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

<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!--Copyright 2021 Workiva-->
<!--r:b39b7e8f-2bab-465f-9f56-89e18ca42617,g:05a26188-efc1-452b-95f6-7e3674707ab9-->
<link:linkbase xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd">
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all"/>
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension"/>
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default"/>
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain"/>
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/CoverPage" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#CoverPage"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/CoverPage" xlink:type="extended" id="i798666290767479db42f8d12c5d8a065_CoverPage">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_98a61b7e-4af1-4371-9609-91890853fdff" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentType_79c2587b-c5c7-4aed-bef7-ed747579838b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_DocumentType"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_98a61b7e-4af1-4371-9609-91890853fdff" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentType_79c2587b-c5c7-4aed-bef7-ed747579838b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport_2fa543d4-b93f-44f5-9c82-673f5e212ea9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_98a61b7e-4af1-4371-9609-91890853fdff" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport_2fa543d4-b93f-44f5-9c82-673f5e212ea9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_814d7698-9b81-4601-9b8f-f517ee3c5ed3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_98a61b7e-4af1-4371-9609-91890853fdff" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_814d7698-9b81-4601-9b8f-f517ee3c5ed3" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentTransitionReport_8cc31de0-7e83-47b8-bac9-a10a042fccfe" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_DocumentTransitionReport"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_98a61b7e-4af1-4371-9609-91890853fdff" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentTransitionReport_8cc31de0-7e83-47b8-bac9-a10a042fccfe" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFileNumber_bc5d64c9-4a06-4ba2-98bc-441e7c08c009" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityFileNumber"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_98a61b7e-4af1-4371-9609-91890853fdff" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFileNumber_bc5d64c9-4a06-4ba2-98bc-441e7c08c009" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_fd346164-7515-41a4-b33b-83372370fbd7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_98a61b7e-4af1-4371-9609-91890853fdff" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_fd346164-7515-41a4-b33b-83372370fbd7" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_0174f9c3-8b82-452d-929d-32fcac5c4a6f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_98a61b7e-4af1-4371-9609-91890853fdff" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_0174f9c3-8b82-452d-929d-32fcac5c4a6f" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_67e00b74-7f1f-45c4-b8d1-27c5029c666a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_98a61b7e-4af1-4371-9609-91890853fdff" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_67e00b74-7f1f-45c4-b8d1-27c5029c666a" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_eb19d456-f12e-4d32-9fde-aeeacccb38b9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_98a61b7e-4af1-4371-9609-91890853fdff" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_eb19d456-f12e-4d32-9fde-aeeacccb38b9" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_58b21719-630d-48cf-a505-b3eb81d10a3e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_98a61b7e-4af1-4371-9609-91890853fdff" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_58b21719-630d-48cf-a505-b3eb81d10a3e" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_bcf7e334-022a-425c-bde5-e3f43f666009" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_98a61b7e-4af1-4371-9609-91890853fdff" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_bcf7e334-022a-425c-bde5-e3f43f666009" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_2ca90d1a-701c-4ebc-8a3c-056665f4036a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_98a61b7e-4af1-4371-9609-91890853fdff" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_2ca90d1a-701c-4ebc-8a3c-056665f4036a" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_CityAreaCode_a0c8046b-d33a-4228-a1a9-5a8e4bf9b0a3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_CityAreaCode"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_98a61b7e-4af1-4371-9609-91890853fdff" xlink:to="loc_dei_CityAreaCode_a0c8046b-d33a-4228-a1a9-5a8e4bf9b0a3" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LocalPhoneNumber_af35cf64-5eb0-48a2-b9d4-22e42347ebbf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_LocalPhoneNumber"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_98a61b7e-4af1-4371-9609-91890853fdff" xlink:to="loc_dei_LocalPhoneNumber_af35cf64-5eb0-48a2-b9d4-22e42347ebbf" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_Security12bTitle_4e693e3a-4698-4179-b15d-5ac1e8aa33dd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_Security12bTitle"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_98a61b7e-4af1-4371-9609-91890853fdff" xlink:to="loc_dei_Security12bTitle_4e693e3a-4698-4179-b15d-5ac1e8aa33dd" xlink:type="arc" order="14"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_TradingSymbol_c377245d-a298-4e88-9648-699a65a74e93" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_TradingSymbol"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_98a61b7e-4af1-4371-9609-91890853fdff" xlink:to="loc_dei_TradingSymbol_c377245d-a298-4e88-9648-699a65a74e93" xlink:type="arc" order="15"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_SecurityExchangeName_cd3ec947-4706-4133-bca4-155e666f8927" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_SecurityExchangeName"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_98a61b7e-4af1-4371-9609-91890853fdff" xlink:to="loc_dei_SecurityExchangeName_cd3ec947-4706-4133-bca4-155e666f8927" xlink:type="arc" order="16"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_fc44b8b7-0a92-4151-87fa-f5bc4fb28710" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_98a61b7e-4af1-4371-9609-91890853fdff" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_fc44b8b7-0a92-4151-87fa-f5bc4fb28710" xlink:type="arc" order="17"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_95d0f65a-8c46-4ccc-9a20-9a8fb515ded9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_98a61b7e-4af1-4371-9609-91890853fdff" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_95d0f65a-8c46-4ccc-9a20-9a8fb515ded9" xlink:type="arc" order="18"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_0c62d48e-4a1e-43d2-9b34-685dcc9e8c75" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_98a61b7e-4af1-4371-9609-91890853fdff" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_0c62d48e-4a1e-43d2-9b34-685dcc9e8c75" xlink:type="arc" order="19"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntitySmallBusiness_43954714-173c-4e02-ac32-85a8d6f816ca" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntitySmallBusiness"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_98a61b7e-4af1-4371-9609-91890853fdff" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntitySmallBusiness_43954714-173c-4e02-ac32-85a8d6f816ca" xlink:type="arc" order="20"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_0d9970cd-03b1-4c7c-9d50-1e12c2cf106c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_98a61b7e-4af1-4371-9609-91890853fdff" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_0d9970cd-03b1-4c7c-9d50-1e12c2cf106c" xlink:type="arc" order="21"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityShellCompany_6e48289d-5719-4d06-878d-b7bc49ef449b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityShellCompany"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_98a61b7e-4af1-4371-9609-91890853fdff" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityShellCompany_6e48289d-5719-4d06-878d-b7bc49ef449b" xlink:type="arc" order="22"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_0ec370f1-9fe8-4235-a63c-3366465ed8c5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_98a61b7e-4af1-4371-9609-91890853fdff" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_0ec370f1-9fe8-4235-a63c-3366465ed8c5" xlink:type="arc" order="23"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_d9402432-b107-4ae0-af5c-a86fb9242287" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_98a61b7e-4af1-4371-9609-91890853fdff" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_d9402432-b107-4ae0-af5c-a86fb9242287" xlink:type="arc" order="24"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_184d4dee-1d2f-4d56-b6b5-4ac148137a37" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_98a61b7e-4af1-4371-9609-91890853fdff" xlink:to="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_184d4dee-1d2f-4d56-b6b5-4ac148137a37" xlink:type="arc" order="25"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_a31edf4c-543b-4b71-a030-8b06f2cf4d6b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_98a61b7e-4af1-4371-9609-91890853fdff" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_a31edf4c-543b-4b71-a030-8b06f2cf4d6b" xlink:type="arc" order="26"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_f1f1468f-578d-4c0d-9a3d-aeb78de397a4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_98a61b7e-4af1-4371-9609-91890853fdff" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_f1f1468f-578d-4c0d-9a3d-aeb78de397a4" xlink:type="arc" order="27"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_5304ed6a-aa67-4271-af50-f585a8a88819" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_98a61b7e-4af1-4371-9609-91890853fdff" xlink:to="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_5304ed6a-aa67-4271-af50-f585a8a88819" xlink:type="arc" order="28"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_8f69235b-18a6-4316-81ce-15ba67c9486b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_98a61b7e-4af1-4371-9609-91890853fdff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_8f69235b-18a6-4316-81ce-15ba67c9486b" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_d465fd14-0fbc-4eeb-9825-ff50cbdb87bf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_8f69235b-18a6-4316-81ce-15ba67c9486b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_d465fd14-0fbc-4eeb-9825-ff50cbdb87bf" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_d465fd14-0fbc-4eeb-9825-ff50cbdb87bf_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_d465fd14-0fbc-4eeb-9825-ff50cbdb87bf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_d465fd14-0fbc-4eeb-9825-ff50cbdb87bf_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_705fdafa-bacb-4290-a410-80eaa44b9a9a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_d465fd14-0fbc-4eeb-9825-ff50cbdb87bf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_705fdafa-bacb-4290-a410-80eaa44b9a9a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_c31882e8-0b16-4954-981e-ca76b1817718" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_705fdafa-bacb-4290-a410-80eaa44b9a9a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_c31882e8-0b16-4954-981e-ca76b1817718" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_64ebfc42-9568-424b-b29e-186aee158f4c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_705fdafa-bacb-4290-a410-80eaa44b9a9a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_64ebfc42-9568-424b-b29e-186aee158f4c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofOperationsUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofOperationsUnaudited"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofOperationsUnaudited" xlink:type="extended" id="ic4bcb08d293f4926a696b7acce3da0b5_CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofOperationsUnaudited">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_401cbb5e-573a-4efb-ba40-cf29deac8584" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_6e1fcfdf-c687-4abc-8a38-9d2c1b1a7460" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_401cbb5e-573a-4efb-ba40-cf29deac8584" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_6e1fcfdf-c687-4abc-8a38-9d2c1b1a7460" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_4a3954a7-ad26-46ce-b790-14cd24477636" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_6e1fcfdf-c687-4abc-8a38-9d2c1b1a7460" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_4a3954a7-ad26-46ce-b790-14cd24477636" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_52b592b4-3fdf-4faa-b0a9-f72d12fa8563" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_401cbb5e-573a-4efb-ba40-cf29deac8584" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_52b592b4-3fdf-4faa-b0a9-f72d12fa8563" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServiceExcludingDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_3d9d3544-3eb5-4544-be60-f535f475c5b9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServiceExcludingDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_52b592b4-3fdf-4faa-b0a9-f72d12fa8563" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServiceExcludingDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_3d9d3544-3eb5-4544-be60-f535f475c5b9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_SellingGeneralandAdministrativeExpenses_0250f4ee-617f-451a-82c5-dac2dadfd070" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_SellingGeneralandAdministrativeExpenses"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_52b592b4-3fdf-4faa-b0a9-f72d12fa8563" xlink:to="loc_ghc_SellingGeneralandAdministrativeExpenses_0250f4ee-617f-451a-82c5-dac2dadfd070" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_315a78e7-49af-4bc1-bfec-d3f281fadea0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Depreciation"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_52b592b4-3fdf-4faa-b0a9-f72d12fa8563" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_315a78e7-49af-4bc1-bfec-d3f281fadea0" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_e14fe36c-2649-4570-a635-989bfecc8ee9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_52b592b4-3fdf-4faa-b0a9-f72d12fa8563" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_e14fe36c-2649-4570-a635-989bfecc8ee9" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_0d0b5c02-dad5-4f48-88b0-311015c05b85" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_52b592b4-3fdf-4faa-b0a9-f72d12fa8563" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_0d0b5c02-dad5-4f48-88b0-311015c05b85" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_4719e794-9ff6-4435-ba96-6d6037100316" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract_52b592b4-3fdf-4faa-b0a9-f72d12fa8563" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_4719e794-9ff6-4435-ba96-6d6037100316" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_bc669ff6-f584-4a7a-a1c4-a55ec5b97ca4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_401cbb5e-573a-4efb-ba40-cf29deac8584" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_bc669ff6-f584-4a7a-a1c4-a55ec5b97ca4" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_5b819ae0-041e-4fb7-a950-ba96a58853f2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_401cbb5e-573a-4efb-ba40-cf29deac8584" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_5b819ae0-041e-4fb7-a950-ba96a58853f2" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest_367ac679-19aa-4ccf-bbe2-042e3b2edaa1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_401cbb5e-573a-4efb-ba40-cf29deac8584" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest_367ac679-19aa-4ccf-bbe2-042e3b2edaa1" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_291ee46a-31cc-486f-8496-02da05326f77" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_401cbb5e-573a-4efb-ba40-cf29deac8584" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_291ee46a-31cc-486f-8496-02da05326f77" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetPeriodicDefinedBenefitsExpenseReversalOfExpenseExcludingServiceCostComponent_d42e4016-c11f-499b-a903-870d468d63b3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetPeriodicDefinedBenefitsExpenseReversalOfExpenseExcludingServiceCostComponent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_401cbb5e-573a-4efb-ba40-cf29deac8584" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetPeriodicDefinedBenefitsExpenseReversalOfExpenseExcludingServiceCostComponent_d42e4016-c11f-499b-a903-870d468d63b3" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiGainLoss_ae631533-025a-4ea7-9f31-745cfaa0c8ad" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiGainLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_401cbb5e-573a-4efb-ba40-cf29deac8584" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiGainLoss_ae631533-025a-4ea7-9f31-745cfaa0c8ad" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_ccf94b29-29b7-4c46-9052-f1fadca8a8e9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_401cbb5e-573a-4efb-ba40-cf29deac8584" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_ccf94b29-29b7-4c46-9052-f1fadca8a8e9" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_35b428cc-0d38-4e2f-b9d2-507422d30377" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_401cbb5e-573a-4efb-ba40-cf29deac8584" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_35b428cc-0d38-4e2f-b9d2-507422d30377" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_63d9f862-a1f8-4f37-86f4-e46b6c3b6877" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_401cbb5e-573a-4efb-ba40-cf29deac8584" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_63d9f862-a1f8-4f37-86f4-e46b6c3b6877" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_4fcb2a81-1895-4580-ba47-e8731aaf3700" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_401cbb5e-573a-4efb-ba40-cf29deac8584" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_4fcb2a81-1895-4580-ba47-e8731aaf3700" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_0d755b0b-b820-466e-b978-1b6665249213" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_401cbb5e-573a-4efb-ba40-cf29deac8584" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_0d755b0b-b820-466e-b978-1b6665249213" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_b4df55d8-edff-449c-b202-ebafa0bb2a05" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_401cbb5e-573a-4efb-ba40-cf29deac8584" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_b4df55d8-edff-449c-b202-ebafa0bb2a05" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_263489a6-7633-4fb9-9d33-35b18b5528db" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_401cbb5e-573a-4efb-ba40-cf29deac8584" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_263489a6-7633-4fb9-9d33-35b18b5528db" xlink:type="arc" order="14"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_153b23eb-f2e2-4aab-b3e6-10d003c0b2bf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_263489a6-7633-4fb9-9d33-35b18b5528db" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_153b23eb-f2e2-4aab-b3e6-10d003c0b2bf" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_6a0df5fa-f430-4c47-b376-c62ecd8ca8c2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_263489a6-7633-4fb9-9d33-35b18b5528db" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_6a0df5fa-f430-4c47-b376-c62ecd8ca8c2" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_3255ce07-4721-48e7-8c00-39b44d7431c0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_263489a6-7633-4fb9-9d33-35b18b5528db" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_3255ce07-4721-48e7-8c00-39b44d7431c0" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_bbf28a44-a4ca-460c-b1ab-3e6d291018bc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_263489a6-7633-4fb9-9d33-35b18b5528db" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_bbf28a44-a4ca-460c-b1ab-3e6d291018bc" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_bcb48c43-1b79-4d44-bc46-346990afdc32" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_401cbb5e-573a-4efb-ba40-cf29deac8584" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_bcb48c43-1b79-4d44-bc46-346990afdc32" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_4d10a745-0b4a-4295-88e2-b95d79b8cc7a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_bcb48c43-1b79-4d44-bc46-346990afdc32" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_4d10a745-0b4a-4295-88e2-b95d79b8cc7a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_4d10a745-0b4a-4295-88e2-b95d79b8cc7a_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_4d10a745-0b4a-4295-88e2-b95d79b8cc7a" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_4d10a745-0b4a-4295-88e2-b95d79b8cc7a_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_6072c6b5-aa15-48e0-8c8d-3238d73cd5ce" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_4d10a745-0b4a-4295-88e2-b95d79b8cc7a" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_6072c6b5-aa15-48e0-8c8d-3238d73cd5ce" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ServiceMember_7e674cd1-b46b-463a-9777-52a67db5de9e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ServiceMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_6072c6b5-aa15-48e0-8c8d-3238d73cd5ce" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ServiceMember_7e674cd1-b46b-463a-9777-52a67db5de9e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductMember_7ab3ae1c-80a6-442f-b432-041914017ab0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_6072c6b5-aa15-48e0-8c8d-3238d73cd5ce" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductMember_7ab3ae1c-80a6-442f-b432-041914017ab0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofChangesinCommonStockholdersEquityStatement" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofChangesinCommonStockholdersEquityStatement"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofChangesinCommonStockholdersEquityStatement" xlink:type="extended" id="i539af10b23d94e0789e37f6aed1f8bb9_CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofChangesinCommonStockholdersEquityStatement">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2ce1f893-cf8c-4196-addb-51a78d4287fc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_f1d8496d-c97b-41d5-9fef-20e3d41f3cf3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2ce1f893-cf8c-4196-addb-51a78d4287fc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_f1d8496d-c97b-41d5-9fef-20e3d41f3cf3" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_7bc718be-2bb6-4916-9d5d-637bf8c66036" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_f1d8496d-c97b-41d5-9fef-20e3d41f3cf3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_7bc718be-2bb6-4916-9d5d-637bf8c66036" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_7c87e2ea-6634-4250-bf30-27641200039c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_f1d8496d-c97b-41d5-9fef-20e3d41f3cf3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_7c87e2ea-6634-4250-bf30-27641200039c" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance_717a8b37-f279-4d68-a46c-ac19feec5352" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_f1d8496d-c97b-41d5-9fef-20e3d41f3cf3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance_717a8b37-f279-4d68-a46c-ac19feec5352" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestInNetIncomeLossOtherNoncontrollingInterestsNonredeemable_34456982-11a6-42ec-a2a0-de27c64f0cf7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestInNetIncomeLossOtherNoncontrollingInterestsNonredeemable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_f1d8496d-c97b-41d5-9fef-20e3d41f3cf3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestInNetIncomeLossOtherNoncontrollingInterestsNonredeemable_34456982-11a6-42ec-a2a0-de27c64f0cf7" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_EquityEffectOfAcquisitionOfRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest_6b5d0cf7-e8ec-4f59-87f5-437d9b3bc100" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_EquityEffectOfAcquisitionOfRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_f1d8496d-c97b-41d5-9fef-20e3d41f3cf3" xlink:to="loc_ghc_EquityEffectOfAcquisitionOfRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest_6b5d0cf7-e8ec-4f59-87f5-437d9b3bc100" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination_a96be114-4f6c-42cb-ac41-52f0d74e954b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_f1d8496d-c97b-41d5-9fef-20e3d41f3cf3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination_a96be114-4f6c-42cb-ac41-52f0d74e954b" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest_1d1ac6ea-6085-45ec-8bc3-e5d55d4a129a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_f1d8496d-c97b-41d5-9fef-20e3d41f3cf3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest_1d1ac6ea-6085-45ec-8bc3-e5d55d4a129a" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestChangeInRedemptionValue_53fa5d9a-b955-46df-bd78-4960d8ff756d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestChangeInRedemptionValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_f1d8496d-c97b-41d5-9fef-20e3d41f3cf3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestChangeInRedemptionValue_53fa5d9a-b955-46df-bd78-4960d8ff756d" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders_b95b418f-0f2c-4d4e-bee0-c61e9e185752" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_f1d8496d-c97b-41d5-9fef-20e3d41f3cf3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders_b95b418f-0f2c-4d4e-bee0-c61e9e185752" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock_1411966e-b4d6-4217-a532-bf107e0d2255" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_f1d8496d-c97b-41d5-9fef-20e3d41f3cf3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock_1411966e-b4d6-4217-a532-bf107e0d2255" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod_8f632b5d-b587-41fb-9097-ef70d43f45fb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_f1d8496d-c97b-41d5-9fef-20e3d41f3cf3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod_8f632b5d-b587-41fb-9097-ef70d43f45fb" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures_2b939e12-e5d2-4ad3-9710-d746358bcfb5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_f1d8496d-c97b-41d5-9fef-20e3d41f3cf3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures_2b939e12-e5d2-4ad3-9710-d746358bcfb5" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_46645a4f-3f3c-4550-8594-175269316be1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_f1d8496d-c97b-41d5-9fef-20e3d41f3cf3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_46645a4f-3f3c-4550-8594-175269316be1" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_8aef52e0-8e12-4231-82bb-aea35727daf1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_f1d8496d-c97b-41d5-9fef-20e3d41f3cf3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_8aef52e0-8e12-4231-82bb-aea35727daf1" xlink:type="arc" order="14"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_Equityeffectofredemptionofredeemablenoncontrollinginterest_87a82424-5ff2-41ef-94cc-1837f3b81589" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_Equityeffectofredemptionofredeemablenoncontrollinginterest"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_f1d8496d-c97b-41d5-9fef-20e3d41f3cf3" xlink:to="loc_ghc_Equityeffectofredemptionofredeemablenoncontrollinginterest_87a82424-5ff2-41ef-94cc-1837f3b81589" xlink:type="arc" order="15"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOther_4af5026d-0bc7-4cc0-8338-e73b7e9a665d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOther"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_f1d8496d-c97b-41d5-9fef-20e3d41f3cf3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOther_4af5026d-0bc7-4cc0-8338-e73b7e9a665d" xlink:type="arc" order="16"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_055b7948-64be-4333-89fe-e33d24528e91" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInTemporaryEquityRollForward_92c54265-4895-4012-a39e-a8cb1df05d4a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInTemporaryEquityRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2ce1f893-cf8c-4196-addb-51a78d4287fc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInTemporaryEquityRollForward_92c54265-4895-4012-a39e-a8cb1df05d4a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount_1965bf33-41c6-4a59-b300-b4f8940201a7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInTemporaryEquityRollForward_92c54265-4895-4012-a39e-a8cb1df05d4a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount_1965bf33-41c6-4a59-b300-b4f8940201a7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_AcquisitionOfRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest_8d391e09-5cd5-4d9a-9974-f8ba3fee78bb" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_AcquisitionOfRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInTemporaryEquityRollForward_92c54265-4895-4012-a39e-a8cb1df05d4a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_AcquisitionOfRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest_8d391e09-5cd5-4d9a-9974-f8ba3fee78bb" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityNetIncome_4bd416ad-dafe-4a2c-8cb0-06affc6f7792" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityNetIncome"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInTemporaryEquityRollForward_92c54265-4895-4012-a39e-a8cb1df05d4a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityNetIncome_4bd416ad-dafe-4a2c-8cb0-06affc6f7792" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TemporaryEquityChangeinRedemptionValue_004c7456-e083-4114-96f0-b7305657d331" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_TemporaryEquityChangeinRedemptionValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInTemporaryEquityRollForward_92c54265-4895-4012-a39e-a8cb1df05d4a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TemporaryEquityChangeinRedemptionValue_004c7456-e083-4114-96f0-b7305657d331" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions_db3f1249-9511-4590-9b1f-0b8e48376b72" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInTemporaryEquityRollForward_92c54265-4895-4012-a39e-a8cb1df05d4a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions_db3f1249-9511-4590-9b1f-0b8e48376b72" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityOtherChanges_ed730670-a6a3-4634-8fa7-9ba380a610a2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityOtherChanges"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInTemporaryEquityRollForward_92c54265-4895-4012-a39e-a8cb1df05d4a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityOtherChanges_ed730670-a6a3-4634-8fa7-9ba380a610a2" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount_47c2294d-dde6-4e33-af82-9e053d01d944" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_d38f0c5b-4acb-445d-91da-f2e2d536557a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2ce1f893-cf8c-4196-addb-51a78d4287fc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_d38f0c5b-4acb-445d-91da-f2e2d536557a" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_75f34b3f-a74a-487d-bd3d-bada350a53ec" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_d38f0c5b-4acb-445d-91da-f2e2d536557a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_75f34b3f-a74a-487d-bd3d-bada350a53ec" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_75f34b3f-a74a-487d-bd3d-bada350a53ec_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_75f34b3f-a74a-487d-bd3d-bada350a53ec" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_75f34b3f-a74a-487d-bd3d-bada350a53ec_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_ef89ad8a-c715-49a1-842f-c44bd2b63911" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_75f34b3f-a74a-487d-bd3d-bada350a53ec" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_ef89ad8a-c715-49a1-842f-c44bd2b63911" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_f606d031-e7a4-4016-b9a5-35f2d88210aa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_ef89ad8a-c715-49a1-842f-c44bd2b63911" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_f606d031-e7a4-4016-b9a5-35f2d88210aa" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_1e3b6e79-b812-4d3d-8da8-b9bbe27fbb85" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_d38f0c5b-4acb-445d-91da-f2e2d536557a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_1e3b6e79-b812-4d3d-8da8-b9bbe27fbb85" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_1e3b6e79-b812-4d3d-8da8-b9bbe27fbb85_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_1e3b6e79-b812-4d3d-8da8-b9bbe27fbb85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_1e3b6e79-b812-4d3d-8da8-b9bbe27fbb85_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_311c15da-2775-4083-b4ae-1af64829c0a2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_1e3b6e79-b812-4d3d-8da8-b9bbe27fbb85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_311c15da-2775-4083-b4ae-1af64829c0a2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_9a05e5dd-e232-4bbd-850e-126d19723661" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_311c15da-2775-4083-b4ae-1af64829c0a2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_9a05e5dd-e232-4bbd-850e-126d19723661" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_1baec369-9564-4e02-ace0-c402e5d3be3d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_311c15da-2775-4083-b4ae-1af64829c0a2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_1baec369-9564-4e02-ace0-c402e5d3be3d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_a3468c9e-4c49-44e1-bba0-cec5b60ab62e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_311c15da-2775-4083-b4ae-1af64829c0a2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_a3468c9e-4c49-44e1-bba0-cec5b60ab62e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_93c8a4c1-9136-42d1-b69e-408fa10f2bbf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_311c15da-2775-4083-b4ae-1af64829c0a2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_93c8a4c1-9136-42d1-b69e-408fa10f2bbf" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_d84aaf14-a3da-4d22-bd77-c65231691f1b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_311c15da-2775-4083-b4ae-1af64829c0a2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_d84aaf14-a3da-4d22-bd77-c65231691f1b" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_a953dd6f-f44c-4eb5-8453-daf2902ac1f6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_311c15da-2775-4083-b4ae-1af64829c0a2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_a953dd6f-f44c-4eb5-8453-daf2902ac1f6" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/OrganizationBasisofPresentationandRecentAccountingPronouncementsOrganizationandBasisofPresentationNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#OrganizationBasisofPresentationandRecentAccountingPronouncementsOrganizationandBasisofPresentationNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/OrganizationBasisofPresentationandRecentAccountingPronouncementsOrganizationandBasisofPresentationNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i3d2c74f8c5f84478a649cf266ef32b64_OrganizationBasisofPresentationandRecentAccountingPronouncementsOrganizationandBasisofPresentationNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_e15deb96-73c0-421a-a9c5-85d6c2b7d233" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_NumberOfTelevisionBroadcastStationsOwned_a66fe54a-c86f-4de0-8c9f-c6bb8e65ed51" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_NumberOfTelevisionBroadcastStationsOwned"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_e15deb96-73c0-421a-a9c5-85d6c2b7d233" xlink:to="loc_ghc_NumberOfTelevisionBroadcastStationsOwned_a66fe54a-c86f-4de0-8c9f-c6bb8e65ed51" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments_8267de63-24e5-44a3-8ba0-9f60529440f1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_e15deb96-73c0-421a-a9c5-85d6c2b7d233" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments_8267de63-24e5-44a3-8ba0-9f60529440f1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PriorPeriodReclassificationAdjustment_8ee234a7-2695-4d7b-bd01-4519ed8ae605" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PriorPeriodReclassificationAdjustment"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_e15deb96-73c0-421a-a9c5-85d6c2b7d233" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PriorPeriodReclassificationAdjustment_8ee234a7-2695-4d7b-bd01-4519ed8ae605" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ca91c9a4-3afd-4aae-90ee-b7be54e7e5cb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_e15deb96-73c0-421a-a9c5-85d6c2b7d233" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ca91c9a4-3afd-4aae-90ee-b7be54e7e5cb" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_4aa19368-1e39-4872-992b-accda2de854f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ca91c9a4-3afd-4aae-90ee-b7be54e7e5cb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_4aa19368-1e39-4872-992b-accda2de854f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_4aa19368-1e39-4872-992b-accda2de854f_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_4aa19368-1e39-4872-992b-accda2de854f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_4aa19368-1e39-4872-992b-accda2de854f_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_1536a6f4-e28f-45c3-b295-e5af176fe763" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_4aa19368-1e39-4872-992b-accda2de854f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_1536a6f4-e28f-45c3-b295-e5af176fe763" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember_78988d12-a45c-4814-8b76-eb4dc91ddc32" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_1536a6f4-e28f-45c3-b295-e5af176fe763" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember_78988d12-a45c-4814-8b76-eb4dc91ddc32" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenseMember_f76a0f52-0214-4f4e-8667-c82aa68677ca" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpenseMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_1536a6f4-e28f-45c3-b295-e5af176fe763" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenseMember_f76a0f52-0214-4f4e-8667-c82aa68677ca" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_b9e7ba70-e16e-4ae8-a00d-495e6fa83dd8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_1536a6f4-e28f-45c3-b295-e5af176fe763" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_b9e7ba70-e16e-4ae8-a00d-495e6fa83dd8" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_a27edf13-6b56-4d36-b6f5-377f69df58c1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpenses"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_1536a6f4-e28f-45c3-b295-e5af176fe763" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_a27edf13-6b56-4d36-b6f5-377f69df58c1" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_faf5d849-e301-4cd3-8a7b-a719fbfe553d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ca91c9a4-3afd-4aae-90ee-b7be54e7e5cb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_faf5d849-e301-4cd3-8a7b-a719fbfe553d" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_faf5d849-e301-4cd3-8a7b-a719fbfe553d_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_faf5d849-e301-4cd3-8a7b-a719fbfe553d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_faf5d849-e301-4cd3-8a7b-a719fbfe553d_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_211ff33b-b0ae-432b-8755-107d67e811fa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_faf5d849-e301-4cd3-8a7b-a719fbfe553d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_211ff33b-b0ae-432b-8755-107d67e811fa" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201601Member_04765bc3-31cc-402f-9544-275b31971ee4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201601Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_211ff33b-b0ae-432b-8755-107d67e811fa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201601Member_04765bc3-31cc-402f-9544-275b31971ee4" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_8e024a41-07c7-4d62-9ce4-deef507fd195" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ca91c9a4-3afd-4aae-90ee-b7be54e7e5cb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_8e024a41-07c7-4d62-9ce4-deef507fd195" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_8e024a41-07c7-4d62-9ce4-deef507fd195_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_8e024a41-07c7-4d62-9ce4-deef507fd195" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_8e024a41-07c7-4d62-9ce4-deef507fd195_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_18948ae5-9068-4d04-92ac-f5b111c38757" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_8e024a41-07c7-4d62-9ce4-deef507fd195" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_18948ae5-9068-4d04-92ac-f5b111c38757" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_06cb2f95-debb-4ca3-9385-0282d0489b1d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_18948ae5-9068-4d04-92ac-f5b111c38757" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_06cb2f95-debb-4ca3-9385-0282d0489b1d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_39602571-4b02-4f1c-89e4-e1582872546e" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_TransactionAