyCompany" xlink:label="loc_ghc_PercentofPlanAssetsManagedInternallybyCompany_E60763A84B6FF1B3D7BC80421A80A671" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_RetirementBenefitsDisclosureLineItems_601DA96A0AE87E1AB06080421A803030" xlink:to="loc_ghc_PercentofPlanAssetsManagedInternallybyCompany_E60763A84B6FF1B3D7BC80421A80A671" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_PercentOfPlanAssetsManagedByInvestmentCompanies" xlink:label="loc_ghc_PercentOfPlanAssetsManagedByInvestmentCompanies_9271A2B4E41D959AA5E280421A80BAAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_RetirementBenefitsDisclosureLineItems_601DA96A0AE87E1AB06080421A803030" xlink:to="loc_ghc_PercentOfPlanAssetsManagedByInvestmentCompanies_9271A2B4E41D959AA5E280421A80BAAD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_NumberOfInvestmentCompaniesManagingPlanAssets" xlink:label="loc_ghc_NumberOfInvestmentCompaniesManagingPlanAssets_807B11E77A368709464D80421A804463" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_RetirementBenefitsDisclosureLineItems_601DA96A0AE87E1AB06080421A803030" xlink:to="loc_ghc_NumberOfInvestmentCompaniesManagingPlanAssets_807B11E77A368709464D80421A804463" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetAllocationPercentageOfAssetsSingularEquitySecurityLimitWithoutApprovalOfPlanAdministrator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetAllocationPercentageOfAssetsSingularEquitySecurityLimitWithoutApprovalOfPlanAdministrator_D46FD33D0095C25BEFFC80421A80A83F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_RetirementBenefitsDisclosureLineItems_601DA96A0AE87E1AB06080421A803030" xlink:to="loc_ghc_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetAllocationPercentageOfAssetsSingularEquitySecurityLimitWithoutApprovalOfPlanAdministrator_D46FD33D0095C25BEFFC80421A80A83F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsTargetAllocationPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsTargetAllocationPercentage_E76BE8B5F0562585C1B680421A80D7AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_RetirementBenefitsDisclosureLineItems_601DA96A0AE87E1AB06080421A803030" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsTargetAllocationPercentage_E76BE8B5F0562585C1B680421A80D7AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_2741E6BBA32C6B2B954980421A806FC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_RetirementBenefitsDisclosureLineItems_601DA96A0AE87E1AB06080421A803030" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_2741E6BBA32C6B2B954980421A806FC5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_NumberOfInvestmentsCompanysPensionPlanHeldWhichIndividuallyExceed10PercentOfTotalPlanAssets" xlink:label="loc_ghc_NumberOfInvestmentsCompanysPensionPlanHeldWhichIndividuallyExceed10PercentOfTotalPlanAssets_97337559AF2491D1572C80421A80A795" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_RetirementBenefitsDisclosureLineItems_601DA96A0AE87E1AB06080421A803030" xlink:to="loc_ghc_NumberOfInvestmentsCompanysPensionPlanHeldWhichIndividuallyExceed10PercentOfTotalPlanAssets_97337559AF2491D1572C80421A80A795" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Investments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Investments_86A40851274AE429473F80421A8075DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_RetirementBenefitsDisclosureLineItems_601DA96A0AE87E1AB06080421A803030" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Investments_86A40851274AE429473F80421A8075DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssetAllocations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssetAllocations_281211EB0E6A02F717F580421A80B2A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_RetirementBenefitsDisclosureLineItems_601DA96A0AE87E1AB06080421A803030" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssetAllocations_281211EB0E6A02F717F580421A80B2A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_NumberOfForeignCountriesForWhichCompanysPensionPlanHoldsInvestmentsThatExceed10PercentOfTotalPlanAssets" xlink:label="loc_ghc_NumberOfForeignCountriesForWhichCompanysPensionPlanHoldsInvestmentsThatExceed10PercentOfTotalPlanAssets_BADADD37C24419132EB380421A80AFE6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_RetirementBenefitsDisclosureLineItems_601DA96A0AE87E1AB06080421A803030" xlink:to="loc_ghc_NumberOfForeignCountriesForWhichCompanysPensionPlanHoldsInvestmentsThatExceed10PercentOfTotalPlanAssets_BADADD37C24419132EB380421A80AFE6" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/PensionAndPostretirementPlansTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_FB8C8CE472A915D628557FA97A2BE37A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_4EC5D92CBB71C843CFA07FA97A2A8A4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_FB8C8CE472A915D628557FA97A2BE37A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_4EC5D92CBB71C843CFA07FA97A2A8A4F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_EC1BF7621DBEC4524DF47FA97A2AC3B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_4EC5D92CBB71C843CFA07FA97A2A8A4F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_EC1BF7621DBEC4524DF47FA97A2AC3B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_924F4FF9891147A3043E7FA97A2B8D90_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_EC1BF7621DBEC4524DF47FA97A2AC3B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_924F4FF9891147A3043E7FA97A2B8D90_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_924F4FF9891147A3043E7FA97A2B8D90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_EC1BF7621DBEC4524DF47FA97A2AC3B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_924F4FF9891147A3043E7FA97A2B8D90" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_93D29C67D48EA7D17AFF7FA97A2BFB3A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_924F4FF9891147A3043E7FA97A2B8D90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_93D29C67D48EA7D17AFF7FA97A2BFB3A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember_17B61D73B7A4F0C5442C7FA97A2BD728" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_924F4FF9891147A3043E7FA97A2B8D90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember_17B61D73B7A4F0C5442C7FA97A2BD728" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