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ca91c9a4-3afd-4aae-90ee-b7be54e7e5cb" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_39602571-4b02-4f1c-89e4-e1582872546e" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_39602571-4b02-4f1c-89e4-e1582872546e_default" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_TransactionTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_39602571-4b02-4f1c-89e4-e1582872546e" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_39602571-4b02-4f1c-89e4-e1582872546e_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_f05b1d2d-1d15-4b93-9307-cbe59470b9f9" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_TransactionTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_39602571-4b02-4f1c-89e4-e1582872546e" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_f05b1d2d-1d15-4b93-9307-cbe59470b9f9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KaplanUniversityTransactionMember_b25f637e-655f-4720-a4bc-f4166c23e0c7" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_KaplanUniversityTransactionMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_f05b1d2d-1d15-4b93-9307-cbe59470b9f9" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KaplanUniversityTransactionMember_b25f637e-655f-4720-a4bc-f4166c23e0c7" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_50c33790-ca16-4fec-9df1-919d98023aaa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ca91c9a4-3afd-4aae-90ee-b7be54e7e5cb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_50c33790-ca16-4fec-9df1-919d98023aaa" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_50c33790-ca16-4fec-9df1-919d98023aaa_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_50c33790-ca16-4fec-9df1-919d98023aaa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_50c33790-ca16-4fec-9df1-919d98023aaa_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2fba2c8e-1ce7-46a5-9832-a06e00edd116" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_50c33790-ca16-4fec-9df1-919d98023aaa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2fba2c8e-1ce7-46a5-9832-a06e00edd116" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TelevisionBroadcastingMember_2ddfc66c-66ef-4016-9366-7d488e72f00b" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_TelevisionBroadcastingMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2fba2c8e-1ce7-46a5-9832-a06e00edd116" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TelevisionBroadcastingMember_2ddfc66c-66ef-4016-9366-7d488e72f00b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_EducationMember_7b149da3-2f5f-4b3d-83ed-fbf00a32b0c9" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_EducationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2fba2c8e-1ce7-46a5-9832-a06e00edd116" xlink:to="loc_ghc_EducationMember_7b149da3-2f5f-4b3d-83ed-fbf00a32b0c9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_ad2ea81b-e519-47a0-93b6-0ed581be9b5f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_ca91c9a4-3afd-4aae-90ee-b7be54e7e5cb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_ad2ea81b-e519-47a0-93b6-0ed581be9b5f" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_ad2ea81b-e519-47a0-93b6-0ed581be9b5f_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_ad2ea81b-e519-47a0-93b6-0ed581be9b5f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_ad2ea81b-e519-47a0-93b6-0ed581be9b5f_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_95c3f402-0bc1-4fb1-9f5f-b3bee27db503" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_ad2ea81b-e519-47a0-93b6-0ed581be9b5f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_95c3f402-0bc1-4fb1-9f5f-b3bee27db503" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_HigherEducationMember_85d90d77-e0bb-4f49-ac94-701509011423" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_HigherEducationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_95c3f402-0bc1-4fb1-9f5f-b3bee27db503" xlink:to="loc_ghc_HigherEducationMember_85d90d77-e0bb-4f49-ac94-701509011423" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/OrganizationBasisofPresentationandRecentAccountingPronouncementsRecentAccountingPronouncementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#OrganizationBasisofPresentationandRecentAccountingPronouncementsRecentAccountingPronouncementsNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/OrganizationBasisofPresentationandRecentAccountingPronouncementsRecentAccountingPronouncementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="ia22fa1756eb9426baf4e7c50c84b6674_OrganizationBasisofPresentationandRecentAccountingPronouncementsRecentAccountingPronouncementsNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_c075c6f4-749e-4d85-8cb4-1fbfa6e9851d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_4701bb67-8801-4553-9712-2357a6da1d07" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_c075c6f4-749e-4d85-8cb4-1fbfa6e9851d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_4701bb67-8801-4553-9712-2357a6da1d07" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PriorPeriodReclassificationAdjustment_c6a5cc87-b388-4df1-8323-70ee87fa4809" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PriorPeriodReclassificationAdjustment"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_c075c6f4-749e-4d85-8cb4-1fbfa6e9851d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PriorPeriodReclassificationAdjustment_c6a5cc87-b388-4df1-8323-70ee87fa4809" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_51a7cd2a-166c-4220-a68a-5b4b4c78ddae" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_c075c6f4-749e-4d85-8cb4-1fbfa6e9851d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_51a7cd2a-166c-4220-a68a-5b4b4c78ddae" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_38ba5cbe-cdc8-460c-bff7-6163b7c98f79" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_51a7cd2a-166c-4220-a68a-5b4b4c78ddae" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_38ba5cbe-cdc8-460c-bff7-6163b7c98f79" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_38ba5cbe-cdc8-460c-bff7-6163b7c98f79_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_38ba5cbe-cdc8-460c-bff7-6163b7c98f79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_38ba5cbe-cdc8-460c-bff7-6163b7c98f79_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_bef5da9d-1612-4627-b650-138dd05f7d19" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_38ba5cbe-cdc8-460c-bff7-6163b7c98f79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_bef5da9d-1612-4627-b650-138dd05f7d19" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_HigherEducationMember_67fe1a26-6a8e-4ed5-9e6a-fe647c4d3c5e" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_HigherEducationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_bef5da9d-1612-4627-b650-138dd05f7d19" xlink:to="loc_ghc_HigherEducationMember_67fe1a26-6a8e-4ed5-9e6a-fe647c4d3c5e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_d6fb3a8a-4e86-4f5e-beda-8201c9227884" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_TransactionAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_51a7cd2a-166c-4220-a68a-5b4b4c78ddae" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_d6fb3a8a-4e86-4f5e-beda-8201c9227884" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_d6fb3a8a-4e86-4f5e-beda-8201c9227884_default" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_TransactionTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_d6fb3a8a-4e86-4f5e-beda-8201c9227884" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_d6fb3a8a-4e86-4f5e-beda-8201c9227884_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_b6b2efca-654e-444d-bf1f-a6bacf3d0c5d" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_TransactionTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_d6fb3a8a-4e86-4f5e-beda-8201c9227884" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_b6b2efca-654e-444d-bf1f-a6bacf3d0c5d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KaplanUniversityTransactionMember_e27109f6-df63-40d7-a06f-42b934e071f2" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_KaplanUniversityTransactionMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_b6b2efca-654e-444d-bf1f-a6bacf3d0c5d" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KaplanUniversityTransactionMember_e27109f6-df63-40d7-a06f-42b934e071f2" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_f3250372-4b3f-46be-905c-a97e003514b0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_51a7cd2a-166c-4220-a68a-5b4b4c78ddae" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_f3250372-4b3f-46be-905c-a97e003514b0" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_f3250372-4b3f-46be-905c-a97e003514b0_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_f3250372-4b3f-46be-905c-a97e003514b0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_f3250372-4b3f-46be-905c-a97e003514b0_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_0db106a9-34ff-45a6-9c46-7a28d0fb58d0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_f3250372-4b3f-46be-905c-a97e003514b0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_0db106a9-34ff-45a6-9c46-7a28d0fb58d0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_EducationMember_3199a574-9cdb-4d29-88eb-514533c98944" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_EducationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_0db106a9-34ff-45a6-9c46-7a28d0fb58d0" xlink:to="loc_ghc_EducationMember_3199a574-9cdb-4d29-88eb-514533c98944" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_9aa589d3-c5d9-4599-89e9-aaecbd0edf11" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_51a7cd2a-166c-4220-a68a-5b4b4c78ddae" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_9aa589d3-c5d9-4599-89e9-aaecbd0edf11" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_9aa589d3-c5d9-4599-89e9-aaecbd0edf11_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_9aa589d3-c5d9-4599-89e9-aaecbd0edf11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_9aa589d3-c5d9-4599-89e9-aaecbd0edf11_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_270386b3-93b2-48de-bda4-59075f44d2ef" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_9aa589d3-c5d9-4599-89e9-aaecbd0edf11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_270386b3-93b2-48de-bda4-59075f44d2ef" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member_3278d2fd-a275-48ee-9f67-36b1ce5867b5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_270386b3-93b2-48de-bda4-59075f44d2ef" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member_3278d2fd-a275-48ee-9f67-36b1ce5867b5" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_2ce4b048-897c-46a7-bb05-45658c940531" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_51a7cd2a-166c-4220-a68a-5b4b4c78ddae" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_2ce4b048-897c-46a7-bb05-45658c940531" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_2ce4b048-897c-46a7-bb05-45658c940531_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_2ce4b048-897c-46a7-bb05-45658c940531" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_2ce4b048-897c-46a7-bb05-45658c940531_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_0163c594-e424-439a-9695-1a7beac02f5b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_2ce4b048-897c-46a7-bb05-45658c940531" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_0163c594-e424-439a-9695-1a7beac02f5b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember_39a76fc4-a62a-4561-b8e7-0fafd229cc35" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_0163c594-e424-439a-9695-1a7beac02f5b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember_39a76fc4-a62a-4561-b8e7-0fafd229cc35" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/AcquisitionsandDispositionsofBusinessesAcquisitionsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#AcquisitionsandDispositionsofBusinessesAcquisitionsNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/AcquisitionsandDispositionsofBusinessesAcquisitionsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i7e294de5265f4b158ebd23d3cc59e65a_AcquisitionsandDispositionsofBusinessesAcquisitionsNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_19f90cd0-bb4f-44e9-ba83-15b9170d62f6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfBusinessesAcquired_a86d173a-4137-4053-92a2-c2bdfc7fcc87" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfBusinessesAcquired"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_19f90cd0-bb4f-44e9-ba83-15b9170d62f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfBusinessesAcquired_a86d173a-4137-4053-92a2-c2bdfc7fcc87" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability_6eeccf47-9ee5-4c73-8eaa-56e67467f73e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_19f90cd0-bb4f-44e9-ba83-15b9170d62f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability_6eeccf47-9ee5-4c73-8eaa-56e67467f73e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfRestaurants_03acbb33-f885-4974-82bf-5b1bc14b5768" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfRestaurants"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_19f90cd0-bb4f-44e9-ba83-15b9170d62f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfRestaurants_03acbb33-f885-4974-82bf-5b1bc14b5768" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCommonRedemptionValue_55f45950-d02d-4e76-9d4b-058b22fbe909" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCommonRedemptionValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_19f90cd0-bb4f-44e9-ba83-15b9170d62f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCommonRedemptionValue_55f45950-d02d-4e76-9d4b-058b22fbe909" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent_6fd1141d-ec23-4895-9963-0a49525cf455" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_19f90cd0-bb4f-44e9-ba83-15b9170d62f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent_6fd1141d-ec23-4895-9963-0a49525cf455" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_b63ba61e-819f-466b-ba28-a20a0b324e7a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_19f90cd0-bb4f-44e9-ba83-15b9170d62f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_b63ba61e-819f-466b-ba28-a20a0b324e7a" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ManagementFee_4a3762a6-bb17-4e4e-bb8f-7c207713d849" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_ManagementFee"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_19f90cd0-bb4f-44e9-ba83-15b9170d62f6" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ManagementFee_4a3762a6-bb17-4e4e-bb8f-7c207713d849" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_AdvancetoMinorityShareholder_bfa57492-66d7-45ee-8ece-c97bf0906cbf" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_AdvancetoMinorityShareholder"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_19f90cd0-bb4f-44e9-ba83-15b9170d62f6" xlink:to="loc_ghc_AdvancetoMinorityShareholder_bfa57492-66d7-45ee-8ece-c97bf0906cbf" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_InterestRateonAdvancetoMinorityShareholder_1d5fdd24-7120-4142-ad38-07533d058c28" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_InterestRateonAdvancetoMinorityShareholder"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_19f90cd0-bb4f-44e9-ba83-15b9170d62f6" xlink:to="loc_ghc_InterestRateonAdvancetoMinorityShareholder_1d5fdd24-7120-4142-ad38-07533d058c28" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_PercentageofSharesEligibletobeRedeemed_5db849da-7623-479d-b89c-47a2ba3ed3a2" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_PercentageofSharesEligibletobeRedeemed"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_19f90cd0-bb4f-44e9-ba83-15b9170d62f6" xlink:to="loc_ghc_PercentageofSharesEligibletobeRedeemed_5db849da-7623-479d-b89c-47a2ba3ed3a2" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_AmountBorrowedtoFinanceBusinessAcquisition_f05ccaf7-31cf-4981-a45f-1bf8a51de11f" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_AmountBorrowedtoFinanceBusinessAcquisition"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_19f90cd0-bb4f-44e9-ba83-15b9170d62f6" xlink:to="loc_ghc_AmountBorrowedtoFinanceBusinessAcquisition_f05ccaf7-31cf-4981-a45f-1bf8a51de11f" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate_142f2250-7620-41d9-8cb7-ebd98e4fccf8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_19f90cd0-bb4f-44e9-ba83-15b9170d62f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate_142f2250-7620-41d9-8cb7-ebd98e4fccf8" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_34707355-7480-4bc3-b100-106f77abfeae" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_19f90cd0-bb4f-44e9-ba83-15b9170d62f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_34707355-7480-4bc3-b100-106f77abfeae" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_VehicleFloorPlanFacilityPayable_1a6b6e39-d620-4d65-b3ad-f354e2838911" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_VehicleFloorPlanFacilityPayable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_19f90cd0-bb4f-44e9-ba83-15b9170d62f6" xlink:to="loc_ghc_VehicleFloorPlanFacilityPayable_1a6b6e39-d620-4d65-b3ad-f354e2838911" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfStores_1b4cadf1-da1c-478e-964d-212ebcfe3f8b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfStores"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_19f90cd0-bb4f-44e9-ba83-15b9170d62f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfStores_1b4cadf1-da1c-478e-964d-212ebcfe3f8b" xlink:type="arc" order="14"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedPensionandOtherPostRetirementBenefitsLiabilities_40eb2d4e-427a-48ec-8560-300e6acd8e3c" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedPensionandOtherPostRetirementBenefitsLiabilities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_19f90cd0-bb4f-44e9-ba83-15b9170d62f6" xlink:to="loc_ghc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedPensionandOtherPostRetirementBenefitsLiabilities_40eb2d4e-427a-48ec-8560-300e6acd8e3c" xlink:type="arc" order="15"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_41a032e4-1396-4335-8715-d91520cc1c6b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_19f90cd0-bb4f-44e9-ba83-15b9170d62f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_41a032e4-1396-4335-8715-d91520cc1c6b" xlink:type="arc" order="16"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityTransactionCosts_dc830d08-139f-4586-9a45-e9af23f338a7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityTransactionCosts"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_19f90cd0-bb4f-44e9-ba83-15b9170d62f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityTransactionCosts_dc830d08-139f-4586-9a45-e9af23f338a7" xlink:type="arc" order="17"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillExpectedTaxDeductibleAmount_0cf0116b-8f46-4220-9821-f0b250fb0ddb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillExpectedTaxDeductibleAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_19f90cd0-bb4f-44e9-ba83-15b9170d62f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillExpectedTaxDeductibleAmount_0cf0116b-8f46-4220-9821-f0b250fb0ddb" xlink:type="arc" order="18"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationRevenueOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual_b07e1561-3ba4-44ff-8243-a4362da584c8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationRevenueOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_19f90cd0-bb4f-44e9-ba83-15b9170d62f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationRevenueOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual_b07e1561-3ba4-44ff-8243-a4362da584c8" xlink:type="arc" order="19"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationEarningsOrLossOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual_7bb339e7-38dc-4fa0-b3a1-0604c8ef6946" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationEarningsOrLossOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_19f90cd0-bb4f-44e9-ba83-15b9170d62f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationEarningsOrLossOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual_7bb339e7-38dc-4fa0-b3a1-0604c8ef6946" xlink:type="arc" order="20"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansPayableToBank_50616937-080d-4154-aae0-97f6d08cd246" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansPayableToBank"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_19f90cd0-bb4f-44e9-ba83-15b9170d62f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansPayableToBank_50616937-080d-4154-aae0-97f6d08cd246" xlink:type="arc" order="21"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityOtherFairValue_63f5ec35-95b1-4fec-9142-a45c7142a3c2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityOtherFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_19f90cd0-bb4f-44e9-ba83-15b9170d62f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityOtherFairValue_63f5ec35-95b1-4fec-9142-a45c7142a3c2" xlink:type="arc" order="22"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_PercentageOfAdditionalOwnershipAvailableToBeAcquired_16ddd6c5-6e2c-404d-8f4a-89c0a583cf8a" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_PercentageOfAdditionalOwnershipAvailableToBeAcquired"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_19f90cd0-bb4f-44e9-ba83-15b9170d62f6" xlink:to="loc_ghc_PercentageOfAdditionalOwnershipAvailableToBeAcquired_16ddd6c5-6e2c-404d-8f4a-89c0a583cf8a" xlink:type="arc" order="23"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeIncludingSubsequentAcquisitionPercentage_30d82e95-875d-41ca-8b96-aa14c66dd3e8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeIncludingSubsequentAcquisitionPercentage"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_19f90cd0-bb4f-44e9-ba83-15b9170d62f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeIncludingSubsequentAcquisitionPercentage_30d82e95-875d-41ca-8b96-aa14c66dd3e8" xlink:type="arc" order="24"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationSharebasedArrangementsLiabilityCurrentAndNoncurrent_535ffd01-41b3-47f2-ad1e-f783809fa397" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationSharebasedArrangementsLiabilityCurrentAndNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_19f90cd0-bb4f-44e9-ba83-15b9170d62f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationSharebasedArrangementsLiabilityCurrentAndNoncurrent_535ffd01-41b3-47f2-ad1e-f783809fa397" xlink:type="arc" order="25"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_f847f0cc-c1dc-4296-85cf-cfaaeea132c5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_19f90cd0-bb4f-44e9-ba83-15b9170d62f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_f847f0cc-c1dc-4296-85cf-cfaaeea132c5" xlink:type="arc" order="26"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedStockCompensationLiabilitiesAssumed_8ed0b8fb-6d1f-425b-8c18-aee081eadbba" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedStockCompensationLiabilitiesAssumed"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_19f90cd0-bb4f-44e9-ba83-15b9170d62f6" xlink:to="loc_ghc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedStockCompensationLiabilitiesAssumed_8ed0b8fb-6d1f-425b-8c18-aee081eadbba" xlink:type="arc" order="27"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_81d392ee-597e-4c50-a56b-231bcf9f9394" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_19f90cd0-bb4f-44e9-ba83-15b9170d62f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_81d392ee-597e-4c50-a56b-231bcf9f9394" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_7f81d89a-c267-4610-9b58-0d63f13f8230" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_81d392ee-597e-4c50-a56b-231bcf9f9394" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_7f81d89a-c267-4610-9b58-0d63f13f8230" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_7f81d89a-c267-4610-9b58-0d63f13f8230_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_7f81d89a-c267-4610-9b58-0d63f13f8230" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_7f81d89a-c267-4610-9b58-0d63f13f8230_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_e4f44280-7ef4-40a1-847f-772536ef7c81" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_7f81d89a-c267-4610-9b58-0d63f13f8230" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_e4f44280-7ef4-40a1-847f-772536ef7c81" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_e9f0cc0c-945f-4969-ab58-a6f7e93a9c1c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_e4f44280-7ef4-40a1-847f-772536ef7c81" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_e9f0cc0c-945f-4969-ab58-a6f7e93a9c1c" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_RecipientofConsiderationAxis_5b759bdb-4da2-44a8-ae0c-d31034b40814" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_RecipientofConsiderationAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_81d392ee-597e-4c50-a56b-231bcf9f9394" xlink:to="loc_ghc_RecipientofConsiderationAxis_5b759bdb-4da2-44a8-ae0c-d31034b40814" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_RecipientofConsiderationDomain_5b759bdb-4da2-44a8-ae0c-d31034b40814_default" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_RecipientofConsiderationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ghc_RecipientofConsiderationAxis_5b759bdb-4da2-44a8-ae0c-d31034b40814" xlink:to="loc_ghc_RecipientofConsiderationDomain_5b759bdb-4da2-44a8-ae0c-d31034b40814_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_RecipientofConsiderationDomain_5eec8097-12b3-4a26-934c-4a6f1080675d" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_RecipientofConsiderationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ghc_RecipientofConsiderationAxis_5b759bdb-4da2-44a8-ae0c-d31034b40814" xlink:to="loc_ghc_RecipientofConsiderationDomain_5eec8097-12b3-4a26-934c-4a6f1080675d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_GrahamHoldingsCompanyMember_6e39fb19-dee7-45cb-b6fe-fb3cee69fff7" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_GrahamHoldingsCompanyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_RecipientofConsiderationDomain_5eec8097-12b3-4a26-934c-4a6f1080675d" xlink:to="loc_ghc_GrahamHoldingsCompanyMember_6e39fb19-dee7-45cb-b6fe-fb3cee69fff7" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_GroupofSeniorManagersofGHGMember_d727938c-9ca7-4727-b6cf-7bce0bd32fb5" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_GroupofSeniorManagersofGHGMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_RecipientofConsiderationDomain_5eec8097-12b3-4a26-934c-4a6f1080675d" xlink:to="loc_ghc_GroupofSeniorManagersofGHGMember_d727938c-9ca7-4727-b6cf-7bce0bd32fb5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CapitalContributorAxis_e639e9c1-39b7-4512-ba65-10aac6a0037d" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_CapitalContributorAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_81d392ee-597e-4c50-a56b-231bcf9f9394" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CapitalContributorAxis_e639e9c1-39b7-4512-ba65-10aac6a0037d" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CapitalContributorDomain_e639e9c1-39b7-4512-ba65-10aac6a0037d_default" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_CapitalContributorDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ghc_CapitalContributorAxis_e639e9c1-39b7-4512-ba65-10aac6a0037d" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CapitalContributorDomain_e639e9c1-39b7-4512-ba65-10aac6a0037d_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CapitalContributorDomain_5e85c8a8-7e69-42f6-bd47-867bcc55a339" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_CapitalContributorDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ghc_CapitalContributorAxis_e639e9c1-39b7-4512-ba65-10aac6a0037d" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CapitalContributorDomain_5e85c8a8-7e69-42f6-bd47-867bcc55a339" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_GrahamHoldingsCompanyMember_2d2a358b-1f2b-4d75-8719-53c8918ebc46" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_GrahamHoldingsCompanyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_CapitalContributorDomain_5e85c8a8-7e69-42f6-bd47-867bcc55a339" xlink:to="loc_ghc_GrahamHoldingsCompanyMember_2d2a358b-1f2b-4d75-8719-53c8918ebc46" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_GroupofSeniorManagersofGHGMember_4133b530-c07e-427a-b7c5-ed283e4dcabc" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_GroupofSeniorManagersofGHGMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_CapitalContributorDomain_5e85c8a8-7e69-42f6-bd47-867bcc55a339" xlink:to="loc_ghc_GroupofSeniorManagersofGHGMember_4133b530-c07e-427a-b7c5-ed283e4dcabc" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_2ff93dec-a112-4293-97fb-5b6493f263a9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_81d392ee-597e-4c50-a56b-231bcf9f9394" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_2ff93dec-a112-4293-97fb-5b6493f263a9" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2ff93dec-a112-4293-97fb-5b6493f263a9_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_2ff93dec-a112-4293-97fb-5b6493f263a9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2ff93dec-a112-4293-97fb-5b6493f263a9_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_30d385dd-c658-466b-878a-f45e7b8d613d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_2ff93dec-a112-4293-97fb-5b6493f263a9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_30d385dd-c658-466b-878a-f45e7b8d613d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_PinnacleBankTermLoanMember_c4214788-8c49-49e4-b873-dc8e6702c618" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_PinnacleBankTermLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_30d385dd-c658-466b-878a-f45e7b8d613d" xlink:to="loc_ghc_PinnacleBankTermLoanMember_c4214788-8c49-49e4-b873-dc8e6702c618" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_06cc763d-e358-4dea-bbf9-55418141214b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_81d392ee-597e-4c50-a56b-231bcf9f9394" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_06cc763d-e358-4dea-bbf9-55418141214b" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_06cc763d-e358-4dea-bbf9-55418141214b_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_06cc763d-e358-4dea-bbf9-55418141214b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_06cc763d-e358-4dea-bbf9-55418141214b_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_e12f6a72-8358-46f7-812a-7b33e884b900" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_06cc763d-e358-4dea-bbf9-55418141214b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_e12f6a72-8358-46f7-812a-7b33e884b900" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_219fed46-1560-4fab-b012-e7b71527bbac" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_e12f6a72-8358-46f7-812a-7b33e884b900" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_219fed46-1560-4fab-b012-e7b71527bbac" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_37e918ce-e68d-4e2c-94ce-b501482b7ee1" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_TransactionAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_81d392ee-597e-4c50-a56b-231bcf9f9394" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_37e918ce-e68d-4e2c-94ce-b501482b7ee1" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_37e918ce-e68d-4e2c-94ce-b501482b7ee1_default" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_TransactionTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_37e918ce-e68d-4e2c-94ce-b501482b7ee1" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_37e918ce-e68d-4e2c-94ce-b501482b7ee1_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_05af2442-dd44-4cb2-874e-2963d032d5de" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_TransactionTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_37e918ce-e68d-4e2c-94ce-b501482b7ee1" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_05af2442-dd44-4cb2-874e-2963d032d5de" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KaplanUniversityTransactionMember_14904e8c-abb2-4bbe-ab66-24edd6358ee2" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_KaplanUniversityTransactionMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_05af2442-dd44-4cb2-874e-2963d032d5de" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KaplanUniversityTransactionMember_14904e8c-abb2-4bbe-ab66-24edd6358ee2" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_cadf5197-d00c-4e0d-8720-2a8c66e9acd1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_81d392ee-597e-4c50-a56b-231bcf9f9394" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_cadf5197-d00c-4e0d-8720-2a8c66e9acd1" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_cadf5197-d00c-4e0d-8720-2a8c66e9acd1_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_cadf5197-d00c-4e0d-8720-2a8c66e9acd1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_cadf5197-d00c-4e0d-8720-2a8c66e9acd1_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_e241d89b-a596-4164-b0bd-918a68a282fd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_cadf5197-d00c-4e0d-8720-2a8c66e9acd1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_e241d89b-a596-4164-b0bd-918a68a282fd" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_EducationMember_a72f2326-18f6-4d13-8328-058790d01790" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_EducationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_e241d89b-a596-4164-b0bd-918a68a282fd" xlink:to="loc_ghc_EducationMember_a72f2326-18f6-4d13-8328-058790d01790" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember_2c8fba36-fbe0-488e-b1f9-804e35bdac26" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_e241d89b-a596-4164-b0bd-918a68a282fd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember_2c8fba36-fbe0-488e-b1f9-804e35bdac26" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember_569de23d-f4b8-46f6-8415-b1039d311d0b" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_e241d89b-a596-4164-b0bd-918a68a282fd" xlink:to="loc_ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember_569de23d-f4b8-46f6-8415-b1039d311d0b" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_022f91f3-62b7-4038-8489-bbbec5d67336" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_81d392ee-597e-4c50-a56b-231bcf9f9394" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_022f91f3-62b7-4038-8489-bbbec5d67336" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_022f91f3-62b7-4038-8489-bbbec5d67336_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_022f91f3-62b7-4038-8489-bbbec5d67336" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_022f91f3-62b7-4038-8489-bbbec5d67336_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_50b9ebf7-2f0b-4e4f-9b0f-475554d1d3bf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_022f91f3-62b7-4038-8489-bbbec5d67336" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_50b9ebf7-2f0b-4e4f-9b0f-475554d1d3bf" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ProfessionalU.S.Member_1fe9b24e-dc37-4799-8d40-db4fc12ade4f" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_ProfessionalU.S.Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_50b9ebf7-2f0b-4e4f-9b0f-475554d1d3bf" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ProfessionalU.S.Member_1fe9b24e-dc37-4799-8d40-db4fc12ade4f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TestPreparationMember_4a2a1fe7-102b-47fa-a0e9-47e1d3212c08" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_TestPreparationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_50b9ebf7-2f0b-4e4f-9b0f-475554d1d3bf" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TestPreparationMember_4a2a1fe7-102b-47fa-a0e9-47e1d3212c08" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KaplanInternationalMember_066847ef-4883-421c-a567-b4b5f9343919" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_KaplanInternationalMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_50b9ebf7-2f0b-4e4f-9b0f-475554d1d3bf" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KaplanInternationalMember_066847ef-4883-421c-a567-b4b5f9343919" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_HigherEducationMember_1dcce18c-711a-4f5b-a01e-47fa2279800a" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_HigherEducationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_50b9ebf7-2f0b-4e4f-9b0f-475554d1d3bf" xlink:to="loc_ghc_HigherEducationMember_1dcce18c-711a-4f5b-a01e-47fa2279800a" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_SupplementalEducationMember_4fa759c1-a4d4-4c14-bf48-a3367afa5fdc" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_SupplementalEducationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_50b9ebf7-2f0b-4e4f-9b0f-475554d1d3bf" xlink:to="loc_ghc_SupplementalEducationMember_4fa759c1-a4d4-4c14-bf48-a3367afa5fdc" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_d993a0d9-187f-42e1-ba30-d022658a918d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_81d392ee-597e-4c50-a56b-231bcf9f9394" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_d993a0d9-187f-42e1-ba30-d022658a918d" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_d993a0d9-187f-42e1-ba30-d022658a918d_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_d993a0d9-187f-42e1-ba30-d022658a918d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_d993a0d9-187f-42e1-ba30-d022658a918d_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2e833776-c780-4563-a15a-7aceb2298f72" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_d993a0d9-187f-42e1-ba30-d022658a918d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2e833776-c780-4563-a15a-7aceb2298f72" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ClydesRestaurantGroupMember_8cf48f3b-9663-4fd8-bad4-b5d1a80bf96d" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_ClydesRestaurantGroupMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2e833776-c780-4563-a15a-7aceb2298f72" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ClydesRestaurantGroupMember_8cf48f3b-9663-4fd8-bad4-b5d1a80bf96d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_HooverTreatedWoodProductsMember_0acb2714-4dfb-41dc-a489-5a3eb5e8bcc1" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_HooverTreatedWoodProductsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2e833776-c780-4563-a15a-7aceb2298f72" xlink:to="loc_ghc_HooverTreatedWoodProductsMember_0acb2714-4dfb-41dc-a489-5a3eb5e8bcc1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_AutodealershipsMember_fa7203c6-df21-4f10-88f4-e62f5521e15b" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_AutodealershipsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2e833776-c780-4563-a15a-7aceb2298f72" xlink:to="loc_ghc_AutodealershipsMember_fa7203c6-df21-4f10-88f4-e62f5521e15b" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_HeveraldMember_f9b52f3e-8911-4a5c-b18e-fda22a916ed5" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_HeveraldMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2e833776-c780-4563-a15a-7aceb2298f72" xlink:to="loc_ghc_HeveraldMember_f9b52f3e-8911-4a5c-b18e-fda22a916ed5" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CSIPharmacyHoldingCompanyLLCMemberMember_5b24c497-7034-4575-9bd8-2ccbc128a053" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_CSIPharmacyHoldingCompanyLLCMemberMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2e833776-c780-4563-a15a-7aceb2298f72" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CSIPharmacyHoldingCompanyLLCMemberMember_5b24c497-7034-4575-9bd8-2ccbc128a053" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_FramebridgeMember_3598f06f-d537-446c-b009-65988fc26957" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_FramebridgeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2e833776-c780-4563-a15a-7aceb2298f72" xlink:to="loc_ghc_FramebridgeMember_3598f06f-d537-446c-b009-65988fc26957" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_LeafMember_3e7c29f0-9046-430b-8f11-04147812d2a4" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_LeafMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2e833776-c780-4563-a15a-7aceb2298f72" xlink:to="loc_ghc_LeafMember_3e7c29f0-9046-430b-8f11-04147812d2a4" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_OwnershipAxis_1ac984d3-63ce-413e-8608-1366be9a7482" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_OwnershipAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_81d392ee-597e-4c50-a56b-231bcf9f9394" xlink:to="loc_srt_OwnershipAxis_1ac984d3-63ce-413e-8608-1366be9a7482" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_1ac984d3-63ce-413e-8608-1366be9a7482_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_OwnershipDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_OwnershipAxis_1ac984d3-63ce-413e-8608-1366be9a7482" xlink:to="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_1ac984d3-63ce-413e-8608-1366be9a7482_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_d120aad4-47e7-4142-afb7-0436e4cef168" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_OwnershipDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_OwnershipAxis_1ac984d3-63ce-413e-8608-1366be9a7482" xlink:to="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_d120aad4-47e7-4142-afb7-0436e4cef168" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_9d679149-f22c-43b3-b271-1e6a6ca76967" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_81d392ee-597e-4c50-a56b-231bcf9f9394" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_9d679149-f22c-43b3-b271-1e6a6ca76967" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_9d679149-f22c-43b3-b271-1e6a6ca76967_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_9d679149-f22c-43b3-b271-1e6a6ca76967" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_9d679149-f22c-43b3-b271-1e6a6ca76967_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3921a672-0729-4813-938b-9ccbd6c4caba" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_9d679149-f22c-43b3-b271-1e6a6ca76967" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3921a672-0729-4813-938b-9ccbd6c4caba" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_JoyceDaytonCorp.Member_bdd8df90-f323-4b28-b64a-34ff242b6085" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_JoyceDaytonCorp.Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3921a672-0729-4813-938b-9ccbd6c4caba" xlink:to="loc_ghc_JoyceDaytonCorp.Member_bdd8df90-f323-4b28-b64a-34ff242b6085" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CSIPharmarcyMember_b1901c3f-9c9f-4118-afcf-1fd26c21b7b2" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_CSIPharmarcyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3921a672-0729-4813-938b-9ccbd6c4caba" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CSIPharmarcyMember_b1901c3f-9c9f-4118-afcf-1fd26c21b7b2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_GHCOneMember_da8315d0-0943-4918-b7ca-5d18449cce24" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_GHCOneMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3921a672-0729-4813-938b-9ccbd6c4caba" xlink:to="loc_ghc_GHCOneMember_da8315d0-0943-4918-b7ca-5d18449cce24" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_AutomotiveMember_dee44528-4b65-4dd4-88de-afba05bf58a9" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_AutomotiveMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3921a672-0729-4813-938b-9ccbd6c4caba" xlink:to="loc_ghc_AutomotiveMember_dee44528-4b65-4dd4-88de-afba05bf58a9" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_77d1966f-b814-4f6d-9835-d0e0fc47000d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_81d392ee-597e-4c50-a56b-231bcf9f9394" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_77d1966f-b814-4f6d-9835-d0e0fc47000d" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_77d1966f-b814-4f6d-9835-d0e0fc47000d_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_77d1966f-b814-4f6d-9835-d0e0fc47000d" xlink:to="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_77d1966f-b814-4f6d-9835-d0e0fc47000d_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_0a848f34-66bc-460e-8db1-2bb2ccc5ae74" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_77d1966f-b814-4f6d-9835-d0e0fc47000d" xlink:to="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_0a848f34-66bc-460e-8db1-2bb2ccc5ae74" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_a8983b6e-196b-4a4f-9cfa-566ca106ef66" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_81d392ee-597e-4c50-a56b-231bcf9f9394" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_a8983b6e-196b-4a4f-9cfa-566ca106ef66" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_a8983b6e-196b-4a4f-9cfa-566ca106ef66_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_a8983b6e-196b-4a4f-9cfa-566ca106ef66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_a8983b6e-196b-4a4f-9cfa-566ca106ef66_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_83939151-2949-4c3e-8e70-0f7e03100554" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_a8983b6e-196b-4a4f-9cfa-566ca106ef66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_83939151-2949-4c3e-8e70-0f7e03100554" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain_0c1cabe6-5043-472e-8df2-c1aac4040d02" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_83939151-2949-4c3e-8e70-0f7e03100554" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain_0c1cabe6-5043-472e-8df2-c1aac4040d02" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_fae92707-5c2c-40ae-b5fa-831d093ef9cd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_81d392ee-597e-4c50-a56b-231bcf9f9394" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_fae92707-5c2c-40ae-b5fa-831d093ef9cd" xlink:type="arc" order="14"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_fae92707-5c2c-40ae-b5fa-831d093ef9cd_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_fae92707-5c2c-40ae-b5fa-831d093ef9cd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_fae92707-5c2c-40ae-b5fa-831d093ef9cd_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_b5c61d09-fd36-46e5-8431-43793fffda2c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_fae92707-5c2c-40ae-b5fa-831d093ef9cd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_b5c61d09-fd36-46e5-8431-43793fffda2c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CARESActReliefFromCOVID19Member_0f472a96-40b9-4c2d-aff2-5cec4770e1cf" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_CARESActReliefFromCOVID19Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_b5c61d09-fd36-46e5-8431-43793fffda2c" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CARESActReliefFromCOVID19Member_0f472a96-40b9-4c2d-aff2-5cec4770e1cf" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/AcquisitionsandDispositionsofBusinessesDispositionsandOtherNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#AcquisitionsandDispositionsofBusinessesDispositionsandOtherNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/AcquisitionsandDispositionsofBusinessesDispositionsandOtherNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="ie90e92ab64b94574b04330f22aaa0197_AcquisitionsandDispositionsofBusinessesDispositionsandOtherNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_1eda97cc-2967-46fe-890f-ec5f2fb0128a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_PercentageofContributedCapital_77018ebd-8e88-4eab-95f7-42654ec8f86e" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_PercentageofContributedCapital"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_1eda97cc-2967-46fe-890f-ec5f2fb0128a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_PercentageofContributedCapital_77018ebd-8e88-4eab-95f7-42654ec8f86e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_GuaranteedReturn_446e49f0-d6af-44ef-93ca-b1f2b77d5449" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_GuaranteedReturn"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_1eda97cc-2967-46fe-890f-ec5f2fb0128a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_GuaranteedReturn_446e49f0-d6af-44ef-93ca-b1f2b77d5449" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_PercentageofCostEfficiencies_5c1a870d-c79d-4c29-a0b8-7fdc82dda580" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_PercentageofCostEfficiencies"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_1eda97cc-2967-46fe-890f-ec5f2fb0128a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_PercentageofCostEfficiencies_5c1a870d-c79d-4c29-a0b8-7fdc82dda580" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_FirstFiveYearsofTransitionandOperationsSupportAgreement_ebc9cd5d-65d6-4f6b-81b7-61d91ccdaf76" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_FirstFiveYearsofTransitionandOperationsSupportAgreement"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_1eda97cc-2967-46fe-890f-ec5f2fb0128a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_FirstFiveYearsofTransitionandOperationsSupportAgreement_ebc9cd5d-65d6-4f6b-81b7-61d91ccdaf76" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_AmountofPriorityPaymentPerYearBeyondCosts_78c7d95a-3173-4d38-8d73-005968b0481a" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_AmountofPriorityPaymentPerYearBeyondCosts"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_1eda97cc-2967-46fe-890f-ec5f2fb0128a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_AmountofPriorityPaymentPerYearBeyondCosts_78c7d95a-3173-4d38-8d73-005968b0481a" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_AdvanceRelatedToKaplanUniversityTransaction_41de3d2a-bd71-4ecb-b0c5-35ea44a26821" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_AdvanceRelatedToKaplanUniversityTransaction"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_1eda97cc-2967-46fe-890f-ec5f2fb0128a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_AdvanceRelatedToKaplanUniversityTransaction_41de3d2a-bd71-4ecb-b0c5-35ea44a26821" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KaplanShareofPurdueUniversityGlobalRevenue_64c05a6f-5c5c-4f0b-9f48-fbe354704159" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_KaplanShareofPurdueUniversityGlobalRevenue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_1eda97cc-2967-46fe-890f-ec5f2fb0128a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KaplanShareofPurdueUniversityGlobalRevenue_64c05a6f-5c5c-4f0b-9f48-fbe354704159" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TransitionandOperationsSupportAgreementInitialTerm_41b9b5f6-35a0-48e4-9eb9-7900fc5f53a1" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_TransitionandOperationsSupportAgreementInitialTerm"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_1eda97cc-2967-46fe-890f-ec5f2fb0128a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TransitionandOperationsSupportAgreementInitialTerm_41b9b5f6-35a0-48e4-9eb9-7900fc5f53a1" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TransitionandOperationsSupportAgreementRenewalPeriods_7eefad9f-d91b-46b3-a89c-7f35efb30bdd" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_TransitionandOperationsSupportAgreementRenewalPeriods"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_1eda97cc-2967-46fe-890f-ec5f2fb0128a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TransitionandOperationsSupportAgreementRenewalPeriods_7eefad9f-d91b-46b3-a89c-7f35efb30bdd" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TransitionandOperationsSupportAgreementBuyOutOptionEligibleYear_ce46acb2-4ecb-4a29-99f0-803fef58cd07" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_TransitionandOperationsSupportAgreementBuyOutOptionEligibleYear"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_1eda97cc-2967-46fe-890f-ec5f2fb0128a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TransitionandOperationsSupportAgreementBuyOutOptionEligibleYear_ce46acb2-4ecb-4a29-99f0-803fef58cd07" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_PercentageofRevenueRemainingToBePaid_2232d29e-51e6-4753-aa29-6b0ebbeb14a5" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_PercentageofRevenueRemainingToBePaid"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_1eda97cc-2967-46fe-890f-ec5f2fb0128a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_PercentageofRevenueRemainingToBePaid_2232d29e-51e6-4753-aa29-6b0ebbeb14a5" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KaplanUniversityTransactionTerminationFee_d5946e61-f3b2-444e-b91e-f5a82d342f76" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_KaplanUniversityTransactionTerminationFee"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_1eda97cc-2967-46fe-890f-ec5f2fb0128a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KaplanUniversityTransactionTerminationFee_d5946e61-f3b2-444e-b91e-f5a82d342f76" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_PurdueUniversityGlobalFinalPaymentNoteDuration_75fcabc7-5844-4ee0-99a1-e38b7f6c1839" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_PurdueUniversityGlobalFinalPaymentNoteDuration"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_1eda97cc-2967-46fe-890f-ec5f2fb0128a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_PurdueUniversityGlobalFinalPaymentNoteDuration_75fcabc7-5844-4ee0-99a1-e38b7f6c1839" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_AnnualPurdueUniversityGlobalCashOperatingLosses_b82514de-fdf8-4eb9-b3b5-9ce657ed38cd" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_AnnualPurdueUniversityGlobalCashOperatingLosses"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_1eda97cc-2967-46fe-890f-ec5f2fb0128a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_AnnualPurdueUniversityGlobalCashOperatingLosses_b82514de-fdf8-4eb9-b3b5-9ce657ed38cd" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_NumberofConsecutiveYearsofPurdueUniversityGlobalCashOperatingLosses_e31cdf99-e242-42c3-955d-ff8c72e16310" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_NumberofConsecutiveYearsofPurdueUniversityGlobalCashOperatingLosses"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_1eda97cc-2967-46fe-890f-ec5f2fb0128a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_NumberofConsecutiveYearsofPurdueUniversityGlobalCashOperatingLosses_e31cdf99-e242-42c3-955d-ff8c72e16310" xlink:type="arc" order="14"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_AggregatePurdueUniversityGlobalCashOperatingLosses_f088389d-a827-4a15-b9b5-a6455b7e3e3d" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_AggregatePurdueUniversityGlobalCashOperatingLosses"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_1eda97cc-2967-46fe-890f-ec5f2fb0128a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_AggregatePurdueUniversityGlobalCashOperatingLosses_f088389d-a827-4a15-b9b5-a6455b7e3e3d" xlink:type="arc" order="15"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_GainRelatedtoContingentConsideration_3e7578d3-69af-41e4-875d-0d79923b186c" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_GainRelatedtoContingentConsideration"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_1eda97cc-2967-46fe-890f-ec5f2fb0128a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_GainRelatedtoContingentConsideration_3e7578d3-69af-41e4-875d-0d79923b186c" xlink:type="arc" order="16"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_NumberOfBusinessesDisposed_df55325e-40c5-4a6e-9c15-cc0f5b313bcc" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_NumberOfBusinessesDisposed"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_1eda97cc-2967-46fe-890f-ec5f2fb0128a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_NumberOfBusinessesDisposed_df55325e-40c5-4a6e-9c15-cc0f5b313bcc" xlink:type="arc" order="17"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_PercentageOfJointVentureSold_58d3d405-9978-4e2c-b4e2-659ad28563a4" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_PercentageOfJointVentureSold"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_1eda97cc-2967-46fe-890f-ec5f2fb0128a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_PercentageOfJointVentureSold_58d3d405-9978-4e2c-b4e2-659ad28563a4" xlink:type="arc" order="18"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_406ff80a-478a-4980-a21b-b7939b4bb587" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_1eda97cc-2967-46fe-890f-ec5f2fb0128a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_406ff80a-478a-4980-a21b-b7939b4bb587" xlink:type="arc" order="19"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_NoncontrollingInterestPurchased_babf4a26-31ec-469c-ab56-da2a99dcf7ac" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_NoncontrollingInterestPurchased"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_1eda97cc-2967-46fe-890f-ec5f2fb0128a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_NoncontrollingInterestPurchased_babf4a26-31ec-469c-ab56-da2a99dcf7ac" xlink:type="arc" order="20"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestChangeInRedemptionValue_07f3f9c5-2bd6-4c6b-83d4-4f2b0061a4e4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestChangeInRedemptionValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_1eda97cc-2967-46fe-890f-ec5f2fb0128a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestChangeInRedemptionValue_07f3f9c5-2bd6-4c6b-83d4-4f2b0061a4e4" xlink:type="arc" order="21"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByNoncontrollingOwners_763607fa-43d5-4aac-8e79-d5f36eaa3d1b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByNoncontrollingOwners"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_1eda97cc-2967-46fe-890f-ec5f2fb0128a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByNoncontrollingOwners_763607fa-43d5-4aac-8e79-d5f36eaa3d1b" xlink:type="arc" order="22"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_PercentageofDistributionsAvailabletoCommonUnitHolders_c351fed8-5830-4faa-aca0-93dc580481c5" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_PercentageofDistributionsAvailabletoCommonUnitHolders"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_1eda97cc-2967-46fe-890f-ec5f2fb0128a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_PercentageofDistributionsAvailabletoCommonUnitHolders_c351fed8-5830-4faa-aca0-93dc580481c5" xlink:type="arc" order="23"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_Equityeffectofredemptionofredeemablenoncontrollinginterest_a06cb44a-7694-4f09-892e-0e1366d5e3e5" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_Equityeffectofredemptionofredeemablenoncontrollinginterest"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_1eda97cc-2967-46fe-890f-ec5f2fb0128a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_Equityeffectofredemptionofredeemablenoncontrollinginterest_a06cb44a-7694-4f09-892e-0e1366d5e3e5" xlink:type="arc" order="24"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent_2a61ce69-dd85-4497-96b4-6bc59f73bfa3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_1eda97cc-2967-46fe-890f-ec5f2fb0128a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent_2a61ce69-dd85-4497-96b4-6bc59f73bfa3" xlink:type="arc" order="25"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_82bb3658-4428-468e-8af5-1dc2a0121d93" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_1eda97cc-2967-46fe-890f-ec5f2fb0128a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_82bb3658-4428-468e-8af5-1dc2a0121d93" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CapitalContributorAxis_b0b5971e-d70d-4fdd-a246-642106d042db" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_CapitalContributorAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_82bb3658-4428-468e-8af5-1dc2a0121d93" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CapitalContributorAxis_b0b5971e-d70d-4fdd-a246-642106d042db" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CapitalContributorDomain_b0b5971e-d70d-4fdd-a246-642106d042db_default" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_CapitalContributorDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ghc_CapitalContributorAxis_b0b5971e-d70d-4fdd-a246-642106d042db" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CapitalContributorDomain_b0b5971e-d70d-4fdd-a246-642106d042db_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CapitalContributorDomain_fe08c3d8-c9cf-4181-a10c-0981fe24aab4" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_CapitalContributorDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ghc_CapitalContributorAxis_b0b5971e-d70d-4fdd-a246-642106d042db" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CapitalContributorDomain_fe08c3d8-c9cf-4181-a10c-0981fe24aab4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_GrahamHoldingsCompanyMember_d9ba07a4-17d8-41b9-96dc-841e7398272a" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_GrahamHoldingsCompanyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_CapitalContributorDomain_fe08c3d8-c9cf-4181-a10c-0981fe24aab4" xlink:to="loc_ghc_GrahamHoldingsCompanyMember_d9ba07a4-17d8-41b9-96dc-841e7398272a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_GroupofSeniorManagersofGHGMember_8e2a8d60-a32b-407b-9e2a-e62473720e1a" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_GroupofSeniorManagersofGHGMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_CapitalContributorDomain_fe08c3d8-c9cf-4181-a10c-0981fe24aab4" xlink:to="loc_ghc_GroupofSeniorManagersofGHGMember_8e2a8d60-a32b-407b-9e2a-e62473720e1a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_OwnershipAxis_e8130201-a8a7-425c-a439-d8048a38de7f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_OwnershipAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_82bb3658-4428-468e-8af5-1dc2a0121d93" xlink:to="loc_srt_OwnershipAxis_e8130201-a8a7-425c-a439-d8048a38de7f" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_e8130201-a8a7-425c-a439-d8048a38de7f_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_OwnershipDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_OwnershipAxis_e8130201-a8a7-425c-a439-d8048a38de7f" xlink:to="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_e8130201-a8a7-425c-a439-d8048a38de7f_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_f50a9f15-922c-4ca9-9792-f86a8fe0995c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_OwnershipDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_OwnershipAxis_e8130201-a8a7-425c-a439-d8048a38de7f" xlink:to="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_f50a9f15-922c-4ca9-9792-f86a8fe0995c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_GrahamHoldingsCompanyMember_9ed79808-5cff-43f0-ad89-247a7b5b47ce" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_GrahamHoldingsCompanyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_f50a9f15-922c-4ca9-9792-f86a8fe0995c" xlink:to="loc_ghc_GrahamHoldingsCompanyMember_9ed79808-5cff-43f0-ad89-247a7b5b47ce" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_GHCOneMember_f7d851b7-16cc-474b-9baa-d5a4b514c868" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_GHCOneMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_f50a9f15-922c-4ca9-9792-f86a8fe0995c" xlink:to="loc_ghc_GHCOneMember_f7d851b7-16cc-474b-9baa-d5a4b514c868" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_HooverTreatedWoodProductsMember_ee8126b2-3cf9-4f9a-9551-54e2e74cd8ac" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_HooverTreatedWoodProductsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_f50a9f15-922c-4ca9-9792-f86a8fe0995c" xlink:to="loc_ghc_HooverTreatedWoodProductsMember_ee8126b2-3cf9-4f9a-9551-54e2e74cd8ac" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_89a9cb7c-8648-4416-8fd0-a38598e87f77" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_82bb3658-4428-468e-8af5-1dc2a0121d93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_89a9cb7c-8648-4416-8fd0-a38598e87f77" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_89a9cb7c-8648-4416-8fd0-a38598e87f77_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_89a9cb7c-8648-4416-8fd0-a38598e87f77" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_89a9cb7c-8648-4416-8fd0-a38598e87f77_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_1b22bf25-a72a-43e5-bac9-9d9142629f76" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_89a9cb7c-8648-4416-8fd0-a38598e87f77" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_1b22bf25-a72a-43e5-bac9-9d9142629f76" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_HooverTreatedWoodProductsMember_fb7bcc06-6dd8-44f6-a7eb-2742869b67ab" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_HooverTreatedWoodProductsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_1b22bf25-a72a-43e5-bac9-9d9142629f76" xlink:to="loc_ghc_HooverTreatedWoodProductsMember_fb7bcc06-6dd8-44f6-a7eb-2742869b67ab" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_8110102c-e89e-4f1e-9dde-93cb3c3484ad" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_82bb3658-4428-468e-8af5-1dc2a0121d93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_8110102c-e89e-4f1e-9dde-93cb3c3484ad" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_8110102c-e89e-4f1e-9dde-93cb3c3484ad_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_8110102c-e89e-4f1e-9dde-93cb3c3484ad" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_8110102c-e89e-4f1e-9dde-93cb3c3484ad_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_74983f9d-0894-4aae-bae5-c41491191be0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_8110102c-e89e-4f1e-9dde-93cb3c3484ad" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_74983f9d-0894-4aae-bae5-c41491191be0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_1b36dccd-8f42-4f11-9a37-3153c4c41383" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_74983f9d-0894-4aae-bae5-c41491191be0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_1b36dccd-8f42-4f11-9a37-3153c4c41383" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_96d546d4-34d5-4741-87b0-7361b7a96111" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_82bb3658-4428-468e-8af5-1dc2a0121d93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_96d546d4-34d5-4741-87b0-7361b7a96111" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_96d546d4-34d5-4741-87b0-7361b7a96111_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_96d546d4-34d5-4741-87b0-7361b7a96111" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_96d546d4-34d5-4741-87b0-7361b7a96111_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_acb97485-3878-4fcf-9cbf-fe41d292746f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_96d546d4-34d5-4741-87b0-7361b7a96111" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_acb97485-3878-4fcf-9cbf-fe41d292746f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ManufacturingMember_634bec79-f8bc-46d5-9069-1d9c8b034961" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_ManufacturingMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_acb97485-3878-4fcf-9cbf-fe41d292746f" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ManufacturingMember_634bec79-f8bc-46d5-9069-1d9c8b034961" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_EducationMember_588f036f-a3e4-4a88-9e35-ea547b043806" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_EducationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_acb97485-3878-4fcf-9cbf-fe41d292746f" xlink:to="loc_ghc_EducationMember_588f036f-a3e4-4a88-9e35-ea547b043806" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember_e79c5e85-c684-4335-af99-fe4f3e063d3f" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_acb97485-3878-4fcf-9cbf-fe41d292746f" xlink:to="loc_ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember_e79c5e85-c684-4335-af99-fe4f3e063d3f" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember_c77045e2-88ff-46b1-808a-5d9dab4bed31" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_acb97485-3878-4fcf-9cbf-fe41d292746f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember_c77045e2-88ff-46b1-808a-5d9dab4bed31" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_1b703593-f47c-4b91-81de-d8d954707e20" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_82bb3658-4428-468e-8af5-1dc2a0121d93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_1b703593-f47c-4b91-81de-d8d954707e20" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_1b703593-f47c-4b91-81de-d8d954707e20_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_1b703593-f47c-4b91-81de-d8d954707e20" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_1b703593-f47c-4b91-81de-d8d954707e20_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_143d81de-2c1d-4ba4-ad74-9a73e1b949cf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_1b703593-f47c-4b91-81de-d8d954707e20" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_143d81de-2c1d-4ba4-ad74-9a73e1b949cf" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TestPreparationMember_9c451b04-c978-4c62-b4eb-d1e56cc8a41d" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_TestPreparationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_143d81de-2c1d-4ba4-ad74-9a73e1b949cf" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TestPreparationMember_9c451b04-c978-4c62-b4eb-d1e56cc8a41d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_HigherEducationMember_b9f6fd42-794f-4272-b3d3-f3ab59798ecf" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_HigherEducationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_143d81de-2c1d-4ba4-ad74-9a73e1b949cf" xlink:to="loc_ghc_HigherEducationMember_b9f6fd42-794f-4272-b3d3-f3ab59798ecf" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember_1b400eaa-3167-4387-abd2-a6a261cb1ebe" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_143d81de-2c1d-4ba4-ad74-9a73e1b949cf" xlink:to="loc_ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember_1b400eaa-3167-4387-abd2-a6a261cb1ebe" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KaplanInternationalMember_4cd0c19f-3c6b-426a-b460-7800b6e79d5b" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_KaplanInternationalMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_143d81de-2c1d-4ba4-ad74-9a73e1b949cf" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KaplanInternationalMember_4cd0c19f-3c6b-426a-b460-7800b6e79d5b" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ProfessionalU.S.Member_93e5874e-0457-438a-9353-3b633e3ece0f" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_ProfessionalU.S.Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_143d81de-2c1d-4ba4-ad74-9a73e1b949cf" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ProfessionalU.S.Member_93e5874e-0457-438a-9353-3b633e3ece0f" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_5130bbc6-5086-44eb-bb63-f152a47b3a74" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_TransactionAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_82bb3658-4428-468e-8af5-1dc2a0121d93" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_5130bbc6-5086-44eb-bb63-f152a47b3a74" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_5130bbc6-5086-44eb-bb63-f152a47b3a74_default" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_TransactionTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_5130bbc6-5086-44eb-bb63-f152a47b3a74" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_5130bbc6-5086-44eb-bb63-f152a47b3a74_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_47aa1090-9a0a-4e73-bc42-ea610b0407de" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_TransactionTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_5130bbc6-5086-44eb-bb63-f152a47b3a74" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_47aa1090-9a0a-4e73-bc42-ea610b0407de" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KaplanUniversityTransactionMember_e00eff35-596c-4306-b3f3-4b9d0ebbc1ab" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_KaplanUniversityTransactionMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_47aa1090-9a0a-4e73-bc42-ea610b0407de" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KaplanUniversityTransactionMember_e00eff35-596c-4306-b3f3-4b9d0ebbc1ab" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_PeriodofTransitionOperationsandSupportAgreementAxis_4b68ef4a-3257-4f59-908c-ea9cb65ce80b" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_PeriodofTransitionOperationsandSupportAgreementAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_82bb3658-4428-468e-8af5-1dc2a0121d93" xlink:to="loc_ghc_PeriodofTransitionOperationsandSupportAgreementAxis_4b68ef4a-3257-4f59-908c-ea9cb65ce80b" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_PeriodofTransitionOperationsandSupportAgreementDomain_4b68ef4a-3257-4f59-908c-ea9cb65ce80b_default" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_PeriodofTransitionOperationsandSupportAgreementDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ghc_PeriodofTransitionOperationsandSupportAgreementAxis_4b68ef4a-3257-4f59-908c-ea9cb65ce80b" xlink:to="loc_ghc_PeriodofTransitionOperationsandSupportAgreementDomain_4b68ef4a-3257-4f59-908c-ea9cb65ce80b_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_PeriodofTransitionOperationsandSupportAgreementDomain_a9bd107e-548f-4571-b948-d7d0b93529dc" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_PeriodofTransitionOperationsandSupportAgreementDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ghc_PeriodofTransitionOperationsandSupportAgreementAxis_4b68ef4a-3257-4f59-908c-ea9cb65ce80b" xlink:to="loc_ghc_PeriodofTransitionOperationsandSupportAgreementDomain_a9bd107e-548f-4571-b948-d7d0b93529dc" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_March222018throughJune302022Member_265107ad-e848-49bf-9679-c09867c272e4" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_March222018throughJune302022Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_PeriodofTransitionOperationsandSupportAgreementDomain_a9bd107e-548f-4571-b948-d7d0b93529dc" xlink:to="loc_ghc_March222018throughJune302022Member_265107ad-e848-49bf-9679-c09867c272e4" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_March222018throughJune302023Member_5824e9c1-3d0a-4ce7-b5f1-462db24aff94" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_March222018throughJune302023Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_PeriodofTransitionOperationsandSupportAgreementDomain_a9bd107e-548f-4571-b948-d7d0b93529dc" xlink:to="loc_ghc_March222018throughJune302023Member_5824e9c1-3d0a-4ce7-b5f1-462db24aff94" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_July12022throughJune302027Member_97b7fbe8-7d09-4d5c-a748-354a369350e9" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_July12022throughJune302027Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_PeriodofTransitionOperationsandSupportAgreementDomain_a9bd107e-548f-4571-b948-d7d0b93529dc" xlink:to="loc_ghc_July12022throughJune302027Member_97b7fbe8-7d09-4d5c-a748-354a369350e9" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_AfterJune302023Member_6152d7fb-4adf-4910-80c3-d1c7531e7912" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_AfterJune302023Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_PeriodofTransitionOperationsandSupportAgreementDomain_a9bd107e-548f-4571-b948-d7d0b93529dc" xlink:to="loc_ghc_AfterJune302023Member_6152d7fb-4adf-4910-80c3-d1c7531e7912" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_AfterJune302024Member_540b43a5-f281-454a-8973-fdef369805c9" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_AfterJune302024Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_PeriodofTransitionOperationsandSupportAgreementDomain_a9bd107e-548f-4571-b948-d7d0b93529dc" xlink:to="loc_ghc_AfterJune302024Member_540b43a5-f281-454a-8973-fdef369805c9" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_AfterJune302027Member_fa62c759-370a-47c4-b1ff-645087a2cb9f" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_AfterJune302027Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_PeriodofTransitionOperationsandSupportAgreementDomain_a9bd107e-548f-4571-b948-d7d0b93529dc" xlink:to="loc_ghc_AfterJune302027Member_fa62c759-370a-47c4-b1ff-645087a2cb9f" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_AfterJune302048Member_676555f7-d27e-47bf-b789-9ffdcf03308f" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_AfterJune302048Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_PeriodofTransitionOperationsandSupportAgreementDomain_a9bd107e-548f-4571-b948-d7d0b93529dc" xlink:to="loc_ghc_AfterJune302048Member_676555f7-d27e-47bf-b789-9ffdcf03308f" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_RecipientofConsiderationAxis_1206b95e-b29d-4662-8162-c2a11f75e875" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_RecipientofConsiderationAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_82bb3658-4428-468e-8af5-1dc2a0121d93" xlink:to="loc_ghc_RecipientofConsiderationAxis_1206b95e-b29d-4662-8162-c2a11f75e875" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_RecipientofConsiderationDomain_1206b95e-b29d-4662-8162-c2a11f75e875_default" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_RecipientofConsiderationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ghc_RecipientofConsiderationAxis_1206b95e-b29d-4662-8162-c2a11f75e875" xlink:to="loc_ghc_RecipientofConsiderationDomain_1206b95e-b29d-4662-8162-c2a11f75e875_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_RecipientofConsiderationDomain_4dd3b263-2696-4756-a8e4-f4e17a442b5b" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_RecipientofConsiderationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ghc_RecipientofConsiderationAxis_1206b95e-b29d-4662-8162-c2a11f75e875" xlink:to="loc_ghc_RecipientofConsiderationDomain_4dd3b263-2696-4756-a8e4-f4e17a442b5b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_GroupofSeniorManagersofGHGMember_6282e96c-3a41-4a33-aa7b-66963ba121f5" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_GroupofSeniorManagersofGHGMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_RecipientofConsiderationDomain_4dd3b263-2696-4756-a8e4-f4e17a442b5b" xlink:to="loc_ghc_GroupofSeniorManagersofGHGMember_6282e96c-3a41-4a33-aa7b-66963ba121f5" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_GrahamHoldingsCompanyMember_3a56572e-4b03-4194-b1d2-852c6f1d1c8b" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_GrahamHoldingsCompanyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_RecipientofConsiderationDomain_4dd3b263-2696-4756-a8e4-f4e17a442b5b" xlink:to="loc_ghc_GrahamHoldingsCompanyMember_3a56572e-4b03-4194-b1d2-852c6f1d1c8b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_PurdueUniversityGlobalMember_9061719b-325c-498f-bca6-44fdf7b7356a" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_PurdueUniversityGlobalMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_RecipientofConsiderationDomain_4dd3b263-2696-4756-a8e4-f4e17a442b5b" xlink:to="loc_ghc_PurdueUniversityGlobalMember_9061719b-325c-498f-bca6-44fdf7b7356a" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KaplanMember_4135253d-74a1-4b54-912e-71162b6dd0d1" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_KaplanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_RecipientofConsiderationDomain_4dd3b263-2696-4756-a8e4-f4e17a442b5b" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KaplanMember_4135253d-74a1-4b54-912e-71162b6dd0d1" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_d743ef87-b078-48ee-b951-836a7a2ddf78" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_82bb3658-4428-468e-8af5-1dc2a0121d93" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_d743ef87-b078-48ee-b951-836a7a2ddf78" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_d743ef87-b078-48ee-b951-836a7a2ddf78_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_d743ef87-b078-48ee-b951-836a7a2ddf78" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_d743ef87-b078-48ee-b951-836a7a2ddf78_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_380d701b-f36e-4b06-b0b7-4abe942231c8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_d743ef87-b078-48ee-b951-836a7a2ddf78" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_380d701b-f36e-4b06-b0b7-4abe942231c8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_4228e560-dfcd-431c-867f-870fe8ee8896" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_380d701b-f36e-4b06-b0b7-4abe942231c8" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_4228e560-dfcd-431c-867f-870fe8ee8896" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1dbdb620-9946-4ecb-8847-0faf14e9d315" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_82bb3658-4428-468e-8af5-1dc2a0121d93" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1dbdb620-9946-4ecb-8847-0faf14e9d315" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1dbdb620-9946-4ecb-8847-0faf14e9d315_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1dbdb620-9946-4ecb-8847-0faf14e9d315" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1dbdb620-9946-4ecb-8847-0faf14e9d315_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_d3cde117-c603-449d-8bb8-afc74f973cc4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1dbdb620-9946-4ecb-8847-0faf14e9d315" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_d3cde117-c603-449d-8bb8-afc74f973cc4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_GHCOneMember_6c75fa23-1dda-4e74-af9e-41251e1cfea0" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_GHCOneMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_d3cde117-c603-449d-8bb8-afc74f973cc4" xlink:to="loc_ghc_GHCOneMember_6c75fa23-1dda-4e74-af9e-41251e1cfea0" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_bdc34f8d-593b-42ae-a88e-0dad6ad475b3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_82bb3658-4428-468e-8af5-1dc2a0121d93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_bdc34f8d-593b-42ae-a88e-0dad6ad475b3" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_bdc34f8d-593b-42ae-a88e-0dad6ad475b3_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_bdc34f8d-593b-42ae-a88e-0dad6ad475b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_bdc34f8d-593b-42ae-a88e-0dad6ad475b3_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_1e8cda5b-3255-4f61-ab06-0765592fe3d1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_bdc34f8d-593b-42ae-a88e-0dad6ad475b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_1e8cda5b-3255-4f61-ab06-0765592fe3d1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_b7a8e957-c011-4038-8e64-a6478049e19b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_82bb3658-4428-468e-8af5-1dc2a0121d93" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_b7a8e957-c011-4038-8e64-a6478049e19b" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_b7a8e957-c011-4038-8e64-a6478049e19b_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_b7a8e957-c011-4038-8e64-a6478049e19b" xlink:to="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_b7a8e957-c011-4038-8e64-a6478049e19b_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_83d82506-21ea-417d-8fd4-c48781441490" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_b7a8e957-c011-4038-8e64-a6478049e19b" xlink:to="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_83d82506-21ea-417d-8fd4-c48781441490" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CelticHealthcareAlleghenyHealthNetworkJointVentureMember_81333688-3c74-4ad4-8839-95b1e7fd9a0f" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_CelticHealthcareAlleghenyHealthNetworkJointVentureMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_83d82506-21ea-417d-8fd4-c48781441490" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CelticHealthcareAlleghenyHealthNetworkJointVentureMember_81333688-3c74-4ad4-8839-95b1e7fd9a0f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/AcquisitionsandDispositionsofBusinessesAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedDetails1" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#AcquisitionsandDispositionsofBusinessesAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedDetails1"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/AcquisitionsandDispositionsofBusinessesAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedDetails1" xlink:type="extended" id="i6dc13bb5bcf04dcbbb4aa096e68eec52_AcquisitionsandDispositionsofBusinessesAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedDetails1">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_5630e059-5b46-4e03-8465-9b2b80438a18" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables_62346207-5c58-4501-971c-df3efb37d798" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_5630e059-5b46-4e03-8465-9b2b80438a18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables_62346207-5c58-4501-971c-df3efb37d798" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedInventory_320f4cbf-aa12-47c1-8513-067bf7c357d9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedInventory"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_5630e059-5b46-4e03-8465-9b2b80438a18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedInventory_320f4cbf-aa12-47c1-8513-067bf7c357d9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment_83631a82-11d3-492c-9b2a-407c44d46ace" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_5630e059-5b46-4e03-8465-9b2b80438a18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment_83631a82-11d3-492c-9b2a-407c44d46ace" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetAcquiredandLiabilityAssumedLeaseRightofUseAsset_3a100f8e-cd8c-4a6c-aa18-0c49614a167c" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetAcquiredandLiabilityAssumedLeaseRightofUseAsset"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_5630e059-5b46-4e03-8465-9b2b80438a18" xlink:to="loc_ghc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetAcquiredandLiabilityAssumedLeaseRightofUseAsset_3a100f8e-cd8c-4a6c-aa18-0c49614a167c" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_26cf0649-75ca-4213-8da0-e8b4297704e7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_5630e059-5b46-4e03-8465-9b2b80438a18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_26cf0649-75ca-4213-8da0-e8b4297704e7" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssets_7d75105b-43a1-4548-a672-cdffaadeacec" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_5630e059-5b46-4e03-8465-9b2b80438a18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssets_7d75105b-43a1-4548-a672-cdffaadeacec" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles_ab8c33e2-bd61-463c-8b9f-7f234e91d278" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_5630e059-5b46-4e03-8465-9b2b80438a18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles_ab8c33e2-bd61-463c-8b9f-7f234e91d278" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedOtherAssets_f2c671cd-b4e8-4ef6-8cf8-075c4c164d08" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedOtherAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_5630e059-5b46-4e03-8465-9b2b80438a18" xlink:to="loc_ghc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedOtherAssets_f2c671cd-b4e8-4ef6-8cf8-075c4c164d08" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxAssets_828026b8-4c3c-4502-bd3a-05bb4e2d2036" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_5630e059-5b46-4e03-8465-9b2b80438a18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxAssets_828026b8-4c3c-4502-bd3a-05bb4e2d2036" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxLiabilities_d1d54e8b-abed-45bd-8c38-d643b0f17104" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxLiabilities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_5630e059-5b46-4e03-8465-9b2b80438a18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxLiabilities_d1d54e8b-abed-45bd-8c38-d643b0f17104" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_86a7684f-5248-4bd5-b414-ad804e956a48" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_5630e059-5b46-4e03-8465-9b2b80438a18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities_86a7684f-5248-4bd5-b414-ad804e956a48" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetAcquiredandLiabiityAssumedCurrentandNoncurrentLeaseLiabilities_0725a1ce-8699-4d5b-b1e0-84c94586f8c1" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetAcquiredandLiabiityAssumedCurrentandNoncurrentLeaseLiabilities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_5630e059-5b46-4e03-8465-9b2b80438a18" xlink:to="loc_ghc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetAcquiredandLiabiityAssumedCurrentandNoncurrentLeaseLiabilities_0725a1ce-8699-4d5b-b1e0-84c94586f8c1" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityOtherFairValue_cf1f1553-6ef2-45c0-9ecb-878b633011f4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityOtherFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_5630e059-5b46-4e03-8465-9b2b80438a18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityOtherFairValue_cf1f1553-6ef2-45c0-9ecb-878b633011f4" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessThan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestFairValue_1d4bd286-5520-4e6c-bbb4-7de7e10abbfa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessThan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_5630e059-5b46-4e03-8465-9b2b80438a18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessThan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestFairValue_1d4bd286-5520-4e6c-bbb4-7de7e10abbfa" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillandLiabilitiesAssumedLessNoncontrollingInterestNetOfCashReceived_e9f988f9-5fce-44c7-ba19-693844156b3f" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillandLiabilitiesAssumedLessNoncontrollingInterestNetOfCashReceived"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_5630e059-5b46-4e03-8465-9b2b80438a18" xlink:to="loc_ghc_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillandLiabilitiesAssumedLessNoncontrollingInterestNetOfCashReceived_e9f988f9-5fce-44c7-ba19-693844156b3f" xlink:type="arc" order="14"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedLessNoncontrollingInterest_6a6b1bd9-53dd-40c0-b1b2-41558e528426" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedLessNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_5630e059-5b46-4e03-8465-9b2b80438a18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedLessNoncontrollingInterest_6a6b1bd9-53dd-40c0-b1b2-41558e528426" xlink:type="arc" order="15"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilities_f4cbb485-d87d-47e8-93cd-b9b6fd78437c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_5630e059-5b46-4e03-8465-9b2b80438a18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilities_f4cbb485-d87d-47e8-93cd-b9b6fd78437c" xlink:type="arc" order="16"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets_e007a24f-434b-45e5-90eb-f01a392b01b6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_5630e059-5b46-4e03-8465-9b2b80438a18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets_e007a24f-434b-45e5-90eb-f01a392b01b6" xlink:type="arc" order="17"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents_f7688b0a-aeb3-4820-96d9-84904ee67ace" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_5630e059-5b46-4e03-8465-9b2b80438a18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents_f7688b0a-aeb3-4820-96d9-84904ee67ace" xlink:type="arc" order="18"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsOther_09cf0119-03e3-4115-a8bf-0dfa1ae4feda" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsOther"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_5630e059-5b46-4e03-8465-9b2b80438a18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsOther_09cf0119-03e3-4115-a8bf-0dfa1ae4feda" xlink:type="arc" order="19"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessthan100PercentRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestFairValue_bffb1a70-20ae-4c1a-b344-896bce0202db" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessthan100PercentRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_5630e059-5b46-4e03-8465-9b2b80438a18" xlink:to="loc_ghc_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessthan100PercentRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestFairValue_bffb1a70-20ae-4c1a-b344-896bce0202db" xlink:type="arc" order="20"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_f286d634-3f3e-48c6-b983-373d974227c4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_5630e059-5b46-4e03-8465-9b2b80438a18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_f286d634-3f3e-48c6-b983-373d974227c4" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_dfd81989-acb7-43da-81c0-e90e134d5cc2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_f286d634-3f3e-48c6-b983-373d974227c4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_dfd81989-acb7-43da-81c0-e90e134d5cc2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_dfd81989-acb7-43da-81c0-e90e134d5cc2_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_dfd81989-acb7-43da-81c0-e90e134d5cc2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_dfd81989-acb7-43da-81c0-e90e134d5cc2_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_350e6a24-522b-472b-a42b-3cbe8768f277" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_dfd81989-acb7-43da-81c0-e90e134d5cc2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_350e6a24-522b-472b-a42b-3cbe8768f277" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesOfIndividuallyImmaterialBusinessAcquisitionsMember_9148027f-8090-462a-b241-56e851552dc7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesOfIndividuallyImmaterialBusinessAcquisitionsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_350e6a24-522b-472b-a42b-3cbe8768f277" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesOfIndividuallyImmaterialBusinessAcquisitionsMember_9148027f-8090-462a-b241-56e851552dc7" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/AcquisitionsandDispositionsofBusinessesProFormaFinancialsDetails2" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#AcquisitionsandDispositionsofBusinessesProFormaFinancialsDetails2"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/AcquisitionsandDispositionsofBusinessesProFormaFinancialsDetails2" xlink:type="extended" id="i346e10d070624f8ebe12aec0b55e4434_AcquisitionsandDispositionsofBusinessesProFormaFinancialsDetails2">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_23aa8b07-8e99-4b19-b24d-c240e3e8d8bf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_a41bf719-5aef-4fcf-90e6-7f467fb6a41b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_23aa8b07-8e99-4b19-b24d-c240e3e8d8bf" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_a41bf719-5aef-4fcf-90e6-7f467fb6a41b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCommonRedemptionValue_f41d5b45-b254-45ee-b48f-c0be0f6a2ffc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCommonRedemptionValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_23aa8b07-8e99-4b19-b24d-c240e3e8d8bf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCommonRedemptionValue_f41d5b45-b254-45ee-b48f-c0be0f6a2ffc" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_c31971a3-c498-443c-b7e0-e74cf2309193" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_23aa8b07-8e99-4b19-b24d-c240e3e8d8bf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_c31971a3-c498-443c-b7e0-e74cf2309193" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_34a428f1-2e9f-4c94-b833-1731495ed4f5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_c31971a3-c498-443c-b7e0-e74cf2309193" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_34a428f1-2e9f-4c94-b833-1731495ed4f5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_34a428f1-2e9f-4c94-b833-1731495ed4f5_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_34a428f1-2e9f-4c94-b833-1731495ed4f5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_34a428f1-2e9f-4c94-b833-1731495ed4f5_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_df6e3168-c9e8-4e5f-97f3-be9a2ba19094" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_34a428f1-2e9f-4c94-b833-1731495ed4f5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_df6e3168-c9e8-4e5f-97f3-be9a2ba19094" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember_a28337d3-1751-4668-9f07-1f3bd6106a25" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_df6e3168-c9e8-4e5f-97f3-be9a2ba19094" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember_a28337d3-1751-4668-9f07-1f3bd6106a25" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_ba36d324-4128-4275-8e31-a001957b5bc4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_c31971a3-c498-443c-b7e0-e74cf2309193" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_ba36d324-4128-4275-8e31-a001957b5bc4" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_ba36d324-4128-4275-8e31-a001957b5bc4_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_ba36d324-4128-4275-8e31-a001957b5bc4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_ba36d324-4128-4275-8e31-a001957b5bc4_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2830da25-9f76-4fa2-a2c2-08c1550f2e25" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_ba36d324-4128-4275-8e31-a001957b5bc4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2830da25-9f76-4fa2-a2c2-08c1550f2e25" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_HooverTreatedWoodProductsMember_514372b7-9abf-4440-b2d0-31d292669158" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_HooverTreatedWoodProductsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2830da25-9f76-4fa2-a2c2-08c1550f2e25" xlink:to="loc_ghc_HooverTreatedWoodProductsMember_514372b7-9abf-4440-b2d0-31d292669158" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_2aa844d3-4c0f-4ecc-8a01-bb3da7845b24" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_c31971a3-c498-443c-b7e0-e74cf2309193" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_2aa844d3-4c0f-4ecc-8a01-bb3da7845b24" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_2aa844d3-4c0f-4ecc-8a01-bb3da7845b24_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_2aa844d3-4c0f-4ecc-8a01-bb3da7845b24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_2aa844d3-4c0f-4ecc-8a01-bb3da7845b24_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_224ca0fc-7f80-4e95-9058-7cbaa3e03176" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_2aa844d3-4c0f-4ecc-8a01-bb3da7845b24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_224ca0fc-7f80-4e95-9058-7cbaa3e03176" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_OwnershipAxis_5bd9bf6f-8c5b-4358-a1c1-945f13a06622" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_OwnershipAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_c31971a3-c498-443c-b7e0-e74cf2309193" xlink:to="loc_srt_OwnershipAxis_5bd9bf6f-8c5b-4358-a1c1-945f13a06622" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_5bd9bf6f-8c5b-4358-a1c1-945f13a06622_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_OwnershipDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_OwnershipAxis_5bd9bf6f-8c5b-4358-a1c1-945f13a06622" xlink:to="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_5bd9bf6f-8c5b-4358-a1c1-945f13a06622_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_9ec55b0a-4b24-4fee-981c-eb97fe6cad6b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_OwnershipDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_OwnershipAxis_5bd9bf6f-8c5b-4358-a1c1-945f13a06622" xlink:to="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_9ec55b0a-4b24-4fee-981c-eb97fe6cad6b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_cb16fc06-7c27-4ee3-8b23-693a8d56b4c3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_c31971a3-c498-443c-b7e0-e74cf2309193" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_cb16fc06-7c27-4ee3-8b23-693a8d56b4c3" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_cb16fc06-7c27-4ee3-8b23-693a8d56b4c3_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_cb16fc06-7c27-4ee3-8b23-693a8d56b4c3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_cb16fc06-7c27-4ee3-8b23-693a8d56b4c3_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_3444bce5-a84a-4ac2-8df1-5ccaab888525" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_cb16fc06-7c27-4ee3-8b23-693a8d56b4c3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_3444bce5-a84a-4ac2-8df1-5ccaab888525" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/InvestmentsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#InvestmentsNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/InvestmentsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i99774987484b4f31bcea0871b93a840a_InvestmentsNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_b7a4b99c-076a-4546-b8fd-8c54354fc99b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsAtCarryingValue_5a370f73-d2b2-48c3-b9e7-ccf46e8aa1bb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsAtCarryingValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_b7a4b99c-076a-4546-b8fd-8c54354fc99b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsAtCarryingValue_5a370f73-d2b2-48c3-b9e7-ccf46e8aa1bb" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalanceShares_78a14cec-e451-4bd7-aa37-cf8769516854" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalanceShares"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_b7a4b99c-076a-4546-b8fd-8c54354fc99b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalanceShares_78a14cec-e451-4bd7-aa37-cf8769516854" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi_cd92e196-2641-4c94-a7f0-60909629e8e0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_b7a4b99c-076a-4546-b8fd-8c54354fc99b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi_cd92e196-2641-4c94-a7f0-60909629e8e0" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_NumberOfMarketableEquitySecuritiesGreaterThan5OfTotalAssets_fe6f32a0-5ff1-442b-b9ad-d25208aa0f1c" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_NumberOfMarketableEquitySecuritiesGreaterThan5OfTotalAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_b7a4b99c-076a-4546-b8fd-8c54354fc99b" xlink:to="loc_ghc_NumberOfMarketableEquitySecuritiesGreaterThan5OfTotalAssets_fe6f32a0-5ff1-442b-b9ad-d25208aa0f1c" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_e0f13822-9ccd-450c-a6d2-ab9ca46ef619" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_b7a4b99c-076a-4546-b8fd-8c54354fc99b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_e0f13822-9ccd-450c-a6d2-ab9ca46ef619" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireMarketableSecurities_e710f7e4-57a0-4834-b84d-71032bc73c60" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireMarketableSecurities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_b7a4b99c-076a-4546-b8fd-8c54354fc99b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireMarketableSecurities_e710f7e4-57a0-4834-b84d-71032bc73c60" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesRealizedGainLoss_98611ccf-ca3b-4c79-92bf-cbd9c6eff82d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesRealizedGainLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_b7a4b99c-076a-4546-b8fd-8c54354fc99b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesRealizedGainLoss_98611ccf-ca3b-4c79-92bf-cbd9c6eff82d" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities_65a5bef2-f7ff-43f5-9e53-55482b06079b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_b7a4b99c-076a-4546-b8fd-8c54354fc99b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities_65a5bef2-f7ff-43f5-9e53-55482b06079b" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_65d960a8-21ce-48db-8ec6-d1427d518370" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_b7a4b99c-076a-4546-b8fd-8c54354fc99b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_65d960a8-21ce-48db-8ec6-d1427d518370" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties_5811f2db-52e5-4f17-88f0-30583bf68792" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_b7a4b99c-076a-4546-b8fd-8c54354fc99b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties_5811f2db-52e5-4f17-88f0-30583bf68792" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsUndistributedEarningsFromEquityMethodInvestees_bca2d643-6ef4-4e3c-9ff9-8c17901d5b18" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsUndistributedEarningsFromEquityMethodInvestees"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_b7a4b99c-076a-4546-b8fd-8c54354fc99b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsUndistributedEarningsFromEquityMethodInvestees_bca2d643-6ef4-4e3c-9ff9-8c17901d5b18" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOtherThanTemporaryImpairment_4fccc8e2-3780-40f4-82ce-9c8f6ced6ad0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOtherThanTemporaryImpairment"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_b7a4b99c-076a-4546-b8fd-8c54354fc99b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOtherThanTemporaryImpairment_4fccc8e2-3780-40f4-82ce-9c8f6ced6ad0" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_NumberOfEquityMethodInvestmentsImpaired_3639d05b-9acd-49a3-8390-4bb8dcb94103" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_NumberOfEquityMethodInvestmentsImpaired"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_b7a4b99c-076a-4546-b8fd-8c54354fc99b" xlink:to="loc_ghc_NumberOfEquityMethodInvestmentsImpaired_3639d05b-9acd-49a3-8390-4bb8dcb94103" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdvancesToAffiliate_7268a79b-6530-4966-8614-670e1ebaa0a3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdvancesToAffiliate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_b7a4b99c-076a-4546-b8fd-8c54354fc99b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdvancesToAffiliate_7268a79b-6530-4966-8614-670e1ebaa0a3" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_LoanReceivablePaymentTerms_9fc81f54-45be-42dd-bdb7-89ca6e1380a8" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_LoanReceivablePaymentTerms"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_b7a4b99c-076a-4546-b8fd-8c54354fc99b" xlink:to="loc_ghc_LoanReceivablePaymentTerms_9fc81f54-45be-42dd-bdb7-89ca6e1380a8" xlink:type="arc" order="14"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionRate_631028fb-dc7b-4915-a034-7fbd3a598e8c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionRate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_b7a4b99c-076a-4546-b8fd-8c54354fc99b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionRate_631028fb-dc7b-4915-a034-7fbd3a598e8c" xlink:type="arc" order="15"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueAmount_fda41001-d3a0-46ba-9173-b55a30431bfa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_b7a4b99c-076a-4546-b8fd-8c54354fc99b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueAmount_fda41001-d3a0-46ba-9173-b55a30431bfa" xlink:type="arc" order="16"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueUpwardPriceAdjustmentAnnualAmount_150212a2-ff01-4da4-b3a2-1b9b476cb24f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueUpwardPriceAdjustmentAnnualAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_b7a4b99c-076a-4546-b8fd-8c54354fc99b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueUpwardPriceAdjustmentAnnualAmount_150212a2-ff01-4da4-b3a2-1b9b476cb24f" xlink:type="arc" order="17"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueImpairmentLossAnnualAmount_2545d625-6d1c-491c-8a63-fcb7ad2055c3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueImpairmentLossAnnualAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_b7a4b99c-076a-4546-b8fd-8c54354fc99b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueImpairmentLossAnnualAmount_2545d625-6d1c-491c-8a63-fcb7ad2055c3" xlink:type="arc" order="18"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable_a6f9bf26-3b8e-4758-8c70-ef4006372db1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsLineItems_b7a4b99c-076a-4546-b8fd-8c54354fc99b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable_a6f9bf26-3b8e-4758-8c70-ef4006372db1" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_072ed982-289a-422d-94f2-d7d9e37ad861" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable_a6f9bf26-3b8e-4758-8c70-ef4006372db1" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_072ed982-289a-422d-94f2-d7d9e37ad861" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_072ed982-289a-422d-94f2-d7d9e37ad861_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_072ed982-289a-422d-94f2-d7d9e37ad861" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_072ed982-289a-422d-94f2-d7d9e37ad861_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_af5150aa-9a4d-453a-bd50-28395b5c1295" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_072ed982-289a-422d-94f2-d7d9e37ad861" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_af5150aa-9a4d-453a-bd50-28395b5c1295" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember_b706edcc-7bf7-492b-a1c9-098a1b5d3541" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_af5150aa-9a4d-453a-bd50-28395b5c1295" xlink:to="loc_ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember_b706edcc-7bf7-492b-a1c9-098a1b5d3541" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KIHLMember_2dc559e4-9b23-4f52-8abd-e4043f1c0579" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_KIHLMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_af5150aa-9a4d-453a-bd50-28395b5c1295" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KIHLMember_2dc559e4-9b23-4f52-8abd-e4043f1c0579" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_98d35fae-0a15-4da5-af0b-a50cf363aefb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable_a6f9bf26-3b8e-4758-8c70-ef4006372db1" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_98d35fae-0a15-4da5-af0b-a50cf363aefb" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_98d35fae-0a15-4da5-af0b-a50cf363aefb_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_98d35fae-0a15-4da5-af0b-a50cf363aefb" xlink:to="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_98d35fae-0a15-4da5-af0b-a50cf363aefb_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_ea08752b-24f7-4ef5-921b-a9faea939444" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_98d35fae-0a15-4da5-af0b-a50cf363aefb" xlink:to="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_ea08752b-24f7-4ef5-921b-a9faea939444" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_MarkelCorporationMember_1a42ea39-e901-4a63-bc88-896f345a3ed3" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_MarkelCorporationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_ea08752b-24f7-4ef5-921b-a9faea939444" xlink:to="loc_ghc_MarkelCorporationMember_1a42ea39-e901-4a63-bc88-896f345a3ed3" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_IntersectionMember_417320d6-79b4-429e-9f8f-7fc67d173f96" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_IntersectionMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_ea08752b-24f7-4ef5-921b-a9faea939444" xlink:to="loc_ghc_IntersectionMember_417320d6-79b4-429e-9f8f-7fc67d173f96" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ResidentialHomeHealthIllinoisMember_8a9b6291-9330-49f8-9a5a-cab82b5f92a1" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_ResidentialHomeHealthIllinoisMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_ea08752b-24f7-4ef5-921b-a9faea939444" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ResidentialHomeHealthIllinoisMember_8a9b6291-9330-49f8-9a5a-cab82b5f92a1" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ResidentialHospiceIllinoisMember_0276a3a8-4574-4570-864b-e6f249ab45c3" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_ResidentialHospiceIllinoisMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_ea08752b-24f7-4ef5-921b-a9faea939444" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ResidentialHospiceIllinoisMember_0276a3a8-4574-4570-864b-e6f249ab45c3" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ResidentialAndMichiganHospitalJointVentureMember_b0cf73d2-5a92-49c1-8285-b38869bc4331" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_ResidentialAndMichiganHospitalJointVentureMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_ea08752b-24f7-4ef5-921b-a9faea939444" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ResidentialAndMichiganHospitalJointVentureMember_b0cf73d2-5a92-49c1-8285-b38869bc4331" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CelticHealthcareAlleghenyHealthNetworkJointVentureMember_a5b145d5-50c7-495d-9fb2-0351d9093a95" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_CelticHealthcareAlleghenyHealthNetworkJointVentureMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_ea08752b-24f7-4ef5-921b-a9faea939444" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CelticHealthcareAlleghenyHealthNetworkJointVentureMember_a5b145d5-50c7-495d-9fb2-0351d9093a95" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_FramebridgeMember_5825157e-6a8f-4b50-8aab-78f891520f01" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_FramebridgeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_ea08752b-24f7-4ef5-921b-a9faea939444" xlink:to="loc_ghc_FramebridgeMember_5825157e-6a8f-4b50-8aab-78f891520f01" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_YorkJointVentureMember_b21be4d6-119e-4e16-80ab-948af9ecd68d" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_YorkJointVentureMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_ea08752b-24f7-4ef5-921b-a9faea939444" xlink:to="loc_ghc_YorkJointVentureMember_b21be4d6-119e-4e16-80ab-948af9ecd68d" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_f9baeedf-daa4-4c28-a7c0-69b46f4185bc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable_a6f9bf26-3b8e-4758-8c70-ef4006372db1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_f9baeedf-daa4-4c28-a7c0-69b46f4185bc" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_f9baeedf-daa4-4c28-a7c0-69b46f4185bc_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_f9baeedf-daa4-4c28-a7c0-69b46f4185bc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_f9baeedf-daa4-4c28-a7c0-69b46f4185bc_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_d8271708-6c92-446a-bab4-a09a4f256173" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_f9baeedf-daa4-4c28-a7c0-69b46f4185bc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_d8271708-6c92-446a-bab4-a09a4f256173" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_43cd035d-5d98-4247-8ebc-b0c6997833cb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_d8271708-6c92-446a-bab4-a09a4f256173" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_43cd035d-5d98-4247-8ebc-b0c6997833cb" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_e33efa54-5f36-4085-b14b-f225f507bf9a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable_a6f9bf26-3b8e-4758-8c70-ef4006372db1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_e33efa54-5f36-4085-b14b-f225f507bf9a" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_e33efa54-5f36-4085-b14b-f225f507bf9a_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_e33efa54-5f36-4085-b14b-f225f507bf9a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_e33efa54-5f36-4085-b14b-f225f507bf9a_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_13413bdf-1a95-4588-bf8c-ef0d77fdeaf6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_e33efa54-5f36-4085-b14b-f225f507bf9a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_13413bdf-1a95-4588-bf8c-ef0d77fdeaf6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ConcentrationInSingleMarketableEquitySecurityMember_c0c41ebb-87fe-473b-b684-2bb2e9503016" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_ConcentrationInSingleMarketableEquitySecurityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_13413bdf-1a95-4588-bf8c-ef0d77fdeaf6" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ConcentrationInSingleMarketableEquitySecurityMember_c0c41ebb-87fe-473b-b684-2bb2e9503016" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_9a13d929-43fd-40a6-8cf9-00b6475c6cc0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentsTable_a6f9bf26-3b8e-4758-8c70-ef4006372db1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_9a13d929-43fd-40a6-8cf9-00b6475c6cc0" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_9a13d929-43fd-40a6-8cf9-00b6475c6cc0_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_9a13d929-43fd-40a6-8cf9-00b6475c6cc0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_9a13d929-43fd-40a6-8cf9-00b6475c6cc0_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_9abb88c7-acb3-44ac-9ac4-0469db1708fb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_9a13d929-43fd-40a6-8cf9-00b6475c6cc0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_9abb88c7-acb3-44ac-9ac4-0469db1708fb" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsTotalMember_e30cd2c9-bad8-40a2-b552-49fe1d56fdc4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsTotalMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_9abb88c7-acb3-44ac-9ac4-0469db1708fb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsTotalMember_e30cd2c9-bad8-40a2-b552-49fe1d56fdc4" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/InventoriesContractsinProgressandVehicleFloorPlanPayableNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#InventoriesContractsinProgressandVehicleFloorPlanPayableNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/InventoriesContractsinProgressandVehicleFloorPlanPayableNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i57a5aa50b9a841c881998d8d79af8474_InventoriesContractsinProgressandVehicleFloorPlanPayableNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryLineItems_9b19519d-a473-4410-a13b-83994b297e65" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_a406b704-3e6e-4789-80f8-049e0f76d9b5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InventoryLineItems_9b19519d-a473-4410-a13b-83994b297e65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_a406b704-3e6e-4789-80f8-049e0f76d9b5" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateDuringPeriod_bf8b9319-ec0b-4658-8b3b-532d9db9c0e1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateDuringPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InventoryLineItems_9b19519d-a473-4410-a13b-83994b297e65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateDuringPeriod_bf8b9319-ec0b-4658-8b3b-532d9db9c0e1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_VehicleFloorPlanFacilityBorrowingCapacity_8b64311b-014e-4dde-86be-48f2437e4fc7" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_VehicleFloorPlanFacilityBorrowingCapacity"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InventoryLineItems_9b19519d-a473-4410-a13b-83994b297e65" xlink:to="loc_ghc_VehicleFloorPlanFacilityBorrowingCapacity_8b64311b-014e-4dde-86be-48f2437e4fc7" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_VehicleFloorPlanFacilityPayable_c2752003-5e69-4f67-88fe-38ec655f3866" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_VehicleFloorPlanFacilityPayable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InventoryLineItems_9b19519d-a473-4410-a13b-83994b297e65" xlink:to="loc_ghc_VehicleFloorPlanFacilityPayable_c2752003-5e69-4f67-88fe-38ec655f3866" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_VehicleFloorPlanFacilityAssistance_6713f8ca-56e3-4319-a677-d28bb90941b5" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_VehicleFloorPlanFacilityAssistance"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InventoryLineItems_9b19519d-a473-4410-a13b-83994b297e65" xlink:to="loc_ghc_VehicleFloorPlanFacilityAssistance_6713f8ca-56e3-4319-a677-d28bb90941b5" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryCurrentTable_8969945f-6449-460b-bdc3-0b4c3eb8240f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryCurrentTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InventoryLineItems_9b19519d-a473-4410-a13b-83994b297e65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryCurrentTable_8969945f-6449-460b-bdc3-0b4c3eb8240f" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_8e15d89d-c59c-4034-b890-b7266f62b062" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InventoryCurrentTable_8969945f-6449-460b-bdc3-0b4c3eb8240f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_8e15d89d-c59c-4034-b890-b7266f62b062" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_8e15d89d-c59c-4034-b890-b7266f62b062_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_8e15d89d-c59c-4034-b890-b7266f62b062" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_8e15d89d-c59c-4034-b890-b7266f62b062_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_24cc8e07-4f20-4981-9f49-c2959a7de1f9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_8e15d89d-c59c-4034-b890-b7266f62b062" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_24cc8e07-4f20-4981-9f49-c2959a7de1f9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_3793e060-5977-45bf-9c34-75cc451a3928" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_24cc8e07-4f20-4981-9f49-c2959a7de1f9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_3793e060-5977-45bf-9c34-75cc451a3928" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_c6a1bccc-3690-41d0-afe7-be1c9d63b153" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InventoryCurrentTable_8969945f-6449-460b-bdc3-0b4c3eb8240f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_c6a1bccc-3690-41d0-afe7-be1c9d63b153" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_c6a1bccc-3690-41d0-afe7-be1c9d63b153_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_c6a1bccc-3690-41d0-afe7-be1c9d63b153" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_c6a1bccc-3690-41d0-afe7-be1c9d63b153_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_eb563c5a-9dd6-4f48-98bf-91d91d8e8acc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_c6a1bccc-3690-41d0-afe7-be1c9d63b153" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_eb563c5a-9dd6-4f48-98bf-91d91d8e8acc" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_AutomotiveMember_cc0eac4f-c460-4213-b3d7-e1f904495e54" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_AutomotiveMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_eb563c5a-9dd6-4f48-98bf-91d91d8e8acc" xlink:to="loc_ghc_AutomotiveMember_cc0eac4f-c460-4213-b3d7-e1f904495e54" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_beb04ba1-75d6-4730-8768-892d80551471" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InventoryCurrentTable_8969945f-6449-460b-bdc3-0b4c3eb8240f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_beb04ba1-75d6-4730-8768-892d80551471" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_beb04ba1-75d6-4730-8768-892d80551471_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_beb04ba1-75d6-4730-8768-892d80551471" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_beb04ba1-75d6-4730-8768-892d80551471_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_a8e829a3-8d57-4145-bcf9-66d1c5051c70" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_beb04ba1-75d6-4730-8768-892d80551471" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_a8e829a3-8d57-4145-bcf9-66d1c5051c70" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_VehicleFloorPlanFacilityMember_5ea912b1-d3aa-4298-af3f-a3f08868e563" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_VehicleFloorPlanFacilityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_a8e829a3-8d57-4145-bcf9-66d1c5051c70" xlink:to="loc_ghc_VehicleFloorPlanFacilityMember_5ea912b1-d3aa-4298-af3f-a3f08868e563" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/GoodwillandOtherIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#GoodwillandOtherIntangibleAssetsTables"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/GoodwillandOtherIntangibleAssetsTables" xlink:type="extended" id="ifcdb5ee83fd7485f888136bb50c49a0c_GoodwillandOtherIntangibleAssetsTables">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_684896c0-76df-40eb-834e-c33fe4069ae8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTextBlock_ad046f4d-aedc-4a53-9165-bfbe701ab272" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTextBlock"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_684896c0-76df-40eb-834e-c33fe4069ae8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTextBlock_ad046f4d-aedc-4a53-9165-bfbe701ab272" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ScheduleofFiniteandIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTableTextBlock_dc979141-2fed-4ca7-abbf-4ef0aff69505" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_ScheduleofFiniteandIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_684896c0-76df-40eb-834e-c33fe4069ae8" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ScheduleofFiniteandIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTableTextBlock_dc979141-2fed-4ca7-abbf-4ef0aff69505" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_962b45c0-2d72-4dcf-8ab4-6ebc15af50c7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_684896c0-76df-40eb-834e-c33fe4069ae8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_962b45c0-2d72-4dcf-8ab4-6ebc15af50c7" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_6d0575b0-5127-4eae-a876-b8da06cbb3a8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_962b45c0-2d72-4dcf-8ab4-6ebc15af50c7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_6d0575b0-5127-4eae-a876-b8da06cbb3a8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6d0575b0-5127-4eae-a876-b8da06cbb3a8_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_6d0575b0-5127-4eae-a876-b8da06cbb3a8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6d0575b0-5127-4eae-a876-b8da06cbb3a8_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_3917a5b2-936d-42af-834a-9f5737fb0bae" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_6d0575b0-5127-4eae-a876-b8da06cbb3a8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_3917a5b2-936d-42af-834a-9f5737fb0bae" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_EducationMember_1f13c2db-baa7-4ad1-acbf-0920cec8afbf" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_EducationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_3917a5b2-936d-42af-834a-9f5737fb0bae" xlink:to="loc_ghc_EducationMember_1f13c2db-baa7-4ad1-acbf-0920cec8afbf" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/GoodwillandOtherIntangibleAssetsGoodwillNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#GoodwillandOtherIntangibleAssetsGoodwillNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/GoodwillandOtherIntangibleAssetsGoodwillNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i2d2180ebb95d498e932ce28a52971da7_GoodwillandOtherIntangibleAssetsGoodwillNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_09f6e018-de25-4e5e-97e7-810c3ce63c50" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments_fdad6448-0c16-4db0-9c58-3d40ac4093d9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_09f6e018-de25-4e5e-97e7-810c3ce63c50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments_fdad6448-0c16-4db0-9c58-3d40ac4093d9" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_e82e365a-edd6-4c56-9629-8051fc13f586" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_09f6e018-de25-4e5e-97e7-810c3ce63c50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_e82e365a-edd6-4c56-9629-8051fc13f586" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetImpairment_8583e87a-1429-41f5-a897-2df46e11be95" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetImpairment"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_09f6e018-de25-4e5e-97e7-810c3ce63c50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetImpairment_8583e87a-1429-41f5-a897-2df46e11be95" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill_d8797a84-31a3-4173-a107-8d6d97e39deb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_09f6e018-de25-4e5e-97e7-810c3ce63c50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill_d8797a84-31a3-4173-a107-8d6d97e39deb" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_e23f4e73-abf5-47d2-864a-b966d1312909" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_09f6e018-de25-4e5e-97e7-810c3ce63c50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_e23f4e73-abf5-47d2-864a-b966d1312909" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_1d741693-44ff-45aa-8e73-56ab7af7802c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_09f6e018-de25-4e5e-97e7-810c3ce63c50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_1d741693-44ff-45aa-8e73-56ab7af7802c" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_88f56eb8-d74b-4fff-b769-0445aab7c570" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_1d741693-44ff-45aa-8e73-56ab7af7802c" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_88f56eb8-d74b-4fff-b769-0445aab7c570" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_88f56eb8-d74b-4fff-b769-0445aab7c570_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_88f56eb8-d74b-4fff-b769-0445aab7c570" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_88f56eb8-d74b-4fff-b769-0445aab7c570_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4a5b4a17-70af-4a8d-815b-6ce3f808d9cf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_88f56eb8-d74b-4fff-b769-0445aab7c570" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4a5b4a17-70af-4a8d-815b-6ce3f808d9cf" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_DekkoMember_e905d0d0-175b-4d57-8b76-1edd072399d0" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_DekkoMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4a5b4a17-70af-4a8d-815b-6ce3f808d9cf" xlink:to="loc_ghc_DekkoMember_e905d0d0-175b-4d57-8b76-1edd072399d0" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ClydesRestaurantGroupMember_7f9a087a-05b4-42d4-80df-93b0ba9aebec" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_ClydesRestaurantGroupMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4a5b4a17-70af-4a8d-815b-6ce3f808d9cf" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ClydesRestaurantGroupMember_7f9a087a-05b4-42d4-80df-93b0ba9aebec" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_AutomotiveMember_faecff2b-af69-4b9f-bc2a-67dae1a9758c" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_AutomotiveMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4a5b4a17-70af-4a8d-815b-6ce3f808d9cf" xlink:to="loc_ghc_AutomotiveMember_faecff2b-af69-4b9f-bc2a-67dae1a9758c" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_a820b101-79be-4704-87f1-e0fff9347d77" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_1d741693-44ff-45aa-8e73-56ab7af7802c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_a820b101-79be-4704-87f1-e0fff9347d77" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_a820b101-79be-4704-87f1-e0fff9347d77_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_a820b101-79be-4704-87f1-e0fff9347d77" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_a820b101-79be-4704-87f1-e0fff9347d77_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_22d4f98a-1c4c-4ffd-9cf3-d25da7e87f41" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_a820b101-79be-4704-87f1-e0fff9347d77" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_22d4f98a-1c4c-4ffd-9cf3-d25da7e87f41" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ManufacturingMember_74afdc8b-3aa1-40f7-8209-ab13752adce4" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_ManufacturingMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_22d4f98a-1c4c-4ffd-9cf3-d25da7e87f41" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ManufacturingMember_74afdc8b-3aa1-40f7-8209-ab13752adce4" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_EducationMember_03989833-8231-4512-8d5a-c05a3a9e3919" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_EducationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_22d4f98a-1c4c-4ffd-9cf3-d25da7e87f41" xlink:to="loc_ghc_EducationMember_03989833-8231-4512-8d5a-c05a3a9e3919" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember_85efd2e7-0cbc-49fd-b0d8-d3f1420b6d85" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_22d4f98a-1c4c-4ffd-9cf3-d25da7e87f41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember_85efd2e7-0cbc-49fd-b0d8-d3f1420b6d85" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_AutomotiveMember_607c3ce2-8e73-4326-a40c-028067af7ffb" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_AutomotiveMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_22d4f98a-1c4c-4ffd-9cf3-d25da7e87f41" xlink:to="loc_ghc_AutomotiveMember_607c3ce2-8e73-4326-a40c-028067af7ffb" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_3096fc81-7f3f-48a9-a09a-2b4bc99ce503" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_1d741693-44ff-45aa-8e73-56ab7af7802c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_3096fc81-7f3f-48a9-a09a-2b4bc99ce503" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_3096fc81-7f3f-48a9-a09a-2b4bc99ce503_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_3096fc81-7f3f-48a9-a09a-2b4bc99ce503" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_3096fc81-7f3f-48a9-a09a-2b4bc99ce503_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_771af740-a9cc-4214-a9da-bfa2c08653d0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_3096fc81-7f3f-48a9-a09a-2b4bc99ce503" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_771af740-a9cc-4214-a9da-bfa2c08653d0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_HigherEducationMember_aee32b88-295f-4e33-9cf6-7131f5760acc" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_HigherEducationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_771af740-a9cc-4214-a9da-bfa2c08653d0" xlink:to="loc_ghc_HigherEducationMember_aee32b88-295f-4e33-9cf6-7131f5760acc" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/GoodwillandOtherIntangibleAssetsOtherIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#GoodwillandOtherIntangibleAssetsOtherIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/GoodwillandOtherIntangibleAssetsOtherIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i8c62a2d5888f4bd387c77f422bf90a8c_GoodwillandOtherIntangibleAssetsOtherIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_9324d6d2-a3f0-4558-82d8-653e6f18349a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsFinitelived_b9ec4081-8e56-4fdf-9054-e33440ba0a68" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsFinitelived"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_9324d6d2-a3f0-4558-82d8-653e6f18349a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsFinitelived_b9ec4081-8e56-4fdf-9054-e33440ba0a68" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_fd84522b-31ad-414e-86a5-aedf0ee64233" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_9324d6d2-a3f0-4558-82d8-653e6f18349a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_fd84522b-31ad-414e-86a5-aedf0ee64233" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_8d5f4530-9431-41a9-b39d-e0c278983f4b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_9324d6d2-a3f0-4558-82d8-653e6f18349a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_8d5f4530-9431-41a9-b39d-e0c278983f4b" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_d4983569-a8c5-4e03-91f2-d776f62481da" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_8d5f4530-9431-41a9-b39d-e0c278983f4b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_d4983569-a8c5-4e03-91f2-d776f62481da" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_d4983569-a8c5-4e03-91f2-d776f62481da_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_d4983569-a8c5-4e03-91f2-d776f62481da" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_d4983569-a8c5-4e03-91f2-d776f62481da_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_d66f81db-d46f-48a3-a0e2-42214fe869b8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_d4983569-a8c5-4e03-91f2-d776f62481da" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_d66f81db-d46f-48a3-a0e2-42214fe869b8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember_0b898e65-d352-4364-9a39-c78c17f3a3ad" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_d66f81db-d46f-48a3-a0e2-42214fe869b8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember_0b898e65-d352-4364-9a39-c78c17f3a3ad" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember_cf00c11e-9bc3-4965-93e3-e28a9fa84c50" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_d66f81db-d46f-48a3-a0e2-42214fe869b8" xlink:to="loc_ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember_cf00c11e-9bc3-4965-93e3-e28a9fa84c50" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/GoodwillandOtherIntangibleAssetsChangesinCarryingAmountofGoodwillDetails1" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#GoodwillandOtherIntangibleAssetsChangesinCarryingAmountofGoodwillDetails1"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/GoodwillandOtherIntangibleAssetsChangesinCarryingAmountofGoodwillDetails1" xlink:type="extended" id="iad93a5f7d2b2453c8173fd85a5179e97_GoodwillandOtherIntangibleAssetsChangesinCarryingAmountofGoodwillDetails1">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_536d8d0d-4bcd-4a2c-9607-4885a1814092" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_79cafa47-4484-48bd-9125-cb724c18ec16" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_536d8d0d-4bcd-4a2c-9607-4885a1814092" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_79cafa47-4484-48bd-9125-cb724c18ec16" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillGross_749e5ea9-b4aa-46f7-97ef-ab69fe59e690" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillGross"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_79cafa47-4484-48bd-9125-cb724c18ec16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillGross_749e5ea9-b4aa-46f7-97ef-ab69fe59e690" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss_c444451e-d60e-434e-9e64-a1279b6786fd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_79cafa47-4484-48bd-9125-cb724c18ec16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss_c444451e-d60e-434e-9e64-a1279b6786fd" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_2b2caf27-be33-421c-b2fa-a2b96ecb9bce" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_79cafa47-4484-48bd-9125-cb724c18ec16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_2b2caf27-be33-421c-b2fa-a2b96ecb9bce" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillPurchaseAccountingAdjustments_7cef6dc3-08f8-4f82-9088-40a2ee6a145b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillPurchaseAccountingAdjustments"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_79cafa47-4484-48bd-9125-cb724c18ec16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillPurchaseAccountingAdjustments_7cef6dc3-08f8-4f82-9088-40a2ee6a145b" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod_1d8d3952-834e-4577-ba83-023af2b442db" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_79cafa47-4484-48bd-9125-cb724c18ec16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod_1d8d3952-834e-4577-ba83-023af2b442db" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_d3800b24-4615-46bd-b4e4-4362dbf0a51c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_79cafa47-4484-48bd-9125-cb724c18ec16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_d3800b24-4615-46bd-b4e4-4362dbf0a51c" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillWrittenOffRelatedToSaleOfBusinessUnit_14ce7ee7-8449-46b0-a84e-a2156f388bdb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillWrittenOffRelatedToSaleOfBusinessUnit"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_79cafa47-4484-48bd-9125-cb724c18ec16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillWrittenOffRelatedToSaleOfBusinessUnit_14ce7ee7-8449-46b0-a84e-a2156f388bdb" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLoss_81ea3eb9-229d-4995-b748-de6d2dde738a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_79cafa47-4484-48bd-9125-cb724c18ec16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLoss_81ea3eb9-229d-4995-b748-de6d2dde738a" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillGross_5611d997-de51-433d-924b-c53d8c571803" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillGross"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss_b23f2238-a97b-4c2c-b343-870da1dceeb4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_3028f018-fb67-4356-a52b-b1b4712d8f70" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_6bb770fd-bf65-4773-a7a4-72c7574e7db8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_536d8d0d-4bcd-4a2c-9607-4885a1814092" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_6bb770fd-bf65-4773-a7a4-72c7574e7db8" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_7f89fa63-9e3a-4d77-b000-0c38f0d8afb7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_6bb770fd-bf65-4773-a7a4-72c7574e7db8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_7f89fa63-9e3a-4d77-b000-0c38f0d8afb7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7f89fa63-9e3a-4d77-b000-0c38f0d8afb7_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_7f89fa63-9e3a-4d77-b000-0c38f0d8afb7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7f89fa63-9e3a-4d77-b000-0c38f0d8afb7_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_595cfd9a-e285-4ec7-90d6-cd8b2d65ab0c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_7f89fa63-9e3a-4d77-b000-0c38f0d8afb7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_595cfd9a-e285-4ec7-90d6-cd8b2d65ab0c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_EducationMember_ca5ec97f-5ad9-4186-b0c4-b18ded167f58" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_EducationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_595cfd9a-e285-4ec7-90d6-cd8b2d65ab0c" xlink:to="loc_ghc_EducationMember_ca5ec97f-5ad9-4186-b0c4-b18ded167f58" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TelevisionBroadcastingMember_6683d75d-a038-4155-811b-66af105097fb" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_TelevisionBroadcastingMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_595cfd9a-e285-4ec7-90d6-cd8b2d65ab0c" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TelevisionBroadcastingMember_6683d75d-a038-4155-811b-66af105097fb" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ManufacturingMember_21dd28f3-b47f-4fc1-acd6-983001157178" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_ManufacturingMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_595cfd9a-e285-4ec7-90d6-cd8b2d65ab0c" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ManufacturingMember_21dd28f3-b47f-4fc1-acd6-983001157178" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember_2c79a661-2bd4-4be1-83fa-efe58a40204e" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_595cfd9a-e285-4ec7-90d6-cd8b2d65ab0c" xlink:to="loc_ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember_2c79a661-2bd4-4be1-83fa-efe58a40204e" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_AutomotiveMember_0341450d-844d-47f9-9d9b-71eb15a7a95f" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_AutomotiveMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_595cfd9a-e285-4ec7-90d6-cd8b2d65ab0c" xlink:to="loc_ghc_AutomotiveMember_0341450d-844d-47f9-9d9b-71eb15a7a95f" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember_bc3c4462-8806-43e7-b54f-c09af623f3c6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_595cfd9a-e285-4ec7-90d6-cd8b2d65ab0c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember_bc3c4462-8806-43e7-b54f-c09af623f3c6" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_8419de1b-7290-4b5c-963d-37229d33287a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_6bb770fd-bf65-4773-a7a4-72c7574e7db8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_8419de1b-7290-4b5c-963d-37229d33287a" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_8419de1b-7290-4b5c-963d-37229d33287a_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_8419de1b-7290-4b5c-963d-37229d33287a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_8419de1b-7290-4b5c-963d-37229d33287a_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_5f375c61-cf2d-4e87-ae32-0ebe68e47fa2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_8419de1b-7290-4b5c-963d-37229d33287a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_5f375c61-cf2d-4e87-ae32-0ebe68e47fa2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KaplanInternationalMember_fc104c67-f203-4d5e-a59a-602c8709454e" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_KaplanInternationalMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_5f375c61-cf2d-4e87-ae32-0ebe68e47fa2" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KaplanInternationalMember_fc104c67-f203-4d5e-a59a-602c8709454e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_HigherEducationMember_39d63fd0-9057-425e-bfc5-cc60a86c8d63" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_HigherEducationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_5f375c61-cf2d-4e87-ae32-0ebe68e47fa2" xlink:to="loc_ghc_HigherEducationMember_39d63fd0-9057-425e-bfc5-cc60a86c8d63" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_SupplementalEducationMember_cfe7ff17-4aa2-4624-b2b1-6abbea132936" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_SupplementalEducationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_5f375c61-cf2d-4e87-ae32-0ebe68e47fa2" xlink:to="loc_ghc_SupplementalEducationMember_cfe7ff17-4aa2-4624-b2b1-6abbea132936" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/GoodwillandOtherIntangibleAssetsOtherIntangibleAssetsDetails2" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#GoodwillandOtherIntangibleAssetsOtherIntangibleAssetsDetails2"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/GoodwillandOtherIntangibleAssetsOtherIntangibleAssetsDetails2" xlink:type="extended" id="i412c8f572c6245a9acc0d66b8d3a14f2_GoodwillandOtherIntangibleAssetsOtherIntangibleAssetsDetails2">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_cc635249-f7cd-4ed2-a784-9e29939ca52b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_d5b2a91b-0fb8-40f4-bd2b-b948f4d39920" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_cc635249-f7cd-4ed2-a784-9e29939ca52b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_d5b2a91b-0fb8-40f4-bd2b-b948f4d39920" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_78fe73e3-579b-4c2a-b204-cb7716142e48" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_cc635249-f7cd-4ed2-a784-9e29939ca52b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_78fe73e3-579b-4c2a-b204-cb7716142e48" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_a8cfb183-3aef-407b-9a5d-bb52f8f618db" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_cc635249-f7cd-4ed2-a784-9e29939ca52b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_a8cfb183-3aef-407b-9a5d-bb52f8f618db" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_cd3a75a2-4051-4b5d-9b2e-4a9f1094e748" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_cc635249-f7cd-4ed2-a784-9e29939ca52b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_cd3a75a2-4051-4b5d-9b2e-4a9f1094e748" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_3d4a7032-d0b4-43a4-bb2a-704b04608baf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_cc635249-f7cd-4ed2-a784-9e29939ca52b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_3d4a7032-d0b4-43a4-bb2a-704b04608baf" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_8e18e92d-bccb-41a0-8a1d-2a8f4dfbb913" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_3d4a7032-d0b4-43a4-bb2a-704b04608baf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_8e18e92d-bccb-41a0-8a1d-2a8f4dfbb913" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_8e18e92d-bccb-41a0-8a1d-2a8f4dfbb913_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_8e18e92d-bccb-41a0-8a1d-2a8f4dfbb913" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_8e18e92d-bccb-41a0-8a1d-2a8f4dfbb913_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_b293c060-e6ae-4aa2-8eb8-1795a8d6d981" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_8e18e92d-bccb-41a0-8a1d-2a8f4dfbb913" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_b293c060-e6ae-4aa2-8eb8-1795a8d6d981" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_f193f184-492e-4ca0-8d96-ec6643d0b4e8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_b293c060-e6ae-4aa2-8eb8-1795a8d6d981" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_f193f184-492e-4ca0-8d96-ec6643d0b4e8" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TrademarksAndTradeNamesMember_1ec509c0-3b48-4d69-8f62-c9dacbd53c00" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TrademarksAndTradeNamesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_b293c060-e6ae-4aa2-8eb8-1795a8d6d981" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TrademarksAndTradeNamesMember_1ec509c0-3b48-4d69-8f62-c9dacbd53c00" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractBasedIntangibleAssetsMember_59999b84-37f7-458e-bfa6-3ded9d319a22" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractBasedIntangibleAssetsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_b293c060-e6ae-4aa2-8eb8-1795a8d6d981" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractBasedIntangibleAssetsMember_59999b84-37f7-458e-bfa6-3ded9d319a22" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DatabasesMember_59b08e74-0cae-4f43-8298-e1c62aadb871" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DatabasesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_b293c060-e6ae-4aa2-8eb8-1795a8d6d981" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DatabasesMember_59b08e74-0cae-4f43-8298-e1c62aadb871" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember_e037f0f3-6994-4ce7-bdd7-ba056eddf0ee" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_b293c060-e6ae-4aa2-8eb8-1795a8d6d981" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember_e037f0f3-6994-4ce7-bdd7-ba056eddf0ee" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember_5398c0f5-bd03-4615-913d-1814009cc9fa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_b293c060-e6ae-4aa2-8eb8-1795a8d6d981" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember_5398c0f5-bd03-4615-913d-1814009cc9fa" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_ec30c7a9-dd3e-4ee2-af1c-3c7d58df5d39" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_3d4a7032-d0b4-43a4-bb2a-704b04608baf" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_ec30c7a9-dd3e-4ee2-af1c-3c7d58df5d39" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_ec30c7a9-dd3e-4ee2-af1c-3c7d58df5d39_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_ec30c7a9-dd3e-4ee2-af1c-3c7d58df5d39" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_ec30c7a9-dd3e-4ee2-af1c-3c7d58df5d39_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_5dcc075e-2517-4e81-a119-6c656b7034e8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_ec30c7a9-dd3e-4ee2-af1c-3c7d58df5d39" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_5dcc075e-2517-4e81-a119-6c656b7034e8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_dd55419e-4467-4a09-9025-22a52ea8930f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_5dcc075e-2517-4e81-a119-6c656b7034e8" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_dd55419e-4467-4a09-9025-22a52ea8930f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_18ae4f99-c164-4be8-aaaf-3ec17b1610ff" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_5dcc075e-2517-4e81-a119-6c656b7034e8" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_18ae4f99-c164-4be8-aaaf-3ec17b1610ff" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_2bc1b687-09ce-45de-81b7-fc51804a5516" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_15d9187f-817a-4158-a2f0-112a489cec6b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_2bc1b687-09ce-45de-81b7-fc51804a5516" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_15d9187f-817a-4158-a2f0-112a489cec6b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_140993c3-0185-46d2-a661-01b7cb701b10" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_2bc1b687-09ce-45de-81b7-fc51804a5516" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_140993c3-0185-46d2-a661-01b7cb701b10" xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_301a56d4-9f20-4cf8-bbf9-5d205dad7eb7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_140993c3-0185-46d2-a661-01b7cb701b10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_301a56d4-9f20-4cf8-bbf9-5d205dad7eb7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_301a56d4-9f20-4cf8-bbf9-5d205dad7eb7_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_301a56d4-9f20-4cf8-bbf9-5d205dad7eb7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_301a56d4-9f20-4cf8-bbf9-5d205dad7eb7_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_6ea08b73-a0ef-480c-b200-f442989ae4e2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_301a56d4-9f20-4cf8-bbf9-5d205dad7eb7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_6ea08b73-a0ef-480c-b200-f442989ae4e2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TrademarksAndTradeNamesMember_558a8633-833a-472a-a0e6-7047b88d8fe2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TrademarksAndTradeNamesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_6ea08b73-a0ef-480c-b200-f442989ae4e2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TrademarksAndTradeNamesMember_558a8633-833a-472a-a0e6-7047b88d8fe2" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FranchiseRightsMember_dc676013-960c-4083-86e0-379d31f24331" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FranchiseRightsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_6ea08b73-a0ef-480c-b200-f442989ae4e2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FranchiseRightsMember_dc676013-960c-4083-86e0-379d31f24331" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingAndBroadcastRightsMember_9a86c53d-27f0-4750-902c-ec4d6cbb6a06" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingAndBroadcastRightsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_6ea08b73-a0ef-480c-b200-f442989ae4e2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingAndBroadcastRightsMember_9a86c53d-27f0-4750-902c-ec4d6cbb6a06" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_LicensureAndAccreditationMember_9ae13b28-e223-4c90-b5bf-1c0d88294fec" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_LicensureAndAccreditationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_6ea08b73-a0ef-480c-b200-f442989ae4e2" xlink:to="loc_ghc_LicensureAndAccreditationMember_9ae13b28-e223-4c90-b5bf-1c0d88294fec" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/DebtNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#DebtNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/DebtNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i80fed171096c4e01bc6aecfc5ffd8455_DebtNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_00dd6747-2135-417c-b6c3-f13cf2943ddb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_ea32ce44-d817-42f2-8e98-885f938b1388" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_00dd6747-2135-417c-b6c3-f13cf2943ddb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_ea32ce44-d817-42f2-8e98-885f938b1388" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_85715cb9-7629-4308-b0a0-f08157b6c310" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCredit"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_00dd6747-2135-417c-b6c3-f13cf2943ddb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_85715cb9-7629-4308-b0a0-f08157b6c310" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_5a693652-3f88-405a-a846-ca9a53647457" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_00dd6747-2135-417c-b6c3-f13cf2943ddb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_5a693652-3f88-405a-a846-ca9a53647457" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_02d81d62-20f7-403f-9c1b-2aeaed6666e1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_00dd6747-2135-417c-b6c3-f13cf2943ddb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_02d81d62-20f7-403f-9c1b-2aeaed6666e1" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_AverageOutstandingDebtAmount_29ee041f-8bd9-4ab4-be5e-11708d3885bc" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_AverageOutstandingDebtAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_00dd6747-2135-417c-b6c3-f13cf2943ddb" xlink:to="loc_ghc_AverageOutstandingDebtAmount_29ee041f-8bd9-4ab4-be5e-11708d3885bc" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateDuringPeriod_f6fe53da-1b12-4019-9425-42333e37f590" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateDuringPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_00dd6747-2135-417c-b6c3-f13cf2943ddb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateDuringPeriod_f6fe53da-1b12-4019-9425-42333e37f590" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet_d4f042aa-8bf8-482c-8c1a-a3490bc52afb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_00dd6747-2135-417c-b6c3-f13cf2943ddb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet_d4f042aa-8bf8-482c-8c1a-a3490bc52afb" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue_ec0d0c07-2d31-4e0e-8256-11a53111ccea" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_00dd6747-2135-417c-b6c3-f13cf2943ddb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue_ec0d0c07-2d31-4e0e-8256-11a53111ccea" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredDebt_3b846ff7-aea7-449c-84da-2f57dab3b8a0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnsecuredDebt"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_00dd6747-2135-417c-b6c3-f13cf2943ddb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredDebt_3b846ff7-aea7-449c-84da-2f57dab3b8a0" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_ecdbe55d-e3f4-4dde-900c-9261de198d34" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_00dd6747-2135-417c-b6c3-f13cf2943ddb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_ecdbe55d-e3f4-4dde-900c-9261de198d34" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansPayableToBank_938606bd-0dd1-4ebb-9cdb-b851cf490044" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansPayableToBank"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_00dd6747-2135-417c-b6c3-f13cf2943ddb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansPayableToBank_938606bd-0dd1-4ebb-9cdb-b851cf490044" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableToBank_bd1f8f52-34d5-4f80-8a10-e0cd078328f6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayableToBank"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_00dd6747-2135-417c-b6c3-f13cf2943ddb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableToBank_bd1f8f52-34d5-4f80-8a10-e0cd078328f6" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest_34908b7f-ade8-47a6-8549-3e42f0d90a7a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_00dd6747-2135-417c-b6c3-f13cf2943ddb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest_34908b7f-ade8-47a6-8549-3e42f0d90a7a" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_DebtTable_71363fc3-a3a2-4b63-8de1-4c39dfc42540" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_DebtTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_00dd6747-2135-417c-b6c3-f13cf2943ddb" xlink:to="loc_ghc_DebtTable_71363fc3-a3a2-4b63-8de1-4c39dfc42540" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1543bdf6-44a7-428b-b31a-5bc12319d602" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_DebtTable_71363fc3-a3a2-4b63-8de1-4c39dfc42540" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1543bdf6-44a7-428b-b31a-5bc12319d602" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1543bdf6-44a7-428b-b31a-5bc12319d602_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1543bdf6-44a7-428b-b31a-5bc12319d602" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1543bdf6-44a7-428b-b31a-5bc12319d602_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_f1e5cfde-7034-4328-a9af-65b109363b3a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1543bdf6-44a7-428b-b31a-5bc12319d602" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_f1e5cfde-7034-4328-a9af-65b109363b3a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember_94eca267-c036-44d8-91b0-033c35e4339a" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_f1e5cfde-7034-4328-a9af-65b109363b3a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember_94eca267-c036-44d8-91b0-033c35e4339a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSharesSubjectToMandatoryRedemptionBySettlementTermsAxis_36f2e462-3a53-4dbd-a300-8b5c6617b2c4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSharesSubjectToMandatoryRedemptionBySettlementTermsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_DebtTable_71363fc3-a3a2-4b63-8de1-4c39dfc42540" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSharesSubjectToMandatoryRedemptionBySettlementTermsAxis_36f2e462-3a53-4dbd-a300-8b5c6617b2c4" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesSubjectToMandatoryRedemptionFinancialInstrumentDomain_36f2e462-3a53-4dbd-a300-8b5c6617b2c4_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesSubjectToMandatoryRedemptionFinancialInstrumentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSharesSubjectToMandatoryRedemptionBySettlementTermsAxis_36f2e462-3a53-4dbd-a300-8b5c6617b2c4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesSubjectToMandatoryRedemptionFinancialInstrumentDomain_36f2e462-3a53-4dbd-a300-8b5c6617b2c4_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesSubjectToMandatoryRedemptionFinancialInstrumentDomain_16b717a8-bf19-427b-a989-cd7382fc05ed" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesSubjectToMandatoryRedemptionFinancialInstrumentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSharesSubjectToMandatoryRedemptionBySettlementTermsAxis_36f2e462-3a53-4dbd-a300-8b5c6617b2c4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesSubjectToMandatoryRedemptionFinancialInstrumentDomain_16b717a8-bf19-427b-a989-cd7382fc05ed" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesSubjectToMandatoryRedemptionMember_6d71a547-e804-4826-8ae9-3bac4707c4bb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesSubjectToMandatoryRedemptionMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SharesSubjectToMandatoryRedemptionFinancialInstrumentDomain_16b717a8-bf19-427b-a989-cd7382fc05ed" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesSubjectToMandatoryRedemptionMember_6d71a547-e804-4826-8ae9-3bac4707c4bb" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_9f077890-a5f4-4a6a-a43c-0182e94aa30b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_DebtTable_71363fc3-a3a2-4b63-8de1-4c39dfc42540" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_9f077890-a5f4-4a6a-a43c-0182e94aa30b" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9f077890-a5f4-4a6a-a43c-0182e94aa30b_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_9f077890-a5f4-4a6a-a43c-0182e94aa30b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_9f077890-a5f4-4a6a-a43c-0182e94aa30b_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6b676536-712a-4a81-9bc0-1defd44c6865" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_9f077890-a5f4-4a6a-a43c-0182e94aa30b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6b676536-712a-4a81-9bc0-1defd44c6865" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember_d9e465c8-6937-4ced-a287-eeaf36b3fffd" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6b676536-712a-4a81-9bc0-1defd44c6865" xlink:to="loc_ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember_d9e465c8-6937-4ced-a287-eeaf36b3fffd" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_4cac0cf8-6433-4925-92ac-42a148684c92" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_DebtTable_71363fc3-a3a2-4b63-8de1-4c39dfc42540" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_4cac0cf8-6433-4925-92ac-42a148684c92" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_4cac0cf8-6433-4925-92ac-42a148684c92_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_4cac0cf8-6433-4925-92ac-42a148684c92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_4cac0cf8-6433-4925-92ac-42a148684c92_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_f2684a29-3f68-4107-9067-6398af5f11ed" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_4cac0cf8-6433-4925-92ac-42a148684c92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_f2684a29-3f68-4107-9067-6398af5f11ed" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_6414e4a6-1990-4531-8c7e-f028e33cd46e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_f2684a29-3f68-4107-9067-6398af5f11ed" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_6414e4a6-1990-4531-8c7e-f028e33cd46e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_703df6ff-9e49-49e4-a8a3-293fc2c53182" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_DebtTable_71363fc3-a3a2-4b63-8de1-4c39dfc42540" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_703df6ff-9e49-49e4-a8a3-293fc2c53182" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_703df6ff-9e49-49e4-a8a3-293fc2c53182_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_703df6ff-9e49-49e4-a8a3-293fc2c53182" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_703df6ff-9e49-49e4-a8a3-293fc2c53182_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_d32d9b6c-10a9-4ea6-8568-f557ebe98d7e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_703df6ff-9e49-49e4-a8a3-293fc2c53182" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_d32d9b6c-10a9-4ea6-8568-f557ebe98d7e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_0f8a7645-f2b0-4348-b05f-cd4675e13d43" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_d32d9b6c-10a9-4ea6-8568-f557ebe98d7e" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_0f8a7645