_AB73B0572E5C77BAED7A7FA97A2B6C17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_924F4FF9891147A3043E7FA97A2B8D90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_AB73B0572E5C77BAED7A7FA97A2B6C17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfNetBenefitCostsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNetBenefitCostsTableTextBlock_C2A98680AB6E5E8EADE47FA97A2BA929" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_FB8C8CE472A915D628557FA97A2BE37A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNetBenefitCostsTableTextBlock_C2A98680AB6E5E8EADE47FA97A2BA929" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAllocationOfPlanAssetsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAllocationOfPlanAssetsTableTextBlock_2138EC6FCABC842011D17FA97A2BEC86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_FB8C8CE472A915D628557FA97A2BE37A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAllocationOfPlanAssetsTableTextBlock_2138EC6FCABC842011D17FA97A2BEC86" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/PensionAndPostretirementPlansTotalBenefitCostDetails1" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_243B3FEEFF1EB214FD5480421A711E4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_9A7FB4DFB90443AA0BD380421A70D57A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_243B3FEEFF1EB214FD5480421A711E4B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_9A7FB4DFB90443AA0BD380421A70D57A" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_3D81CAD857B8A255764180421A71BCF4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_9A7FB4DFB90443AA0BD380421A70D57A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_3D81CAD857B8A255764180421A71BCF4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_3AB632D8AD1C28077F0280421A71ADD1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_3D81CAD857B8A255764180421A71BCF4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_3AB632D8AD1C28077F0280421A71ADD1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_3AB632D8AD1C28077F0280421A71ADD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_3D81CAD857B8A255764180421A71BCF4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_3AB632D8AD1C28077F0280421A71ADD1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_6F6C2631CC9B34089A6180421A71C4EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_3AB632D8AD1C28077F0280421A71ADD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_6F6C2631CC9B34089A6180421A71C4EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember_7161000846A441400EA680421A71CF54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_3AB632D8AD1C28077F0280421A71ADD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember_7161000846A441400EA680421A71CF54" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_57AC0D90D6F615A48D1580421A710D5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_3AB632D8AD1C28077F0280421A71ADD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_57AC0D90D6F615A48D1580421A710D5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost_1E9EBA72A171CAF0C1C080421A71D1A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_243B3FEEFF1EB214FD5480421A711E4B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost_1E9EBA72A171CAF0C1C080421A71D1A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost_BAB7799A55C7AF8F15D780421A723AAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_243B3FEEFF1EB214FD5480421A711E4B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost_BAB7799A55C7AF8F15D780421A723AAA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets_3CF3E83CCBBD690C116B80421A723CA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_243B3FEEFF1EB214FD5480421A711E4B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets_3CF3E83CCBBD690C116B80421A723CA9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit_CA9C2E0C4CCA2B4C681980421A720D1E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_243B3FEEFF1EB214FD5480421A711E4B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit_CA9C2E0C4CCA2B4C681980421A720D1E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses_181C0EC4BD2ED481D5B480421A727FC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_243B3FEEFF1EB214FD5480421A711E4B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses_181C0EC4BD2ED481D5B480421A727FC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost_BCD3CA157B0C0E0E953280421A72904F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_243B3FEEFF1EB214FD5480421A711E4B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost_BCD3CA157B0C0E0E953280421A72904F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="ghc-20170630.xsd#ghc_NetPeriodicBenefitForDefinedBenefitPensionPlansExcludingEarlyRetirementProgramSpecialSeparationBenefitExpenseCurtailmentAndSettlement" xlink:label="loc_ghc_NetPeriodicBenefitForDefinedBenefitPensionPlansExcludingEarlyRetirementProgramSpecialSeparationBenefitExpenseCurtailmentAndSettlement_EF7423F919F0FD8408F880421A72C608" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_243B3FEEFF1EB214FD5480421A711E4B" xlink:to="loc_ghc_NetPeriodicBenefitForDefinedBenefitPensionPlansExcludingEarlyRetirementProgramSpecialSeparationBenefitExpenseCurtailmentAndSettlement_EF7423F919F0FD8408F880421A72C608" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToCurtailments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToCurtailments_A92B26053A56E1C91C4F80421A72508C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_243B3FEEFF1EB214FD5480421A711E4B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToCurtailments_A92B26053A56E1C91C4F80421A72508C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCostOfProvidingSpecialOrContractualTerminationBenefitRecognizedDuringPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCostOfProvidingSpecialOrContractualTerminationBenefitRecognizedDuringPeriod_5257A50E196EB9A146F680421A72AD10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_243B3FEEFF1EB214FD5480421A711E4B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCostOfProvidingSpecialOrContractualTerminationBenefitRecognizedDuringPeriod_5257A50E196EB9A146F680421A72AD10" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
</link:linkbase>