-f2b0-4348-b05f-cd4675e13d43" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_dd358e5f-8a14-4a6e-b70f-96d479b67796" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_d32d9b6c-10a9-4ea6-8568-f557ebe98d7e" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_dd358e5f-8a14-4a6e-b70f-96d479b67796" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_a0fda2cd-7e83-4df2-90a5-9a280c1de3fe" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_DebtTable_71363fc3-a3a2-4b63-8de1-4c39dfc42540" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_a0fda2cd-7e83-4df2-90a5-9a280c1de3fe" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_a0fda2cd-7e83-4df2-90a5-9a280c1de3fe_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_a0fda2cd-7e83-4df2-90a5-9a280c1de3fe" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_a0fda2cd-7e83-4df2-90a5-9a280c1de3fe_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_7fbd066b-ed18-49a4-9721-8227069f1765" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_a0fda2cd-7e83-4df2-90a5-9a280c1de3fe" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_7fbd066b-ed18-49a4-9721-8227069f1765" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_FivePointSevenFivePercentUnsecuredNotesdueJune12026Member_08aeb1dc-434d-4df2-89e2-ba195bc83ed0" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_FivePointSevenFivePercentUnsecuredNotesdueJune12026Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_7fbd066b-ed18-49a4-9721-8227069f1765" xlink:to="loc_ghc_FivePointSevenFivePercentUnsecuredNotesdueJune12026Member_08aeb1dc-434d-4df2-89e2-ba195bc83ed0" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_FiveYearCreditAgreementDatedMay302018Member_306f1132-b886-4edb-8f35-828da514acb2" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_FiveYearCreditAgreementDatedMay302018Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_7fbd066b-ed18-49a4-9721-8227069f1765" xlink:to="loc_ghc_FiveYearCreditAgreementDatedMay302018Member_306f1132-b886-4edb-8f35-828da514acb2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_USD200MillionPortionOfRevolverMember_a0d58d8c-cee7-4c72-8dd1-3dbdc8f00abb" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_USD200MillionPortionOfRevolverMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_FiveYearCreditAgreementDatedMay302018Member_306f1132-b886-4edb-8f35-828da514acb2" xlink:to="loc_ghc_USD200MillionPortionOfRevolverMember_a0d58d8c-cee7-4c72-8dd1-3dbdc8f00abb" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_Multicurrency100MillionPortionOfRevolverMember_35247959-a027-4e47-bc99-f7afca52eda3" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_Multicurrency100MillionPortionOfRevolverMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_FiveYearCreditAgreementDatedMay302018Member_306f1132-b886-4edb-8f35-828da514acb2" xlink:to="loc_ghc_Multicurrency100MillionPortionOfRevolverMember_35247959-a027-4e47-bc99-f7afca52eda3" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CommercialNoteWithTruistBankMember_f3f21a9f-8939-4d7b-8b9a-3a1be5e83cfb" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_CommercialNoteWithTruistBankMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_7fbd066b-ed18-49a4-9721-8227069f1765" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CommercialNoteWithTruistBankMember_f3f21a9f-8939-4d7b-8b9a-3a1be5e83cfb" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_PinnacleBankLoanSecurityAgreementMember_f992ac1d-5e38-4844-a016-d7bbc63137e2" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_PinnacleBankLoanSecurityAgreementMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_7fbd066b-ed18-49a4-9721-8227069f1765" xlink:to="loc_ghc_PinnacleBankLoanSecurityAgreementMember_f992ac1d-5e38-4844-a016-d7bbc63137e2" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_PinnacleBankTermLoanMember_c03fa7f8-3dcb-4a0b-a404-b23171f8a56b" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_PinnacleBankTermLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_PinnacleBankLoanSecurityAgreementMember_f992ac1d-5e38-4844-a016-d7bbc63137e2" xlink:to="loc_ghc_PinnacleBankTermLoanMember_c03fa7f8-3dcb-4a0b-a404-b23171f8a56b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_PinnacleBankLineOfCreditMember_6fd1e822-1775-4697-89d8-60d940f18e87" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_PinnacleBankLineOfCreditMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_PinnacleBankLoanSecurityAgreementMember_f992ac1d-5e38-4844-a016-d7bbc63137e2" xlink:to="loc_ghc_PinnacleBankLineOfCreditMember_6fd1e822-1775-4697-89d8-60d940f18e87" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_OtherIndebtednessMember_6d3c7ead-0985-4e97-8ff8-fa4fa5bc1373" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_OtherIndebtednessMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_7fbd066b-ed18-49a4-9721-8227069f1765" xlink:to="loc_ghc_OtherIndebtednessMember_6d3c7ead-0985-4e97-8ff8-fa4fa5bc1373" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/DebtDetails1" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#DebtDetails1"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/DebtDetails1" xlink:type="extended" id="ie67bce9b7b5f499ba35cbdb8f345676f_DebtDetails1">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ed10e51f-4a65-41e9-9443-47e58f064244" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredDebt_e5501f82-4808-40e8-a638-ad2449892473" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnsecuredDebt"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ed10e51f-4a65-41e9-9443-47e58f064244" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnsecuredDebt_e5501f82-4808-40e8-a638-ad2449892473" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_2b3013d2-14d2-45c8-bac0-273b9d85b1a5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCredit"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ed10e51f-4a65-41e9-9443-47e58f064244" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_2b3013d2-14d2-45c8-bac0-273b9d85b1a5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableToBank_d7498a53-28a4-4c88-9bee-c51924059873" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayableToBank"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ed10e51f-4a65-41e9-9443-47e58f064244" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableToBank_d7498a53-28a4-4c88-9bee-c51924059873" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansPayableToBank_d5cb1867-3fc5-436b-8a55-b7f4e29b83e4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansPayableToBank"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ed10e51f-4a65-41e9-9443-47e58f064244" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansPayableToBank_d5cb1867-3fc5-436b-8a55-b7f4e29b83e4" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLongTermDebt_286c53c2-2911-46bf-ade0-07499e1a852f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLongTermDebt"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ed10e51f-4a65-41e9-9443-47e58f064244" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLongTermDebt_286c53c2-2911-46bf-ade0-07499e1a852f" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtLongtermAndShorttermCombinedAmount_853afb9a-8751-4f61-8a73-faa06a4ff1aa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtLongtermAndShorttermCombinedAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ed10e51f-4a65-41e9-9443-47e58f064244" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtLongtermAndShorttermCombinedAmount_853afb9a-8751-4f61-8a73-faa06a4ff1aa" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_b22875c6-2808-4b0d-b01c-3be42a3a096c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ed10e51f-4a65-41e9-9443-47e58f064244" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_b22875c6-2808-4b0d-b01c-3be42a3a096c" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_2a5c89fc-1c49-4210-857f-2a1c1a7f38a5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ed10e51f-4a65-41e9-9443-47e58f064244" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_2a5c89fc-1c49-4210-857f-2a1c1a7f38a5" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_de631ae4-9beb-4835-97a3-eff528c5a06a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ed10e51f-4a65-41e9-9443-47e58f064244" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_de631ae4-9beb-4835-97a3-eff528c5a06a" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_4bb40fc5-563d-472e-8ce6-c3066ff133e2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ed10e51f-4a65-41e9-9443-47e58f064244" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_4bb40fc5-563d-472e-8ce6-c3066ff133e2" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_DebtTable_c0cef154-7b22-47c0-9e4e-3b69278f98b9" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_DebtTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_ed10e51f-4a65-41e9-9443-47e58f064244" xlink:to="loc_ghc_DebtTable_c0cef154-7b22-47c0-9e4e-3b69278f98b9" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_1aa4a942-59b5-4ac6-aff0-44a9084c05f9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_DebtTable_c0cef154-7b22-47c0-9e4e-3b69278f98b9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_1aa4a942-59b5-4ac6-aff0-44a9084c05f9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_1aa4a942-59b5-4ac6-aff0-44a9084c05f9_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_1aa4a942-59b5-4ac6-aff0-44a9084c05f9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_1aa4a942-59b5-4ac6-aff0-44a9084c05f9_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_6dc74456-14db-4240-bf68-051e73fbe64c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_1aa4a942-59b5-4ac6-aff0-44a9084c05f9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_6dc74456-14db-4240-bf68-051e73fbe64c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_FivePointSevenFivePercentUnsecuredNotesdueJune12026Member_e1061cc7-2d36-4f51-864a-41e9fbf6e614" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_FivePointSevenFivePercentUnsecuredNotesdueJune12026Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_6dc74456-14db-4240-bf68-051e73fbe64c" xlink:to="loc_ghc_FivePointSevenFivePercentUnsecuredNotesdueJune12026Member_e1061cc7-2d36-4f51-864a-41e9fbf6e614" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_FiveYearCreditAgreementDatedMay302018Member_71f36083-5547-4b49-84f8-a9248c7a8d1e" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_FiveYearCreditAgreementDatedMay302018Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_6dc74456-14db-4240-bf68-051e73fbe64c" xlink:to="loc_ghc_FiveYearCreditAgreementDatedMay302018Member_71f36083-5547-4b49-84f8-a9248c7a8d1e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CommercialNoteWithTruistBankMember_b17bb67a-d817-4584-a92a-f49d4174669b" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_CommercialNoteWithTruistBankMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_6dc74456-14db-4240-bf68-051e73fbe64c" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CommercialNoteWithTruistBankMember_b17bb67a-d817-4584-a92a-f49d4174669b" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_PinnacleBankTermLoanMember_dcf7dafd-02cc-4deb-9fe8-b8f3660bec7e" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_PinnacleBankTermLoanMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_6dc74456-14db-4240-bf68-051e73fbe64c" xlink:to="loc_ghc_PinnacleBankTermLoanMember_dcf7dafd-02cc-4deb-9fe8-b8f3660bec7e" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_PinnacleBankLineOfCreditMember_a97bb66e-1727-45fa-a33f-befd18db2623" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_PinnacleBankLineOfCreditMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_6dc74456-14db-4240-bf68-051e73fbe64c" xlink:to="loc_ghc_PinnacleBankLineOfCreditMember_a97bb66e-1727-45fa-a33f-befd18db2623" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFairValueofFinancialAssetsandLiabilitiesDetails1" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsFairValueofFinancialAssetsandLiabilitiesDetails1"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFairValueofFinancialAssetsandLiabilitiesDetails1" xlink:type="extended" id="ic98d692fd9e1467fbf3f3ef7fc632517_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueofFinancialAssetsandLiabilitiesDetails1">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_3437ca1b-0467-4179-b723-af3c37c7e168" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_9ef87cbc-c746-4510-9e52-4e49e2988966" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_3437ca1b-0467-4179-b723-af3c37c7e168" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_9ef87cbc-c746-4510-9e52-4e49e2988966" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsAtCarryingValue_b40e65d8-a68f-4789-8ad2-1f0e9eceddd5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsAtCarryingValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_9ef87cbc-c746-4510-9e52-4e49e2988966" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsAtCarryingValue_b40e65d8-a68f-4789-8ad2-1f0e9eceddd5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi_e3c3be86-eac0-4078-9cf1-51189054ac3b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_9ef87cbc-c746-4510-9e52-4e49e2988966" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi_e3c3be86-eac0-4078-9cf1-51189054ac3b" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherShortTermInvestments_0086a55f-5572-4c74-8235-e47b43ee3981" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherShortTermInvestments"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_9ef87cbc-c746-4510-9e52-4e49e2988966" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherShortTermInvestments_0086a55f-5572-4c74-8235-e47b43ee3981" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure_ddf57d33-f489-43ed-a536-c8929f5c6355" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_9ef87cbc-c746-4510-9e52-4e49e2988966" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure_ddf57d33-f489-43ed-a536-c8929f5c6355" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeAssetAtFairValue_cd91e8d0-5b61-4499-a660-2ff68419918b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeAssetAtFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_9ef87cbc-c746-4510-9e52-4e49e2988966" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeAssetAtFairValue_cd91e8d0-5b61-4499-a660-2ff68419918b" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_b54935e6-af21-4a28-a558-48d551f6e6d8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_3437ca1b-0467-4179-b723-af3c37c7e168" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_b54935e6-af21-4a28-a558-48d551f6e6d8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationLiabilityCurrentAndNoncurrent_11f98480-95ad-443f-b0bf-1a693e748f00" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationLiabilityCurrentAndNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_b54935e6-af21-4a28-a558-48d551f6e6d8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationLiabilityCurrentAndNoncurrent_11f98480-95ad-443f-b0bf-1a693e748f00" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability_5e8c64c8-9a33-4240-99f0-8c6d94b43a0f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_b54935e6-af21-4a28-a558-48d551f6e6d8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability_5e8c64c8-9a33-4240-99f0-8c6d94b43a0f" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeLiabilityAtFairValue_ec1d74ff-2fab-4a12-89b4-b07d7a4dd6c8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeLiabilityAtFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_b54935e6-af21-4a28-a558-48d551f6e6d8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeLiabilityAtFairValue_ec1d74ff-2fab-4a12-89b4-b07d7a4dd6c8" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyContractsLiabilityFairValueDisclosure_3167391c-a26f-497f-9385-cbe13ddb5a36" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyContractsLiabilityFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_b54935e6-af21-4a28-a558-48d551f6e6d8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyContractsLiabilityFairValueDisclosure_3167391c-a26f-497f-9385-cbe13ddb5a36" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesSubjectToMandatoryRedemptionSettlementTermsFairValueOfShares_0175674a-b9f5-46b5-94e0-452aee2b6bd4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesSubjectToMandatoryRedemptionSettlementTermsFairValueOfShares"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_b54935e6-af21-4a28-a558-48d551f6e6d8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesSubjectToMandatoryRedemptionSettlementTermsFairValueOfShares_0175674a-b9f5-46b5-94e0-452aee2b6bd4" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_8ec671ae-e119-4463-a159-5adb2142ec96" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_b54935e6-af21-4a28-a558-48d551f6e6d8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialLiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_8ec671ae-e119-4463-a159-5adb2142ec96" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_9492b0a1-ee60-4302-b86c-ad89a314ed29" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_3437ca1b-0467-4179-b723-af3c37c7e168" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_9492b0a1-ee60-4302-b86c-ad89a314ed29" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_34efc2e5-73e7-4e28-9d61-0b9cbf4b2303" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_9492b0a1-ee60-4302-b86c-ad89a314ed29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_34efc2e5-73e7-4e28-9d61-0b9cbf4b2303" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_34efc2e5-73e7-4e28-9d61-0b9cbf4b2303_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_34efc2e5-73e7-4e28-9d61-0b9cbf4b2303" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_34efc2e5-73e7-4e28-9d61-0b9cbf4b2303_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_0bfcbc85-d1ff-4e31-9c7b-8e99704bb09a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_34efc2e5-73e7-4e28-9d61-0b9cbf4b2303" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_0bfcbc85-d1ff-4e31-9c7b-8e99704bb09a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_fdccb392-8b71-4857-bd8f-7d9c8d925d3e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_0bfcbc85-d1ff-4e31-9c7b-8e99704bb09a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_fdccb392-8b71-4857-bd8f-7d9c8d925d3e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_3e63ba88-33f6-46c3-a144-d8bf308789f0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_0bfcbc85-d1ff-4e31-9c7b-8e99704bb09a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_3e63ba88-33f6-46c3-a144-d8bf308789f0" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_5c85b46f-7a61-40ae-afa7-2a8c31a8e666" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_0bfcbc85-d1ff-4e31-9c7b-8e99704bb09a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_5c85b46f-7a61-40ae-afa7-2a8c31a8e666" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_bf0c48ed-d7f1-4c77-aae8-0b88e55264ea" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_9492b0a1-ee60-4302-b86c-ad89a314ed29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_bf0c48ed-d7f1-4c77-aae8-0b88e55264ea" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_bf0c48ed-d7f1-4c77-aae8-0b88e55264ea_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_bf0c48ed-d7f1-4c77-aae8-0b88e55264ea" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_bf0c48ed-d7f1-4c77-aae8-0b88e55264ea_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_e70ce061-dba1-4bc7-a840-73b349729a9a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_bf0c48ed-d7f1-4c77-aae8-0b88e55264ea" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_e70ce061-dba1-4bc7-a840-73b349729a9a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_441762bd-b8af-4299-8e20-4ccc08035952" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_e70ce061-dba1-4bc7-a840-73b349729a9a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_441762bd-b8af-4299-8e20-4ccc08035952" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsReconciliationofChangesinFinancialLiabilitiesFairValueUsingLevel3InputsDetails2" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsReconciliationofChangesinFinancialLiabilitiesFairValueUsingLevel3InputsDetails2"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsReconciliationofChangesinFinancialLiabilitiesFairValueUsingLevel3InputsDetails2" xlink:type="extended" id="ic5e16090203f4fa69c1aea48bada388d_FairValueMeasurementsReconciliationofChangesinFinancialLiabilitiesFairValueUsingLevel3InputsDetails2">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_811ade3f-253b-4224-8602-48e4078168ba" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_7bef1df6-09ff-4712-a1f2-74971feafb3f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_811ade3f-253b-4224-8602-48e4078168ba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_7bef1df6-09ff-4712-a1f2-74971feafb3f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue_9a195d65-1950-4e97-834d-9769d5d08849" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_7bef1df6-09ff-4712-a1f2-74971feafb3f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue_9a195d65-1950-4e97-834d-9769d5d08849" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPurchases_6f965074-fcf3-49a2-9be1-6584167cee6d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPurchases"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_7bef1df6-09ff-4712-a1f2-74971feafb3f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPurchases_6f965074-fcf3-49a2-9be1-6584167cee6d" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossChangesInFairValue_d33ab085-a95f-450d-9a95-be875927e585" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossChangesInFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_7bef1df6-09ff-4712-a1f2-74971feafb3f" xlink:to="loc_ghc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossChangesInFairValue_d33ab085-a95f-450d-9a95-be875927e585" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityCapitalContributions_05be8a86-1300-4db6-b3c2-3ed9f72199f9" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityCapitalContributions"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_7bef1df6-09ff-4712-a1f2-74971feafb3f" xlink:to="loc_ghc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityCapitalContributions_05be8a86-1300-4db6-b3c2-3ed9f72199f9" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossAccretionIncludedInEarnings_983da9fa-3727-42a8-8526-7776950aec40" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossAccretionIncludedInEarnings"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_7bef1df6-09ff-4712-a1f2-74971feafb3f" xlink:to="loc_ghc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossAccretionIncludedInEarnings_983da9fa-3727-42a8-8526-7776950aec40" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements_bd8950c6-1836-420c-a871-458ae2da168f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_7bef1df6-09ff-4712-a1f2-74971feafb3f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements_bd8950c6-1836-420c-a871-458ae2da168f" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLoss_d06b9427-f563-49f3-9c63-76db50486cd7" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_7bef1df6-09ff-4712-a1f2-74971feafb3f" xlink:to="loc_ghc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLoss_d06b9427-f563-49f3-9c63-76db50486cd7" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue_330943bf-25eb-4a44-8bbf-1ab27d57cce6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_88e65559-8840-48bb-a622-714b1fb7033d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_811ade3f-253b-4224-8602-48e4078168ba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_88e65559-8840-48bb-a622-714b1fb7033d" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_611a2a49-2aaf-4357-8767-52e32f57522a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_88e65559-8840-48bb-a622-714b1fb7033d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_611a2a49-2aaf-4357-8767-52e32f57522a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_611a2a49-2aaf-4357-8767-52e32f57522a_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_611a2a49-2aaf-4357-8767-52e32f57522a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_611a2a49-2aaf-4357-8767-52e32f57522a_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_b29d51cc-5d9f-4d03-a70c-2f4ee1dd71b1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_611a2a49-2aaf-4357-8767-52e32f57522a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_b29d51cc-5d9f-4d03-a70c-2f4ee1dd71b1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_6ec62e6f-53aa-4b9f-8688-16da95e67bd1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_b29d51cc-5d9f-4d03-a70c-2f4ee1dd71b1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_6ec62e6f-53aa-4b9f-8688-16da95e67bd1" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_c4fef543-c25d-4668-a6ed-87b899d2d8fd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_88e65559-8840-48bb-a622-714b1fb7033d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_c4fef543-c25d-4668-a6ed-87b899d2d8fd" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_c4fef543-c25d-4668-a6ed-87b899d2d8fd_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_c4fef543-c25d-4668-a6ed-87b899d2d8fd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_c4fef543-c25d-4668-a6ed-87b899d2d8fd_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_a830f0a2-ad3e-47ab-84f9-9906b8482ca3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_c4fef543-c25d-4668-a6ed-87b899d2d8fd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_a830f0a2-ad3e-47ab-84f9-9906b8482ca3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ContingentConsiderationLiabilitiesMember_a4a6e14b-1f5e-4326-af83-50e4532d344f" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_ContingentConsiderationLiabilitiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_a830f0a2-ad3e-47ab-84f9-9906b8482ca3" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ContingentConsiderationLiabilitiesMember_a4a6e14b-1f5e-4326-af83-50e4532d344f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_MandatorilyRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestMember_ad910ab7-3c28-4a4c-9247-3ea07bf1ab03" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_MandatorilyRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_a830f0a2-ad3e-47ab-84f9-9906b8482ca3" xlink:to="loc_ghc_MandatorilyRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestMember_ad910ab7-3c28-4a4c-9247-3ea07bf1ab03" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i89b37c3bd5f447ecbbdf3c96800c46bc_IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_IncomeTaxesLineItems_8dc85dac-8c8e-43bc-8881-110d9bd4c05e" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_IncomeTaxesLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable_b1ae855e-031b-4bdb-872b-6a06c44d43a8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_IncomeTaxesLineItems_8dc85dac-8c8e-43bc-8881-110d9bd4c05e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable_b1ae855e-031b-4bdb-872b-6a06c44d43a8" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_a599b754-35a8-4e09-a6e3-7ff13a78fed7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_IncomeTaxesLineItems_8dc85dac-8c8e-43bc-8881-110d9bd4c05e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_a599b754-35a8-4e09-a6e3-7ff13a78fed7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations_0084aa9f-3953-42e3-9590-95f398f234aa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_IncomeTaxesLineItems_8dc85dac-8c8e-43bc-8881-110d9bd4c05e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations_0084aa9f-3953-42e3-9590-95f398f234aa" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAdjustmentOfDeferredTaxAssetLiability_07e127b0-f0b9-4d91-b3b5-c4384c927d97" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAdjustmentOfDeferredTaxAssetLiability"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_IncomeTaxesLineItems_8dc85dac-8c8e-43bc-8881-110d9bd4c05e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAdjustmentOfDeferredTaxAssetLiability_07e127b0-f0b9-4d91-b3b5-c4384c927d97" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_IncomeTaxesTable_03a73f2f-055d-4b6a-a0e0-16c763b563ed" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_IncomeTaxesTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ghc_IncomeTaxesLineItems_8dc85dac-8c8e-43bc-8881-110d9bd4c05e" xlink:to="loc_ghc_IncomeTaxesTable_03a73f2f-055d-4b6a-a0e0-16c763b563ed" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_5f6ae757-b74a-4987-b5b6-b03bb396deab" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_IncomeTaxesTable_03a73f2f-055d-4b6a-a0e0-16c763b563ed" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_5f6ae757-b74a-4987-b5b6-b03bb396deab" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_5f6ae757-b74a-4987-b5b6-b03bb396deab_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_5f6ae757-b74a-4987-b5b6-b03bb396deab" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_5f6ae757-b74a-4987-b5b6-b03bb396deab_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_5e139931-a9e7-492f-9b8b-307ddc110b55" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_5f6ae757-b74a-4987-b5b6-b03bb396deab" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_5e139931-a9e7-492f-9b8b-307ddc110b55" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CableOneMember_5b55abc6-bb1d-4b6c-8f0b-f58223e48fc2" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_CableOneMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_5e139931-a9e7-492f-9b8b-307ddc110b55" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CableOneMember_5b55abc6-bb1d-4b6c-8f0b-f58223e48fc2" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/RevenuefromContractswithCustomersNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#RevenuefromContractswithCustomersNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/RevenuefromContractswithCustomersNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i8ef8ba288427429ba5f20bc1892556b0_RevenuefromContractswithCustomersNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_8178c371-b2ed-45ad-b519-8fb5150c5144" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_PercentageofRevenuefromContractwithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_8d94b900-e70f-4425-819f-522a755b45d1" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_PercentageofRevenuefromContractwithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_8178c371-b2ed-45ad-b519-8fb5150c5144" xlink:to="loc_ghc_PercentageofRevenuefromContractwithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_8d94b900-e70f-4425-819f-522a755b45d1" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetNetNoncurrent_08a7021e-58cd-4477-b2b6-02fb886fee30" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetNetNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_8178c371-b2ed-45ad-b519-8fb5150c5144" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetNetNoncurrent_08a7021e-58cd-4477-b2b6-02fb886fee30" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_MinimumTermofContract_d28f3812-bef0-46c4-8e69-8a85c951efe5" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_MinimumTermofContract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_8178c371-b2ed-45ad-b519-8fb5150c5144" xlink:to="loc_ghc_MinimumTermofContract_d28f3812-bef0-46c4-8e69-8a85c951efe5" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationPercentageofRevenueExpectedtobeRecognizedOverNext12Months_7cb903a4-9472-4fbf-86a2-39bd58ee7774" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationPercentageofRevenueExpectedtobeRecognizedOverNext12Months"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_8178c371-b2ed-45ad-b519-8fb5150c5144" xlink:to="loc_ghc_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationPercentageofRevenueExpectedtobeRecognizedOverNext12Months_7cb903a4-9472-4fbf-86a2-39bd58ee7774" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_MaximumTermofContract_e7e80ff9-b03c-4123-9af0-320a6df442d3" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_MaximumTermofContract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_8178c371-b2ed-45ad-b519-8fb5150c5144" xlink:to="loc_ghc_MaximumTermofContract_e7e80ff9-b03c-4123-9af0-320a6df442d3" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_GovernmentReliefCARESAct_4c264ee6-2c40-45aa-81c9-56e56dfb6c63" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_GovernmentReliefCARESAct"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_8178c371-b2ed-45ad-b519-8fb5150c5144" xlink:to="loc_ghc_GovernmentReliefCARESAct_4c264ee6-2c40-45aa-81c9-56e56dfb6c63" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized_4ff8ba69-0e27-483c-bf3d-47e395ce7a01" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_8178c371-b2ed-45ad-b519-8fb5150c5144" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized_4ff8ba69-0e27-483c-bf3d-47e395ce7a01" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_AmountOfRevenueRecognizedFromProviderReliefFund_db8eada4-c38a-478a-9634-9d9b93cbc5b5" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_AmountOfRevenueRecognizedFromProviderReliefFund"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_8178c371-b2ed-45ad-b519-8fb5150c5144" xlink:to="loc_ghc_AmountOfRevenueRecognizedFromProviderReliefFund_db8eada4-c38a-478a-9634-9d9b93cbc5b5" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueRevenueRecognized1_77ce2cbd-2fc4-4d75-b2d0-5e89f1a02a44" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueRevenueRecognized1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_8178c371-b2ed-45ad-b519-8fb5150c5144" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueRevenueRecognized1_77ce2cbd-2fc4-4d75-b2d0-5e89f1a02a44" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationOptionalExemptionRemainingDuration_f3c193e0-3304-4635-88e8-da92b8e59642" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationOptionalExemptionRemainingDuration"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_8178c371-b2ed-45ad-b519-8fb5150c5144" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationOptionalExemptionRemainingDuration_f3c193e0-3304-4635-88e8-da92b8e59642" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1_354977a4-d332-47dd-a340-abf363150e52" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_8178c371-b2ed-45ad-b519-8fb5150c5144" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1_354977a4-d332-47dd-a340-abf363150e52" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_619cd4c1-a3c8-4f0a-b533-08e95846bc72" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_8178c371-b2ed-45ad-b519-8fb5150c5144" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_619cd4c1-a3c8-4f0a-b533-08e95846bc72" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_cf25c9ae-019d-48f2-960f-2f13f8ceade6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_619cd4c1-a3c8-4f0a-b533-08e95846bc72" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_cf25c9ae-019d-48f2-960f-2f13f8ceade6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_cf25c9ae-019d-48f2-960f-2f13f8ceade6_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_cf25c9ae-019d-48f2-960f-2f13f8ceade6" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_cf25c9ae-019d-48f2-960f-2f13f8ceade6_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_da0ff0b4-38ee-4fac-bb96-2a14fc10eb6a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_cf25c9ae-019d-48f2-960f-2f13f8ceade6" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_da0ff0b4-38ee-4fac-bb96-2a14fc10eb6a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KaplanInternationalMember_ac4bc8fc-ffa2-4fb3-860c-5b77b2ccb75e" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_KaplanInternationalMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_da0ff0b4-38ee-4fac-bb96-2a14fc10eb6a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KaplanInternationalMember_ac4bc8fc-ffa2-4fb3-860c-5b77b2ccb75e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TestPreparationMember_3ae2e7fe-0d01-4d57-a0ef-8e7c4dce8b9c" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_TestPreparationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_da0ff0b4-38ee-4fac-bb96-2a14fc10eb6a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TestPreparationMember_3ae2e7fe-0d01-4d57-a0ef-8e7c4dce8b9c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_SupplementalEducationMember_0bef67b2-d6a9-4905-b410-fce85fb8d591" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_SupplementalEducationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_da0ff0b4-38ee-4fac-bb96-2a14fc10eb6a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_SupplementalEducationMember_0bef67b2-d6a9-4905-b410-fce85fb8d591" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_a7b2db59-ae6c-4223-bbc8-11c79263bb24" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_StatementGeographicalAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_619cd4c1-a3c8-4f0a-b533-08e95846bc72" xlink:to="loc_srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_a7b2db59-ae6c-4223-bbc8-11c79263bb24" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_a7b2db59-ae6c-4223-bbc8-11c79263bb24_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_a7b2db59-ae6c-4223-bbc8-11c79263bb24" xlink:to="loc_srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_a7b2db59-ae6c-4223-bbc8-11c79263bb24_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_a04f3e60-12e9-40e2-8919-7329b02ec4b9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_a7b2db59-ae6c-4223-bbc8-11c79263bb24" xlink:to="loc_srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_a04f3e60-12e9-40e2-8919-7329b02ec4b9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_country_US_4088f784-fad5-4e40-8f3b-9b6a0271182a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2021/country-2021.xsd#country_US"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_a04f3e60-12e9-40e2-8919-7329b02ec4b9" xlink:to="loc_country_US_4088f784-fad5-4e40-8f3b-9b6a0271182a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonUsMember_8def0965-e615-443a-9635-6bda13757372" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonUsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_a04f3e60-12e9-40e2-8919-7329b02ec4b9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonUsMember_8def0965-e615-443a-9635-6bda13757372" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceAxis_7ec94170-c6ad-46a7-adcb-66de2475296c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_619cd4c1-a3c8-4f0a-b533-08e95846bc72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceAxis_7ec94170-c6ad-46a7-adcb-66de2475296c" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceDomain_7ec94170-c6ad-46a7-adcb-66de2475296c_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceAxis_7ec94170-c6ad-46a7-adcb-66de2475296c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceDomain_7ec94170-c6ad-46a7-adcb-66de2475296c_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceDomain_7f943cb2-5ddc-418f-8c42-2d19f56e655a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceAxis_7ec94170-c6ad-46a7-adcb-66de2475296c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceDomain_7f943cb2-5ddc-418f-8c42-2d19f56e655a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransferredOverTimeMember_d42fa99f-8727-4c4d-90d6-950374714371" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransferredOverTimeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceDomain_7f943cb2-5ddc-418f-8c42-2d19f56e655a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransferredOverTimeMember_d42fa99f-8727-4c4d-90d6-950374714371" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransferredAtPointInTimeMember_50e9128c-98a5-41df-aa16-ad3134d30973" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransferredAtPointInTimeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceDomain_7f943cb2-5ddc-418f-8c42-2d19f56e655a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransferredAtPointInTimeMember_50e9128c-98a5-41df-aa16-ad3134d30973" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationAxis_f51ef906-1fff-4383-bbfb-c144d80bff25" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_619cd4c1-a3c8-4f0a-b533-08e95846bc72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationAxis_f51ef906-1fff-4383-bbfb-c144d80bff25" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationDomain_f51ef906-1fff-4383-bbfb-c144d80bff25_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationAxis_f51ef906-1fff-4383-bbfb-c144d80bff25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationDomain_f51ef906-1fff-4383-bbfb-c144d80bff25_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationDomain_3e86d141-80c9-473d-a262-4b81f46ee292" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationAxis_f51ef906-1fff-4383-bbfb-c144d80bff25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationDomain_3e86d141-80c9-473d-a262-4b81f46ee292" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractWithCustomerMember_efa6c03a-1efb-4838-a4f6-b6b266906d34" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermContractWithCustomerMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationDomain_3e86d141-80c9-473d-a262-4b81f46ee292" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractWithCustomerMember_efa6c03a-1efb-4838-a4f6-b6b266906d34" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_3e7b8d64-f876-4fc9-8a13-370e264fb789" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_619cd4c1-a3c8-4f0a-b533-08e95846bc72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_3e7b8d64-f876-4fc9-8a13-370e264fb789" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_3e7b8d64-f876-4fc9-8a13-370e264fb789_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_3e7b8d64-f876-4fc9-8a13-370e264fb789" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_3e7b8d64-f876-4fc9-8a13-370e264fb789_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_b7a7933e-0d69-4fe8-818a-a0ba9b98ea17" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_3e7b8d64-f876-4fc9-8a13-370e264fb789" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_b7a7933e-0d69-4fe8-818a-a0ba9b98ea17" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CARESActReliefFromCOVID19Member_d5c67d98-b792-4db2-9c9e-75450e2eb27d" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_CARESActReliefFromCOVID19Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_b7a7933e-0d69-4fe8-818a-a0ba9b98ea17" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CARESActReliefFromCOVID19Member_d5c67d98-b792-4db2-9c9e-75450e2eb27d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_4dc829e7-e7e9-452f-80c2-fdc0ac150f9a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_619cd4c1-a3c8-4f0a-b533-08e95846bc72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_4dc829e7-e7e9-452f-80c2-fdc0ac150f9a" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_4dc829e7-e7e9-452f-80c2-fdc0ac150f9a_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_4dc829e7-e7e9-452f-80c2-fdc0ac150f9a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_4dc829e7-e7e9-452f-80c2-fdc0ac150f9a_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_e4ec7433-1036-4444-a835-3f90d4af7543" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_4dc829e7-e7e9-452f-80c2-fdc0ac150f9a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_e4ec7433-1036-4444-a835-3f90d4af7543" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CurrentDeferredRevenueMember_3eaccfe8-224d-4ecf-966a-6e730d3b9b4e" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_CurrentDeferredRevenueMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_e4ec7433-1036-4444-a835-3f90d4af7543" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CurrentDeferredRevenueMember_3eaccfe8-224d-4ecf-966a-6e730d3b9b4e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain_13a9e7ef-15e5-4852-a791-e2752ae55fff" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_e4ec7433-1036-4444-a835-3f90d4af7543" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain_13a9e7ef-15e5-4852-a791-e2752ae55fff" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CARESActFundAxis_3c247f22-bbc4-46ac-805e-fb8e5e5a0b58" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_CARESActFundAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_619cd4c1-a3c8-4f0a-b533-08e95846bc72" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CARESActFundAxis_3c247f22-bbc4-46ac-805e-fb8e5e5a0b58" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CARESActFundDomain_3c247f22-bbc4-46ac-805e-fb8e5e5a0b58_default" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_CARESActFundDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ghc_CARESActFundAxis_3c247f22-bbc4-46ac-805e-fb8e5e5a0b58" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CARESActFundDomain_3c247f22-bbc4-46ac-805e-fb8e5e5a0b58_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CARESActFundDomain_3a021526-1984-44bd-a92c-913ccdb8191a" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_CARESActFundDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ghc_CARESActFundAxis_3c247f22-bbc4-46ac-805e-fb8e5e5a0b58" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CARESActFundDomain_3a021526-1984-44bd-a92c-913ccdb8191a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_MedicareAcceleratedAdvancedPaymentProgramReliefFundMember_05db4117-8db5-405f-b772-eb4986a6a6ec" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_MedicareAcceleratedAdvancedPaymentProgramReliefFundMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_CARESActFundDomain_3a021526-1984-44bd-a92c-913ccdb8191a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_MedicareAcceleratedAdvancedPaymentProgramReliefFundMember_05db4117-8db5-405f-b772-eb4986a6a6ec" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ProviderReliefFundMember_8b2ca8ab-1c4b-4d52-836c-7134dbc41e10" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_ProviderReliefFundMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_CARESActFundDomain_3a021526-1984-44bd-a92c-913ccdb8191a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ProviderReliefFundMember_8b2ca8ab-1c4b-4d52-836c-7134dbc41e10" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_d33fb9ec-1b10-4820-bd7c-821027edcc36" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_619cd4c1-a3c8-4f0a-b533-08e95846bc72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_d33fb9ec-1b10-4820-bd7c-821027edcc36" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_d33fb9ec-1b10-4820-bd7c-821027edcc36_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_d33fb9ec-1b10-4820-bd7c-821027edcc36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_d33fb9ec-1b10-4820-bd7c-821027edcc36_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_59fdd02e-1be1-4325-b620-a83842d27d29" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_d33fb9ec-1b10-4820-bd7c-821027edcc36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_59fdd02e-1be1-4325-b620-a83842d27d29" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember_c26a2e8f-6d79-4d3d-8d86-cb54c0a0e149" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_59fdd02e-1be1-4325-b620-a83842d27d29" xlink:to="loc_ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember_c26a2e8f-6d79-4d3d-8d86-cb54c0a0e149" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionStartDateAxis_61d8ed50-e510-4914-b857-e45eaccaf534" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionStartDateAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_619cd4c1-a3c8-4f0a-b533-08e95846bc72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionStartDateAxis_61d8ed50-e510-4914-b857-e45eaccaf534" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/RevenuefromContractswithCustomersNarrativeDetails_1" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#RevenuefromContractswithCustomersNarrativeDetails_1"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/RevenuefromContractswithCustomersNarrativeDetails_1" xlink:type="extended" id="i82e74b8657cc46b7ad27403763837936_RevenuefromContractswithCustomersNarrativeDetails_1">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_8178c371-b2ed-45ad-b519-8fb5150c5144" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_PercentageofRevenuefromContractwithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_8d94b900-e70f-4425-819f-522a755b45d1" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_PercentageofRevenuefromContractwithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_8178c371-b2ed-45ad-b519-8fb5150c5144" xlink:to="loc_ghc_PercentageofRevenuefromContractwithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_8d94b900-e70f-4425-819f-522a755b45d1" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetNetNoncurrent_08a7021e-58cd-4477-b2b6-02fb886fee30" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetNetNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_8178c371-b2ed-45ad-b519-8fb5150c5144" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetNetNoncurrent_08a7021e-58cd-4477-b2b6-02fb886fee30" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_MinimumTermofContract_d28f3812-bef0-46c4-8e69-8a85c951efe5" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_MinimumTermofContract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_8178c371-b2ed-45ad-b519-8fb5150c5144" xlink:to="loc_ghc_MinimumTermofContract_d28f3812-bef0-46c4-8e69-8a85c951efe5" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationPercentageofRevenueExpectedtobeRecognizedOverNext12Months_7cb903a4-9472-4fbf-86a2-39bd58ee7774" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationPercentageofRevenueExpectedtobeRecognizedOverNext12Months"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_8178c371-b2ed-45ad-b519-8fb5150c5144" xlink:to="loc_ghc_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationPercentageofRevenueExpectedtobeRecognizedOverNext12Months_7cb903a4-9472-4fbf-86a2-39bd58ee7774" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_MaximumTermofContract_e7e80ff9-b03c-4123-9af0-320a6df442d3" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_MaximumTermofContract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_8178c371-b2ed-45ad-b519-8fb5150c5144" xlink:to="loc_ghc_MaximumTermofContract_e7e80ff9-b03c-4123-9af0-320a6df442d3" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_GovernmentReliefCARESAct_4c264ee6-2c40-45aa-81c9-56e56dfb6c63" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_GovernmentReliefCARESAct"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_8178c371-b2ed-45ad-b519-8fb5150c5144" xlink:to="loc_ghc_GovernmentReliefCARESAct_4c264ee6-2c40-45aa-81c9-56e56dfb6c63" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized_4ff8ba69-0e27-483c-bf3d-47e395ce7a01" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_8178c371-b2ed-45ad-b519-8fb5150c5144" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized_4ff8ba69-0e27-483c-bf3d-47e395ce7a01" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_AmountOfRevenueRecognizedFromProviderReliefFund_db8eada4-c38a-478a-9634-9d9b93cbc5b5" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_AmountOfRevenueRecognizedFromProviderReliefFund"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_8178c371-b2ed-45ad-b519-8fb5150c5144" xlink:to="loc_ghc_AmountOfRevenueRecognizedFromProviderReliefFund_db8eada4-c38a-478a-9634-9d9b93cbc5b5" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueRevenueRecognized1_77ce2cbd-2fc4-4d75-b2d0-5e89f1a02a44" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueRevenueRecognized1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_8178c371-b2ed-45ad-b519-8fb5150c5144" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueRevenueRecognized1_77ce2cbd-2fc4-4d75-b2d0-5e89f1a02a44" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationOptionalExemptionRemainingDuration_f3c193e0-3304-4635-88e8-da92b8e59642" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationOptionalExemptionRemainingDuration"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_8178c371-b2ed-45ad-b519-8fb5150c5144" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationOptionalExemptionRemainingDuration_f3c193e0-3304-4635-88e8-da92b8e59642" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1_354977a4-d332-47dd-a340-abf363150e52" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_8178c371-b2ed-45ad-b519-8fb5150c5144" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1_354977a4-d332-47dd-a340-abf363150e52" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_619cd4c1-a3c8-4f0a-b533-08e95846bc72" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_8178c371-b2ed-45ad-b519-8fb5150c5144" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_619cd4c1-a3c8-4f0a-b533-08e95846bc72" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_cf25c9ae-019d-48f2-960f-2f13f8ceade6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_619cd4c1-a3c8-4f0a-b533-08e95846bc72" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_cf25c9ae-019d-48f2-960f-2f13f8ceade6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_cf25c9ae-019d-48f2-960f-2f13f8ceade6_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_cf25c9ae-019d-48f2-960f-2f13f8ceade6" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_cf25c9ae-019d-48f2-960f-2f13f8ceade6_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_da0ff0b4-38ee-4fac-bb96-2a14fc10eb6a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_cf25c9ae-019d-48f2-960f-2f13f8ceade6" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_da0ff0b4-38ee-4fac-bb96-2a14fc10eb6a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KaplanInternationalMember_ac4bc8fc-ffa2-4fb3-860c-5b77b2ccb75e" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_KaplanInternationalMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_da0ff0b4-38ee-4fac-bb96-2a14fc10eb6a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KaplanInternationalMember_ac4bc8fc-ffa2-4fb3-860c-5b77b2ccb75e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TestPreparationMember_3ae2e7fe-0d01-4d57-a0ef-8e7c4dce8b9c" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_TestPreparationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_da0ff0b4-38ee-4fac-bb96-2a14fc10eb6a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TestPreparationMember_3ae2e7fe-0d01-4d57-a0ef-8e7c4dce8b9c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_SupplementalEducationMember_0bef67b2-d6a9-4905-b410-fce85fb8d591" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_SupplementalEducationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_da0ff0b4-38ee-4fac-bb96-2a14fc10eb6a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_SupplementalEducationMember_0bef67b2-d6a9-4905-b410-fce85fb8d591" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_a7b2db59-ae6c-4223-bbc8-11c79263bb24" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_StatementGeographicalAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_619cd4c1-a3c8-4f0a-b533-08e95846bc72" xlink:to="loc_srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_a7b2db59-ae6c-4223-bbc8-11c79263bb24" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_a7b2db59-ae6c-4223-bbc8-11c79263bb24_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_a7b2db59-ae6c-4223-bbc8-11c79263bb24" xlink:to="loc_srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_a7b2db59-ae6c-4223-bbc8-11c79263bb24_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_a04f3e60-12e9-40e2-8919-7329b02ec4b9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_a7b2db59-ae6c-4223-bbc8-11c79263bb24" xlink:to="loc_srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_a04f3e60-12e9-40e2-8919-7329b02ec4b9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_country_US_4088f784-fad5-4e40-8f3b-9b6a0271182a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2021/country-2021.xsd#country_US"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_a04f3e60-12e9-40e2-8919-7329b02ec4b9" xlink:to="loc_country_US_4088f784-fad5-4e40-8f3b-9b6a0271182a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonUsMember_8def0965-e615-443a-9635-6bda13757372" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonUsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_a04f3e60-12e9-40e2-8919-7329b02ec4b9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonUsMember_8def0965-e615-443a-9635-6bda13757372" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceAxis_7ec94170-c6ad-46a7-adcb-66de2475296c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_619cd4c1-a3c8-4f0a-b533-08e95846bc72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceAxis_7ec94170-c6ad-46a7-adcb-66de2475296c" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceDomain_7ec94170-c6ad-46a7-adcb-66de2475296c_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceAxis_7ec94170-c6ad-46a7-adcb-66de2475296c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceDomain_7ec94170-c6ad-46a7-adcb-66de2475296c_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceDomain_7f943cb2-5ddc-418f-8c42-2d19f56e655a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceAxis_7ec94170-c6ad-46a7-adcb-66de2475296c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceDomain_7f943cb2-5ddc-418f-8c42-2d19f56e655a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransferredOverTimeMember_d42fa99f-8727-4c4d-90d6-950374714371" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransferredOverTimeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceDomain_7f943cb2-5ddc-418f-8c42-2d19f56e655a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransferredOverTimeMember_d42fa99f-8727-4c4d-90d6-950374714371" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransferredAtPointInTimeMember_50e9128c-98a5-41df-aa16-ad3134d30973" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransferredAtPointInTimeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceDomain_7f943cb2-5ddc-418f-8c42-2d19f56e655a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransferredAtPointInTimeMember_50e9128c-98a5-41df-aa16-ad3134d30973" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationAxis_f51ef906-1fff-4383-bbfb-c144d80bff25" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_619cd4c1-a3c8-4f0a-b533-08e95846bc72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationAxis_f51ef906-1fff-4383-bbfb-c144d80bff25" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationDomain_f51ef906-1fff-4383-bbfb-c144d80bff25_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationAxis_f51ef906-1fff-4383-bbfb-c144d80bff25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationDomain_f51ef906-1fff-4383-bbfb-c144d80bff25_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationDomain_3e86d141-80c9-473d-a262-4b81f46ee292" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationAxis_f51ef906-1fff-4383-bbfb-c144d80bff25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationDomain_3e86d141-80c9-473d-a262-4b81f46ee292" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractWithCustomerMember_efa6c03a-1efb-4838-a4f6-b6b266906d34" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermContractWithCustomerMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationDomain_3e86d141-80c9-473d-a262-4b81f46ee292" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractWithCustomerMember_efa6c03a-1efb-4838-a4f6-b6b266906d34" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_3e7b8d64-f876-4fc9-8a13-370e264fb789" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_619cd4c1-a3c8-4f0a-b533-08e95846bc72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_3e7b8d64-f876-4fc9-8a13-370e264fb789" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_3e7b8d64-f876-4fc9-8a13-370e264fb789_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_3e7b8d64-f876-4fc9-8a13-370e264fb789" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_3e7b8d64-f876-4fc9-8a13-370e264fb789_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_b7a7933e-0d69-4fe8-818a-a0ba9b98ea17" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis_3e7b8d64-f876-4fc9-8a13-370e264fb789" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_b7a7933e-0d69-4fe8-818a-a0ba9b98ea17" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CARESActReliefFromCOVID19Member_d5c67d98-b792-4db2-9c9e-75450e2eb27d" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_CARESActReliefFromCOVID19Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_b7a7933e-0d69-4fe8-818a-a0ba9b98ea17" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CARESActReliefFromCOVID19Member_d5c67d98-b792-4db2-9c9e-75450e2eb27d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_4dc829e7-e7e9-452f-80c2-fdc0ac150f9a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_619cd4c1-a3c8-4f0a-b533-08e95846bc72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_4dc829e7-e7e9-452f-80c2-fdc0ac150f9a" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_4dc829e7-e7e9-452f-80c2-fdc0ac150f9a_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_4dc829e7-e7e9-452f-80c2-fdc0ac150f9a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_4dc829e7-e7e9-452f-80c2-fdc0ac150f9a_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_e4ec7433-1036-4444-a835-3f90d4af7543" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_4dc829e7-e7e9-452f-80c2-fdc0ac150f9a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_e4ec7433-1036-4444-a835-3f90d4af7543" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CurrentDeferredRevenueMember_3eaccfe8-224d-4ecf-966a-6e730d3b9b4e" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_CurrentDeferredRevenueMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_e4ec7433-1036-4444-a835-3f90d4af7543" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CurrentDeferredRevenueMember_3eaccfe8-224d-4ecf-966a-6e730d3b9b4e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain_13a9e7ef-15e5-4852-a791-e2752ae55fff" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_e4ec7433-1036-4444-a835-3f90d4af7543" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain_13a9e7ef-15e5-4852-a791-e2752ae55fff" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CARESActFundAxis_3c247f22-bbc4-46ac-805e-fb8e5e5a0b58" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_CARESActFundAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_619cd4c1-a3c8-4f0a-b533-08e95846bc72" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CARESActFundAxis_3c247f22-bbc4-46ac-805e-fb8e5e5a0b58" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CARESActFundDomain_3c247f22-bbc4-46ac-805e-fb8e5e5a0b58_default" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_CARESActFundDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ghc_CARESActFundAxis_3c247f22-bbc4-46ac-805e-fb8e5e5a0b58" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CARESActFundDomain_3c247f22-bbc4-46ac-805e-fb8e5e5a0b58_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_CARESActFundDomain_3a021526-1984-44bd-a92c-913ccdb8191a" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_CARESActFundDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ghc_CARESActFundAxis_3c247f22-bbc4-46ac-805e-fb8e5e5a0b58" xlink:to="loc_ghc_CARESActFundDomain_3a021526-1984-44bd-a92c-913ccdb8191a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_MedicareAcceleratedAdvancedPaymentProgramReliefFundMember_05db4117-8db5-405f-b772-eb4986a6a6ec" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_MedicareAcceleratedAdvancedPaymentProgramReliefFundMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_CARESActFundDomain_3a021526-1984-44bd-a92c-913ccdb8191a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_MedicareAcceleratedAdvancedPaymentProgramReliefFundMember_05db4117-8db5-405f-b772-eb4986a6a6ec" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ProviderReliefFundMember_8b2ca8ab-1c4b-4d52-836c-7134dbc41e10" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_ProviderReliefFundMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_CARESActFundDomain_3a021526-1984-44bd-a92c-913ccdb8191a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ProviderReliefFundMember_8b2ca8ab-1c4b-4d52-836c-7134dbc41e10" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_d33fb9ec-1b10-4820-bd7c-821027edcc36" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_619cd4c1-a3c8-4f0a-b533-08e95846bc72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_d33fb9ec-1b10-4820-bd7c-821027edcc36" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_d33fb9ec-1b10-4820-bd7c-821027edcc36_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_d33fb9ec-1b10-4820-bd7c-821027edcc36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_d33fb9ec-1b10-4820-bd7c-821027edcc36_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_59fdd02e-1be1-4325-b620-a83842d27d29" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_d33fb9ec-1b10-4820-bd7c-821027edcc36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_59fdd02e-1be1-4325-b620-a83842d27d29" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember_c26a2e8f-6d79-4d3d-8d86-cb54c0a0e149" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_59fdd02e-1be1-4325-b620-a83842d27d29" xlink:to="loc_ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember_c26a2e8f-6d79-4d3d-8d86-cb54c0a0e149" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/RevenuefromContractswithCustomersNarrative2Details" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#RevenuefromContractswithCustomersNarrative2Details"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/RevenuefromContractswithCustomersNarrative2Details" xlink:type="extended" id="ie72ba312881c44d883b29d1c5bdfa04a_RevenuefromContractswithCustomersNarrative2Details">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionLineItems_a09e8b75-406e-4232-af2b-3b8092655961" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligation_5817fe69-1dea-46aa-ab6a-a2193e4e093f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligation"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionLineItems_a09e8b75-406e-4232-af2b-3b8092655961" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligation_5817fe69-1dea-46aa-ab6a-a2193e4e093f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1_75465db9-9076-4ab5-928b-8d06fb646f0f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionLineItems_a09e8b75-406e-4232-af2b-3b8092655961" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1_75465db9-9076-4ab5-928b-8d06fb646f0f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionTable_70c1d597-6a72-4359-9e8f-1b54d3ad3f4a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionLineItems_a09e8b75-406e-4232-af2b-3b8092655961" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionTable_70c1d597-6a72-4359-9e8f-1b54d3ad3f4a" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_d8bb402c-3553-4de8-a516-f42fbe40da33" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionTable_70c1d597-6a72-4359-9e8f-1b54d3ad3f4a" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_d8bb402c-3553-4de8-a516-f42fbe40da33" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_d8bb402c-3553-4de8-a516-f42fbe40da33_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_d8bb402c-3553-4de8-a516-f42fbe40da33" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_d8bb402c-3553-4de8-a516-f42fbe40da33_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_8937131a-eb0e-4365-848a-fb9ce8a6be44" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_d8bb402c-3553-4de8-a516-f42fbe40da33" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_8937131a-eb0e-4365-848a-fb9ce8a6be44" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KaplanInternationalMember_f5777186-444f-43b3-89bb-c33663f37724" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_KaplanInternationalMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_8937131a-eb0e-4365-848a-fb9ce8a6be44" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KaplanInternationalMember_f5777186-444f-43b3-89bb-c33663f37724" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TestPreparationMember_9fc6d670-0cf9-478c-9a81-d40a2f711af1" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_TestPreparationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_8937131a-eb0e-4365-848a-fb9ce8a6be44" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TestPreparationMember_9fc6d670-0cf9-478c-9a81-d40a2f711af1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_SupplementalEducationMember_2f95bff5-f6c4-4597-82fe-35486a304e9e" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_SupplementalEducationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_8937131a-eb0e-4365-848a-fb9ce8a6be44" xlink:to="loc_ghc_SupplementalEducationMember_2f95bff5-f6c4-4597-82fe-35486a304e9e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationAxis_2409d2ec-57e3-4931-ae65-3985cb115301" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionTable_70c1d597-6a72-4359-9e8f-1b54d3ad3f4a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationAxis_2409d2ec-57e3-4931-ae65-3985cb115301" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationDomain_2409d2ec-57e3-4931-ae65-3985cb115301_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationAxis_2409d2ec-57e3-4931-ae65-3985cb115301" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationDomain_2409d2ec-57e3-4931-ae65-3985cb115301_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationDomain_4cda0728-f3fe-433e-b9a1-39ccff68eeef" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationAxis_2409d2ec-57e3-4931-ae65-3985cb115301" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationDomain_4cda0728-f3fe-433e-b9a1-39ccff68eeef" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractWithCustomerMember_fab8786f-1945-45de-9953-75a9961f5f58" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermContractWithCustomerMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationDomain_4cda0728-f3fe-433e-b9a1-39ccff68eeef" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractWithCustomerMember_fab8786f-1945-45de-9953-75a9961f5f58" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionStartDateAxis_d2278636-f3ba-4269-986d-9d250a294b76" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionStartDateAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionTable_70c1d597-6a72-4359-9e8f-1b54d3ad3f4a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionStartDateAxis_d2278636-f3ba-4269-986d-9d250a294b76" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/RevenuefromContractswithCustomersNarrative2Details_1" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#RevenuefromContractswithCustomersNarrative2Details_1"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/RevenuefromContractswithCustomersNarrative2Details_1" xlink:type="extended" id="i73d2020988cd4953b78d1f6bf720d770_RevenuefromContractswithCustomersNarrative2Details_1">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionLineItems_a09e8b75-406e-4232-af2b-3b8092655961" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligation_5817fe69-1dea-46aa-ab6a-a2193e4e093f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligation"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionLineItems_a09e8b75-406e-4232-af2b-3b8092655961" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligation_5817fe69-1dea-46aa-ab6a-a2193e4e093f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1_75465db9-9076-4ab5-928b-8d06fb646f0f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionLineItems_a09e8b75-406e-4232-af2b-3b8092655961" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1_75465db9-9076-4ab5-928b-8d06fb646f0f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionTable_70c1d597-6a72-4359-9e8f-1b54d3ad3f4a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionLineItems_a09e8b75-406e-4232-af2b-3b8092655961" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionTable_70c1d597-6a72-4359-9e8f-1b54d3ad3f4a" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_d8bb402c-3553-4de8-a516-f42fbe40da33" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionTable_70c1d597-6a72-4359-9e8f-1b54d3ad3f4a" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_d8bb402c-3553-4de8-a516-f42fbe40da33" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_d8bb402c-3553-4de8-a516-f42fbe40da33_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_d8bb402c-3553-4de8-a516-f42fbe40da33" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_d8bb402c-3553-4de8-a516-f42fbe40da33_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_8937131a-eb0e-4365-848a-fb9ce8a6be44" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_d8bb402c-3553-4de8-a516-f42fbe40da33" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_8937131a-eb0e-4365-848a-fb9ce8a6be44" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KaplanInternationalMember_f5777186-444f-43b3-89bb-c33663f37724" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_KaplanInternationalMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_8937131a-eb0e-4365-848a-fb9ce8a6be44" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KaplanInternationalMember_f5777186-444f-43b3-89bb-c33663f37724" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TestPreparationMember_9fc6d670-0cf9-478c-9a81-d40a2f711af1" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_TestPreparationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_8937131a-eb0e-4365-848a-fb9ce8a6be44" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TestPreparationMember_9fc6d670-0cf9-478c-9a81-d40a2f711af1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_SupplementalEducationMember_2f95bff5-f6c4-4597-82fe-35486a304e9e" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_SupplementalEducationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_8937131a-eb0e-4365-848a-fb9ce8a6be44" xlink:to="loc_ghc_SupplementalEducationMember_2f95bff5-f6c4-4597-82fe-35486a304e9e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationAxis_2409d2ec-57e3-4931-ae65-3985cb115301" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionTable_70c1d597-6a72-4359-9e8f-1b54d3ad3f4a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationAxis_2409d2ec-57e3-4931-ae65-3985cb115301" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationDomain_2409d2ec-57e3-4931-ae65-3985cb115301_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationAxis_2409d2ec-57e3-4931-ae65-3985cb115301" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationDomain_2409d2ec-57e3-4931-ae65-3985cb115301_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationDomain_4cda0728-f3fe-433e-b9a1-39ccff68eeef" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationAxis_2409d2ec-57e3-4931-ae65-3985cb115301" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationDomain_4cda0728-f3fe-433e-b9a1-39ccff68eeef" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractWithCustomerMember_fab8786f-1945-45de-9953-75a9961f5f58" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermContractWithCustomerMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerDurationDomain_4cda0728-f3fe-433e-b9a1-39ccff68eeef" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermContractWithCustomerMember_fab8786f-1945-45de-9953-75a9961f5f58" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/EarningsPerShareNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#EarningsPerShareNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/EarningsPerShareNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i5eee2537ef7d4201a45374ac5dc94f6b_EarningsPerShareNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_440b585f-784a-4e9a-a0ae-584c103b964b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_f99c08dc-b353-4cdd-865b-0daa6039427e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_440b585f-784a-4e9a-a0ae-584c103b964b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_f99c08dc-b353-4cdd-865b-0daa6039427e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_0b52b0a5-76c2-41e6-ba70-05908a2b3118" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_440b585f-784a-4e9a-a0ae-584c103b964b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_0b52b0a5-76c2-41e6-ba70-05908a2b3118" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_fda788f8-ab8f-4950-9fe0-c039ad0552af" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_440b585f-784a-4e9a-a0ae-584c103b964b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_fda788f8-ab8f-4950-9fe0-c039ad0552af" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_97f69182-0f06-4bb2-b9fa-14606d88e34d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_fda788f8-ab8f-4950-9fe0-c039ad0552af" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_97f69182-0f06-4bb2-b9fa-14606d88e34d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_97f69182-0f06-4bb2-b9fa-14606d88e34d_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_97f69182-0f06-4bb2-b9fa-14606d88e34d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_97f69182-0f06-4bb2-b9fa-14606d88e34d_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_28c9e14c-16be-4ae8-af63-ebaf7cc4dffa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_97f69182-0f06-4bb2-b9fa-14606d88e34d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_28c9e14c-16be-4ae8-af63-ebaf7cc4dffa" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_450d9483-c49f-440c-90be-3ed6ae8b31fa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_28c9e14c-16be-4ae8-af63-ebaf7cc4dffa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_450d9483-c49f-440c-90be-3ed6ae8b31fa" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails1" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#EarningsPerShareDetails1"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails1" xlink:type="extended" id="i70d9367d2c284cdd889cc92be5699b17_EarningsPerShareDetails1">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodLineItems_4e66c97d-49fb-4112-b352-ec71b27d3cf4" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_7bdf4cbb-1946-43cf-85a1-b780b185fc65" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodLineItems_4e66c97d-49fb-4112-b352-ec71b27d3cf4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_7bdf4cbb-1946-43cf-85a1-b780b185fc65" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_DividendsPaidCommonStockAndSharebasedCompensationCash_83c9944f-4836-4fb3-9d22-43b2bbb99048" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_DividendsPaidCommonStockAndSharebasedCompensationCash"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodLineItems_4e66c97d-49fb-4112-b352-ec71b27d3cf4" xlink:to="loc_ghc_DividendsPaidCommonStockAndSharebasedCompensationCash_83c9944f-4836-4fb3-9d22-43b2bbb99048" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UndistributedEarnings_c320c3bc-162e-4c3c-81f6-1c054578c46e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UndistributedEarnings"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodLineItems_4e66c97d-49fb-4112-b352-ec71b27d3cf4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UndistributedEarnings_c320c3bc-162e-4c3c-81f6-1c054578c46e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_PercentageOfUndistributedEarningsAllocatedToCommonStockholders_c97d173d-522e-4cda-b911-f9cb7bb954b6" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_PercentageOfUndistributedEarningsAllocatedToCommonStockholders"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodLineItems_4e66c97d-49fb-4112-b352-ec71b27d3cf4" xlink:to="loc_ghc_PercentageOfUndistributedEarningsAllocatedToCommonStockholders_c97d173d-522e-4cda-b911-f9cb7bb954b6" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_UndistributedEarningsAllocatedToCommonStockholders_11a97399-4f51-4bfc-8d27-12aa3c79f384" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_UndistributedEarningsAllocatedToCommonStockholders"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodLineItems_4e66c97d-49fb-4112-b352-ec71b27d3cf4" xlink:to="loc_ghc_UndistributedEarningsAllocatedToCommonStockholders_11a97399-4f51-4bfc-8d27-12aa3c79f384" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash_fd376d90-8f5c-46a5-9a79-17dcf990efa0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodLineItems_4e66c97d-49fb-4112-b352-ec71b27d3cf4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash_fd376d90-8f5c-46a5-9a79-17dcf990efa0" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_705daeb5-c6b2-4aa1-a4d9-e74c0652bb05" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodLineItems_4e66c97d-49fb-4112-b352-ec71b27d3cf4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_705daeb5-c6b2-4aa1-a4d9-e74c0652bb05" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_AdditionalUndistributedEarningsDueToDilutiveStockOptions_9090aef8-e5d9-457f-8871-88ea35305701" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_AdditionalUndistributedEarningsDueToDilutiveStockOptions"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodLineItems_4e66c97d-49fb-4112-b352-ec71b27d3cf4" xlink:to="loc_ghc_AdditionalUndistributedEarningsDueToDilutiveStockOptions_9090aef8-e5d9-457f-8871-88ea35305701" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted_e21b90ca-9d0e-4f60-88ab-f5bf39197339" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodLineItems_4e66c97d-49fb-4112-b352-ec71b27d3cf4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted_e21b90ca-9d0e-4f60-88ab-f5bf39197339" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_4043b60f-baa3-4499-86d4-5afb51d9a092" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodLineItems_4e66c97d-49fb-4112-b352-ec71b27d3cf4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_4043b60f-baa3-4499-86d4-5afb51d9a092" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_aca3da7d-e91d-4922-b0f6-309eaa2aef96" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodLineItems_4e66c97d-49fb-4112-b352-ec71b27d3cf4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_aca3da7d-e91d-4922-b0f6-309eaa2aef96" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_562c2793-b584-4f33-94ba-972bcd3a7acb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodLineItems_4e66c97d-49fb-4112-b352-ec71b27d3cf4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_562c2793-b584-4f33-94ba-972bcd3a7acb" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_IncomePerShareFromContinuingOperationsToCommonStockholdersAbstract_88ad514f-f624-43ae-9872-2851edcb2500" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_IncomePerShareFromContinuingOperationsToCommonStockholdersAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodLineItems_4e66c97d-49fb-4112-b352-ec71b27d3cf4" xlink:to="loc_ghc_IncomePerShareFromContinuingOperationsToCommonStockholdersAbstract_88ad514f-f624-43ae-9872-2851edcb2500" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_ff704a4f-f473-44cb-bcb1-cb07d228ecb5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodLineItems_4e66c97d-49fb-4112-b352-ec71b27d3cf4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_ff704a4f-f473-44cb-bcb1-cb07d228ecb5" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_4d8d3556-8c7f-48dc-9c85-d75ceec1aebf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodLineItems_4e66c97d-49fb-4112-b352-ec71b27d3cf4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_4d8d3556-8c7f-48dc-9c85-d75ceec1aebf" xlink:type="arc" order="14"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodTable_2007d0a6-c74c-4d08-83ec-dee3f1aae2ff" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodLineItems_4e66c97d-49fb-4112-b352-ec71b27d3cf4" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodTable_2007d0a6-c74c-4d08-83ec-dee3f1aae2ff" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_c108d27e-c080-46bb-ab0f-d57b5f0faeee" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofEarningsPerShareBasicandDilutedIncludingTwoClassMethodTable_2007d0a6-c74c-4d08-83ec-dee3f1aae2ff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_c108d27e-c080-46bb-ab0f-d57b5f0faeee" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_c108d27e-c080-46bb-ab0f-d57b5f0faeee_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_c108d27e-c080-46bb-ab0f-d57b5f0faeee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_c108d27e-c080-46bb-ab0f-d57b5f0faeee_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_8cc656a1-f668-4bfd-bdc5-cecedbbaa1ed" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_c108d27e-c080-46bb-ab0f-d57b5f0faeee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_8cc656a1-f668-4bfd-bdc5-cecedbbaa1ed" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_ec6a4756-fd92-43a9-8e1b-364f14b01fdd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_8cc656a1-f668-4bfd-bdc5-cecedbbaa1ed" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_ec6a4756-fd92-43a9-8e1b-364f14b01fdd" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails2" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#EarningsPerShareDetails2"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails2" xlink:type="extended" id="i0cc7a8a2921645c18e68758c600bce03_EarningsPerShareDetails2">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_6de9d974-dab7-405b-99be-ae5005e406bd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_0b33b5c3-3804-4d2b-ae31-91227332a42d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_6de9d974-dab7-405b-99be-ae5005e406bd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_0b33b5c3-3804-4d2b-ae31-91227332a42d" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_72cf32aa-ce1b-46d7-88e7-0275044e1237" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_6de9d974-dab7-405b-99be-ae5005e406bd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_72cf32aa-ce1b-46d7-88e7-0275044e1237" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_863ffe2c-b6a7-49e0-a196-a7b869448b04" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_72cf32aa-ce1b-46d7-88e7-0275044e1237" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_863ffe2c-b6a7-49e0-a196-a7b869448b04" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_863ffe2c-b6a7-49e0-a196-a7b869448b04_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_863ffe2c-b6a7-49e0-a196-a7b869448b04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_863ffe2c-b6a7-49e0-a196-a7b869448b04_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_b43f2928-c8e3-4a5f-b7fd-b75fff89387d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_863ffe2c-b6a7-49e0-a196-a7b869448b04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_b43f2928-c8e3-4a5f-b7fd-b75fff89387d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_c9240390-a1c2-41f0-bc37-878f5d3fee72" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_b43f2928-c8e3-4a5f-b7fd-b75fff89387d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_c9240390-a1c2-41f0-bc37-878f5d3fee72" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_f7863e34-688e-4087-8286-a7862d135ea5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_b43f2928-c8e3-4a5f-b7fd-b75fff89387d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_f7863e34-688e-4087-8286-a7862d135ea5" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/PensionandPostretirementPlansTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#PensionandPostretirementPlansTables"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/PensionandPostretirementPlansTables" xlink:type="extended" id="i08b3336a738f437dbe32a71a88682c12_PensionandPostretirementPlansTables">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_c3ff8821-6827-404f-b441-b6100b43663f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNetBenefitCostsTableTextBlock_d71d92a5-2539-41ce-9cfd-cb69c98a2df0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfNetBenefitCostsTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_c3ff8821-6827-404f-b441-b6100b43663f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNetBenefitCostsTableTextBlock_d71d92a5-2539-41ce-9cfd-cb69c98a2df0" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAllocationOfPlanAssetsTableTextBlock_0a0eed7a-64fe-41b6-87e3-dfadb9e63215" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAllocationOfPlanAssetsTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_c3ff8821-6827-404f-b441-b6100b43663f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAllocationOfPlanAssetsTableTextBlock_0a0eed7a-64fe-41b6-87e3-dfadb9e63215" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_ca5ddf4c-b049-4321-9ad9-30401b380a15" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_c3ff8821-6827-404f-b441-b6100b43663f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_ca5ddf4c-b049-4321-9ad9-30401b380a15" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_6aae5897-dffb-46e0-aab2-a6f54473f304" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_ca5ddf4c-b049-4321-9ad9-30401b380a15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_6aae5897-dffb-46e0-aab2-a6f54473f304" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_6aae5897-dffb-46e0-aab2-a6f54473f304_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_6aae5897-dffb-46e0-aab2-a6f54473f304" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_6aae5897-dffb-46e0-aab2-a6f54473f304_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_47903432-5e0e-4f1e-8a6f-11b928e65cd4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_6aae5897-dffb-46e0-aab2-a6f54473f304" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_47903432-5e0e-4f1e-8a6f-11b928e65cd4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_156e3d65-b64c-4524-92e4-13b6ae80c1ba" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_47903432-5e0e-4f1e-8a6f-11b928e65cd4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_156e3d65-b64c-4524-92e4-13b6ae80c1ba" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember_3f6b5f5c-19c1-42b8-8b44-b97c2ba12cb4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_47903432-5e0e-4f1e-8a6f-11b928e65cd4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember_3f6b5f5c-19c1-42b8-8b44-b97c2ba12cb4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_0b25ecd7-c4f9-423d-961b-640e33d4e678" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_47903432-5e0e-4f1e-8a6f-11b928e65cd4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_0b25ecd7-c4f9-423d-961b-640e33d4e678" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/PensionandPostretirementPlansNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#PensionandPostretirementPlansNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/PensionandPostretirementPlansNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i8f150b8656ca4252a830dab76a6fd6b9_PensionandPostretirementPlansNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_e45cfde7-e2e5-4b97-9bee-d4ce4beaf868" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCostOfProvidingSpecialOrContractualTerminationBenefitRecognizedDuringPeriod_d105ac09-8dff-473b-9af9-d8d13dd58964" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCostOfProvidingSpecialOrContractualTerminationBenefitRecognizedDuringPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_e45cfde7-e2e5-4b97-9bee-d4ce4beaf868" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCostOfProvidingSpecialOrContractualTerminationBenefitRecognizedDuringPeriod_d105ac09-8dff-473b-9af9-d8d13dd58964" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_PercentofPlanAssetsManagedInternallybyCompany_05674b21-5bc6-48ac-b41e-9d503c002f36" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_PercentofPlanAssetsManagedInternallybyCompany"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_e45cfde7-e2e5-4b97-9bee-d4ce4beaf868" xlink:to="loc_ghc_PercentofPlanAssetsManagedInternallybyCompany_05674b21-5bc6-48ac-b41e-9d503c002f36" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_PercentOfPlanAssetsManagedByInvestmentCompanies_71c214bd-bb21-4bbe-9b2a-c5edcad9d1f1" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_PercentOfPlanAssetsManagedByInvestmentCompanies"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_e45cfde7-e2e5-4b97-9bee-d4ce4beaf868" xlink:to="loc_ghc_PercentOfPlanAssetsManagedByInvestmentCompanies_71c214bd-bb21-4bbe-9b2a-c5edcad9d1f1" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_NumberOfInvestmentCompaniesManagingPlanAssets_f6e6e62a-4eb9-458c-9530-58b9c4de80cd" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_NumberOfInvestmentCompaniesManagingPlanAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_e45cfde7-e2e5-4b97-9bee-d4ce4beaf868" xlink:to="loc_ghc_NumberOfInvestmentCompaniesManagingPlanAssets_f6e6e62a-4eb9-458c-9530-58b9c4de80cd" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetAllocationPercentageOfAssetsSingularEquitySecurityLimitWithoutApprovalOfPlanAdministrator_a1ee0c2d-0e14-4212-b439-8f6e6beb45dc" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetAllocationPercentageOfAssetsSingularEquitySecurityLimitWithoutApprovalOfPlanAdministrator"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_e45cfde7-e2e5-4b97-9bee-d4ce4beaf868" xlink:to="loc_ghc_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetAllocationPercentageOfAssetsSingularEquitySecurityLimitWithoutApprovalOfPlanAdministrator_a1ee0c2d-0e14-4212-b439-8f6e6beb45dc" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsTargetAllocationPercentage_74009ba1-9bf8-48a3-ade7-66ed1481a1b8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsTargetAllocationPercentage"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_e45cfde7-e2e5-4b97-9bee-d4ce4beaf868" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsTargetAllocationPercentage_74009ba1-9bf8-48a3-ade7-66ed1481a1b8" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_8869cda9-4ed4-4cca-a6bb-e1d089811e46" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_e45cfde7-e2e5-4b97-9bee-d4ce4beaf868" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_8869cda9-4ed4-4cca-a6bb-e1d089811e46" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_NumberOfInvestmentsCompanysPensionPlanHeldWhichIndividuallyExceed10PercentOfTotalPlanAssets_db142add-7830-4814-9a8e-9f03bb125930" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_NumberOfInvestmentsCompanysPensionPlanHeldWhichIndividuallyExceed10PercentOfTotalPlanAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_e45cfde7-e2e5-4b97-9bee-d4ce4beaf868" xlink:to="loc_ghc_NumberOfInvestmentsCompanysPensionPlanHeldWhichIndividuallyExceed10PercentOfTotalPlanAssets_db142add-7830-4814-9a8e-9f03bb125930" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Investments_5b603805-84bc-495c-8987-dad63806be0b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Investments"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_e45cfde7-e2e5-4b97-9bee-d4ce4beaf868" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Investments_5b603805-84bc-495c-8987-dad63806be0b" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssetAllocations_8c74cd9f-f447-43b9-bb6f-82df5692d492" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssetAllocations"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_e45cfde7-e2e5-4b97-9bee-d4ce4beaf868" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssetAllocations_8c74cd9f-f447-43b9-bb6f-82df5692d492" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_41628543-8039-46b7-bae1-52c0a3f01a75" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_e45cfde7-e2e5-4b97-9bee-d4ce4beaf868" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_41628543-8039-46b7-bae1-52c0a3f01a75" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_53c47fcf-ab25-46e5-a5e6-40d8d100f6fc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_41628543-8039-46b7-bae1-52c0a3f01a75" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_53c47fcf-ab25-46e5-a5e6-40d8d100f6fc" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_53c47fcf-ab25-46e5-a5e6-40d8d100f6fc_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_53c47fcf-ab25-46e5-a5e6-40d8d100f6fc" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_53c47fcf-ab25-46e5-a5e6-40d8d100f6fc_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_e9731857-8a9c-48cb-8fa1-189108866712" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_53c47fcf-ab25-46e5-a5e6-40d8d100f6fc" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_e9731857-8a9c-48cb-8fa1-189108866712" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_DekkoMember_058d7456-2d2a-4359-9ac8-9bdaac17488e" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_DekkoMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_e9731857-8a9c-48cb-8fa1-189108866712" xlink:to="loc_ghc_DekkoMember_058d7456-2d2a-4359-9ac8-9bdaac17488e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_91e27b04-c0a4-48a7-8005-548f43dba2b3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_41628543-8039-46b7-bae1-52c0a3f01a75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_91e27b04-c0a4-48a7-8005-548f43dba2b3" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_91e27b04-c0a4-48a7-8005-548f43dba2b3_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_91e27b04-c0a4-48a7-8005-548f43dba2b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_91e27b04-c0a4-48a7-8005-548f43dba2b3_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_d7922fc2-2608-49c2-9fcc-74f6ccbdd3e7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_91e27b04-c0a4-48a7-8005-548f43dba2b3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_d7922fc2-2608-49c2-9fcc-74f6ccbdd3e7" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_EducationMember_86409c6a-26b8-46e4-bc49-5d1066776d98" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_EducationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_d7922fc2-2608-49c2-9fcc-74f6ccbdd3e7" xlink:to="loc_ghc_EducationMember_86409c6a-26b8-46e4-bc49-5d1066776d98" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_EducationCode3AndDecileMember_9fea1488-96db-4684-b174-22fc9e70cce2" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_EducationCode3AndDecileMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_d7922fc2-2608-49c2-9fcc-74f6ccbdd3e7" xlink:to="loc_ghc_EducationCode3AndDecileMember_9fea1488-96db-4684-b174-22fc9e70cce2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_3ca686c9-f7a3-4a0e-ae7c-a87e71238ca2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_41628543-8039-46b7-bae1-52c0a3f01a75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_3ca686c9-f7a3-4a0e-ae7c-a87e71238ca2" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_3ca686c9-f7a3-4a0e-ae7c-a87e71238ca2_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_3ca686c9-f7a3-4a0e-ae7c-a87e71238ca2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_3ca686c9-f7a3-4a0e-ae7c-a87e71238ca2_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_f1d934e1-738e-4f49-94f8-9d15a0185bad" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_3ca686c9-f7a3-4a0e-ae7c-a87e71238ca2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_f1d934e1-738e-4f49-94f8-9d15a0185bad" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_SingleEquityConcentrationMember_1c3ec869-6efd-4871-9654-31f806ac8e34" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_SingleEquityConcentrationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_f1d934e1-738e-4f49-94f8-9d15a0185bad" xlink:to="loc_ghc_SingleEquityConcentrationMember_1c3ec869-6efd-4871-9654-31f806ac8e34" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ConcentrationInSingleEntityTypeOfIndustryForeignCountryOrIndividualFundMember_54fd9e5e-8239-4e9f-9719-9b4d02d5d609" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_ConcentrationInSingleEntityTypeOfIndustryForeignCountryOrIndividualFundMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_f1d934e1-738e-4f49-94f8-9d15a0185bad" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ConcentrationInSingleEntityTypeOfIndustryForeignCountryOrIndividualFundMember_54fd9e5e-8239-4e9f-9719-9b4d02d5d609" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_58d302a0-3065-479a-97ae-a221fb079ce8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_41628543-8039-46b7-bae1-52c0a3f01a75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_58d302a0-3065-479a-97ae-a221fb079ce8" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_58d302a0-3065-479a-97ae-a221fb079ce8_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_58d302a0-3065-479a-97ae-a221fb079ce8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_58d302a0-3065-479a-97ae-a221fb079ce8_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_a4d8657b-1bca-4941-a9cb-06521e24db68" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_58d302a0-3065-479a-97ae-a221fb079ce8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_a4d8657b-1bca-4941-a9cb-06521e24db68" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsTotalMember_369f4f31-9847-4ba2-a8d6-5c1e481a710c" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsTotalMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_a4d8657b-1bca-4941-a9cb-06521e24db68" xlink:to="loc_ghc_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsTotalMember_369f4f31-9847-4ba2-a8d6-5c1e481a710c" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_fd29d4ca-8b8f-46c5-a20f-838c6d794a5c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_41628543-8039-46b7-bae1-52c0a3f01a75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_fd29d4ca-8b8f-46c5-a20f-838c6d794a5c" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_fd29d4ca-8b8f-46c5-a20f-838c6d794a5c_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_fd29d4ca-8b8f-46c5-a20f-838c6d794a5c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_fd29d4ca-8b8f-46c5-a20f-838c6d794a5c_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_7e42c9b6-18cc-4d9b-893a-57dc50c36f2a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_fd29d4ca-8b8f-46c5-a20f-838c6d794a5c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_7e42c9b6-18cc-4d9b-893a-57dc50c36f2a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_SingleEquityConcentrationMember_0ff29e9b-f6b5-4d6c-a19c-f240fcb0a17b" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_SingleEquityConcentrationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_7e42c9b6-18cc-4d9b-893a-57dc50c36f2a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_SingleEquityConcentrationMember_0ff29e9b-f6b5-4d6c-a19c-f240fcb0a17b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ForeignInvestmentsMember_073b6327-de1e-4cc5-a757-e92a4570d9b8" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_ForeignInvestmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_7e42c9b6-18cc-4d9b-893a-57dc50c36f2a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ForeignInvestmentsMember_073b6327-de1e-4cc5-a757-e92a4570d9b8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember_d23f3cae-ca22-4009-968f-d8968776974e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_7e42c9b6-18cc-4d9b-893a-57dc50c36f2a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember_d23f3cae-ca22-4009-968f-d8968776974e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_a3d6916c-96b4-4da8-b736-ef14d5c51607" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_7e42c9b6-18cc-4d9b-893a-57dc50c36f2a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember_a3d6916c-96b4-4da8-b736-ef14d5c51607" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrivateEquityFundsMember_321cce07-6d72-4d05-9d9b-21af33541534" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrivateEquityFundsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_7e42c9b6-18cc-4d9b-893a-57dc50c36f2a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrivateEquityFundsMember_321cce07-6d72-4d05-9d9b-21af33541534" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityFundsMember_b5aa4b5a-273f-4431-b659-d7623d021693" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityFundsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_7e42c9b6-18cc-4d9b-893a-57dc50c36f2a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityFundsMember_b5aa4b5a-273f-4431-b659-d7623d021693" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_ae5bed8e-a7bc-4e6f-9758-6d232dc2bbcb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_41628543-8039-46b7-bae1-52c0a3f01a75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_ae5bed8e-a7bc-4e6f-9758-6d232dc2bbcb" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_ae5bed8e-a7bc-4e6f-9758-6d232dc2bbcb_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_ae5bed8e-a7bc-4e6f-9758-6d232dc2bbcb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_ae5bed8e-a7bc-4e6f-9758-6d232dc2bbcb_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_43dcbd8e-9856-4cfd-96c9-25fea079a519" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_ae5bed8e-a7bc-4e6f-9758-6d232dc2bbcb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_43dcbd8e-9856-4cfd-96c9-25fea079a519" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_BerkshireHathawayCommonStockMember_f96df364-9f8f-4338-80aa-6454ba2b3c22" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_BerkshireHathawayCommonStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_43dcbd8e-9856-4cfd-96c9-25fea079a519" xlink:to="loc_ghc_BerkshireHathawayCommonStockMember_f96df364-9f8f-4338-80aa-6454ba2b3c22" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_AlphabetAndBerkshireHathawayCommonStockMember_2fdef6d1-3260-4535-a4da-b1e8d7e67063" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_AlphabetAndBerkshireHathawayCommonStockMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_43dcbd8e-9856-4cfd-96c9-25fea079a519" xlink:to="loc_ghc_AlphabetAndBerkshireHathawayCommonStockMember_2fdef6d1-3260-4535-a4da-b1e8d7e67063" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_c5abf790-65fe-4de7-be18-bd65b743099b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_41628543-8039-46b7-bae1-52c0a3f01a75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_c5abf790-65fe-4de7-be18-bd65b743099b" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_c5abf790-65fe-4de7-be18-bd65b743099b_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_c5abf790-65fe-4de7-be18-bd65b743099b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_c5abf790-65fe-4de7-be18-bd65b743099b_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_45d7b2d8-7050-4fa0-ade3-45edd676c36a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_c5abf790-65fe-4de7-be18-bd65b743099b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_45d7b2d8-7050-4fa0-ade3-45edd676c36a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_fed7307e-3c06-4a0d-841b-dbbae3cee69e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_45d7b2d8-7050-4fa0-ade3-45edd676c36a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_fed7307e-3c06-4a0d-841b-dbbae3cee69e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember_1812c17d-23a7-4269-a5f8-065a5accb1cc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_45d7b2d8-7050-4fa0-ade3-45edd676c36a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember_1812c17d-23a7-4269-a5f8-065a5accb1cc" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_ef505499-ed4c-402a-abc7-2651d6672579" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_45d7b2d8-7050-4fa0-ade3-45edd676c36a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_ef505499-ed4c-402a-abc7-2651d6672579" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_EarlyRetirmentProgramExpenseAxis_540c5f1a-e61a-48ce-ad67-4a769a0afe66" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_EarlyRetirmentProgramExpenseAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_41628543-8039-46b7-bae1-52c0a3f01a75" xlink:to="loc_ghc_EarlyRetirmentProgramExpenseAxis_540c5f1a-e61a-48ce-ad67-4a769a0afe66" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_EarlyRetirementProgramExpenseDomain_540c5f1a-e61a-48ce-ad67-4a769a0afe66_default" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_EarlyRetirementProgramExpenseDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ghc_EarlyRetirmentProgramExpenseAxis_540c5f1a-e61a-48ce-ad67-4a769a0afe66" xlink:to="loc_ghc_EarlyRetirementProgramExpenseDomain_540c5f1a-e61a-48ce-ad67-4a769a0afe66_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_EarlyRetirementProgramExpenseDomain_a32adbb3-0607-4851-8ef8-fd2924ed7857" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_EarlyRetirementProgramExpenseDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ghc_EarlyRetirmentProgramExpenseAxis_540c5f1a-e61a-48ce-ad67-4a769a0afe66" xlink:to="loc_ghc_EarlyRetirementProgramExpenseDomain_a32adbb3-0607-4851-8ef8-fd2924ed7857" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_SeparationIncentiveProgramMember_c2d21fab-feae-4f60-a290-fe052f556ff7" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_SeparationIncentiveProgramMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_EarlyRetirementProgramExpenseDomain_a32adbb3-0607-4851-8ef8-fd2924ed7857" xlink:to="loc_ghc_SeparationIncentiveProgramMember_c2d21fab-feae-4f60-a290-fe052f556ff7" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_1fb711d5-cf6b-4cc4-a470-5b7a88602bb2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_41628543-8039-46b7-bae1-52c0a3f01a75" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_1fb711d5-cf6b-4cc4-a470-5b7a88602bb2" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_1fb711d5-cf6b-4cc4-a470-5b7a88602bb2_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_1fb711d5-cf6b-4cc4-a470-5b7a88602bb2" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_1fb711d5-cf6b-4cc4-a470-5b7a88602bb2_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_fde0fbf4-e382-43ae-884a-4bfd54eefc52" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_1fb711d5-cf6b-4cc4-a470-5b7a88602bb2" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_fde0fbf4-e382-43ae-884a-4bfd54eefc52" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_fe00dd58-4182-451a-8857-7f26abe7d7db" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_fde0fbf4-e382-43ae-884a-4bfd54eefc52" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_fe00dd58-4182-451a-8857-7f26abe7d7db" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_a83d9317-4087-4be7-86e7-8bdcea22c2e2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_fde0fbf4-e382-43ae-884a-4bfd54eefc52" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_a83d9317-4087-4be7-86e7-8bdcea22c2e2" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_InvestmentManagersAxis_c60e056a-011c-4d64-99b5-b0d5e119de9d" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_InvestmentManagersAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_41628543-8039-46b7-bae1-52c0a3f01a75" xlink:to="loc_ghc_InvestmentManagersAxis_c60e056a-011c-4d64-99b5-b0d5e119de9d" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_InvestmentManagersDomain_c60e056a-011c-4d64-99b5-b0d5e119de9d_default" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_InvestmentManagersDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ghc_InvestmentManagersAxis_c60e056a-011c-4d64-99b5-b0d5e119de9d" xlink:to="loc_ghc_InvestmentManagersDomain_c60e056a-011c-4d64-99b5-b0d5e119de9d_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_InvestmentManagersDomain_19055724-b853-4fc5-88fd-421f67064223" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_InvestmentManagersDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ghc_InvestmentManagersAxis_c60e056a-011c-4d64-99b5-b0d5e119de9d" xlink:to="loc_ghc_InvestmentManagersDomain_19055724-b853-4fc5-88fd-421f67064223" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_InvestmentManager1Member_0c167af5-7a6c-4575-be78-765a41f3112e" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_InvestmentManager1Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_InvestmentManagersDomain_19055724-b853-4fc5-88fd-421f67064223" xlink:to="loc_ghc_InvestmentManager1Member_0c167af5-7a6c-4575-be78-765a41f3112e" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_InvestmentManager2Member_f90f85b1-1219-4ffb-915c-f71414e8fc0b" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_InvestmentManager2Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_InvestmentManagersDomain_19055724-b853-4fc5-88fd-421f67064223" xlink:to="loc_ghc_InvestmentManager2Member_f90f85b1-1219-4ffb-915c-f71414e8fc0b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/PensionandPostretirementPlansTotalBenefitCostDetails1" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#PensionandPostretirementPlansTotalBenefitCostDetails1"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/PensionandPostretirementPlansTotalBenefitCostDetails1" xlink:type="extended" id="ib58986199d65456199db46cbde25b165_PensionandPostretirementPlansTotalBenefitCostDetails1">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_0647c6ec-fa4d-437d-8bf3-bbd33335fee9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost_69414af4-047e-43a2-93ba-6d8a72c8fc26" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_0647c6ec-fa4d-437d-8bf3-bbd33335fee9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost_69414af4-047e-43a2-93ba-6d8a72c8fc26" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost_aed8c911-9c9f-4a3b-8ee6-ae59be0bebe3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_0647c6ec-fa4d-437d-8bf3-bbd33335fee9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost_aed8c911-9c9f-4a3b-8ee6-ae59be0bebe3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets_98834ef2-c663-400c-8b61-e9208fa02db6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_0647c6ec-fa4d-437d-8bf3-bbd33335fee9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets_98834ef2-c663-400c-8b61-e9208fa02db6" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit_68a25eff-1f77-49d0-8142-3eeb6467c5d4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_0647c6ec-fa4d-437d-8bf3-bbd33335fee9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit_68a25eff-1f77-49d0-8142-3eeb6467c5d4" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses_005efa1a-b4f5-462e-ad7a-69a943f91895" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_0647c6ec-fa4d-437d-8bf3-bbd33335fee9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses_005efa1a-b4f5-462e-ad7a-69a943f91895" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_NetPeriodicBenefitForDefinedBenefitPensionPlansExcludingEarlyRetirementProgramSpecialSeparationBenefitExpenseCurtailmentAndSettlement_7e0bab38-6eb5-4fd0-888e-99a570ef9c45" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_NetPeriodicBenefitForDefinedBenefitPensionPlansExcludingEarlyRetirementProgramSpecialSeparationBenefitExpenseCurtailmentAndSettlement"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_0647c6ec-fa4d-437d-8bf3-bbd33335fee9" xlink:to="loc_ghc_NetPeriodicBenefitForDefinedBenefitPensionPlansExcludingEarlyRetirementProgramSpecialSeparationBenefitExpenseCurtailmentAndSettlement_7e0bab38-6eb5-4fd0-888e-99a570ef9c45" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToCurtailments_345f148d-8a32-4323-aaf1-5f0cddebdf5e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToCurtailments"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_0647c6ec-fa4d-437d-8bf3-bbd33335fee9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToCurtailments_345f148d-8a32-4323-aaf1-5f0cddebdf5e" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCostOfProvidingSpecialOrContractualTerminationBenefitRecognizedDuringPeriod_83202e80-41d2-4ead-b89b-fe60a6dc4391" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCostOfProvidingSpecialOrContractualTerminationBenefitRecognizedDuringPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_0647c6ec-fa4d-437d-8bf3-bbd33335fee9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCostOfProvidingSpecialOrContractualTerminationBenefitRecognizedDuringPeriod_83202e80-41d2-4ead-b89b-fe60a6dc4391" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost_c3ce3d4d-c409-47aa-8786-763b9114a765" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_0647c6ec-fa4d-437d-8bf3-bbd33335fee9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost_c3ce3d4d-c409-47aa-8786-763b9114a765" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_50656713-cc07-44be-ab51-cde5a3cf2a75" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_0647c6ec-fa4d-437d-8bf3-bbd33335fee9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_50656713-cc07-44be-ab51-cde5a3cf2a75" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_090e6e79-c2a2-4b08-8f1c-e0fb0808fb89" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_50656713-cc07-44be-ab51-cde5a3cf2a75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_090e6e79-c2a2-4b08-8f1c-e0fb0808fb89" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_090e6e79-c2a2-4b08-8f1c-e0fb0808fb89_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_090e6e79-c2a2-4b08-8f1c-e0fb0808fb89" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_090e6e79-c2a2-4b08-8f1c-e0fb0808fb89_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_73a65355-efe2-42a1-a1ca-8757e056282a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_090e6e79-c2a2-4b08-8f1c-e0fb0808fb89" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_73a65355-efe2-42a1-a1ca-8757e056282a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_9c12549d-b2c9-4e4e-93bc-1a40409522b1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_73a65355-efe2-42a1-a1ca-8757e056282a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_9c12549d-b2c9-4e4e-93bc-1a40409522b1" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember_fe44fd5d-7c7a-4358-bdbe-54c98b85bf6f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_73a65355-efe2-42a1-a1ca-8757e056282a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember_fe44fd5d-7c7a-4358-bdbe-54c98b85bf6f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_fdcfbaec-ce6b-44a8-afcc-840ea5de93d8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_73a65355-efe2-42a1-a1ca-8757e056282a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_fdcfbaec-ce6b-44a8-afcc-840ea5de93d8" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/PensionandPostretirementPlansAssetAllocationDetails2" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#PensionandPostretirementPlansAssetAllocationDetails2"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/PensionandPostretirementPlansAssetAllocationDetails2" xlink:type="extended" id="i65a5ded26fbb4e418e71d3f065c4706b_PensionandPostretirementPlansAssetAllocationDetails2">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_75421eed-205b-4d1e-88ca-d13b289aa779" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssetAllocations_e65496d8-bc30-4cf9-8f9e-f23278c23096" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssetAllocations"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_75421eed-205b-4d1e-88ca-d13b289aa779" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssetAllocations_e65496d8-bc30-4cf9-8f9e-f23278c23096" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_707acaed-3f96-4706-a188-e8eab3194da3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_75421eed-205b-4d1e-88ca-d13b289aa779" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_707acaed-3f96-4706-a188-e8eab3194da3" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_ec79f406-f62d-494d-bdf0-7da7db275053" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_707acaed-3f96-4706-a188-e8eab3194da3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_ec79f406-f62d-494d-bdf0-7da7db275053" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_ec79f406-f62d-494d-bdf0-7da7db275053_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_ec79f406-f62d-494d-bdf0-7da7db275053" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_ec79f406-f62d-494d-bdf0-7da7db275053_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_30e4b3cc-3c0c-4d84-abe3-15e63d808f61" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis_ec79f406-f62d-494d-bdf0-7da7db275053" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_30e4b3cc-3c0c-4d84-abe3-15e63d808f61" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_bf561c86-1599-4b57-ba4b-ad94dfca0eca" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_30e4b3cc-3c0c-4d84-abe3-15e63d808f61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_bf561c86-1599-4b57-ba4b-ad94dfca0eca" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_88dcf970-d14c-411c-b4d2-41b5d6bbd891" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_707acaed-3f96-4706-a188-e8eab3194da3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_88dcf970-d14c-411c-b4d2-41b5d6bbd891" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_88dcf970-d14c-411c-b4d2-41b5d6bbd891_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_88dcf970-d14c-411c-b4d2-41b5d6bbd891" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_88dcf970-d14c-411c-b4d2-41b5d6bbd891_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_11443100-433e-4c18-a42a-5eb5c14b0857" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_88dcf970-d14c-411c-b4d2-41b5d6bbd891" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_11443100-433e-4c18-a42a-5eb5c14b0857" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEquitySecuritiesUsMember_706466ef-8bac-4d07-86f0-76a479b4d787" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEquitySecuritiesUsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_11443100-433e-4c18-a42a-5eb5c14b0857" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEquitySecuritiesUsMember_706466ef-8bac-4d07-86f0-76a479b4d787" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrivateEquityFundsMember_73dd1220-779b-4289-b095-eb549db6eec3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrivateEquityFundsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_11443100-433e-4c18-a42a-5eb5c14b0857" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrivateEquityFundsMember_73dd1220-779b-4289-b095-eb549db6eec3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_EquityFundsUSMember_6a2ade91-ea5d-46e2-b947-d7d13779c367" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_EquityFundsUSMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_11443100-433e-4c18-a42a-5eb5c14b0857" xlink:to="loc_ghc_EquityFundsUSMember_6a2ade91-ea5d-46e2-b947-d7d13779c367" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEquitySecuritiesNonUsMember_fa4ae827-3f84-470d-ad4d-8fd5c4bb8975" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEquitySecuritiesNonUsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_11443100-433e-4c18-a42a-5eb5c14b0857" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEquitySecuritiesNonUsMember_fa4ae827-3f84-470d-ad4d-8fd5c4bb8975" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_FixedIncomeSecuritiesUSMember_69cd33c1-671a-491a-8a2e-2a6c6eeec18e" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_FixedIncomeSecuritiesUSMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_11443100-433e-4c18-a42a-5eb5c14b0857" xlink:to="loc_ghc_FixedIncomeSecuritiesUSMember_69cd33c1-671a-491a-8a2e-2a6c6eeec18e" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/OtherNonOperatingIncomeNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#OtherNonOperatingIncomeNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/OtherNonOperatingIncomeNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i5e3e06c870d84a7fa9f7b7b2ad03e5f6_OtherNonOperatingIncomeNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseLineItems_8b813cc2-b082-492f-996e-666f947a37fc" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_GainRelatedtoContingentConsideration_cf55de87-8be8-4ad4-8cda-46439e20ac60" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_GainRelatedtoContingentConsideration"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseLineItems_8b813cc2-b082-492f-996e-666f947a37fc" xlink:to="loc_ghc_GainRelatedtoContingentConsideration_cf55de87-8be8-4ad4-8cda-46439e20ac60" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeRemeasurementGain_0d285d5c-adde-4b3f-9e86-63dce4faebfb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeRemeasurementGain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseLineItems_8b813cc2-b082-492f-996e-666f947a37fc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeRemeasurementGain_0d285d5c-adde-4b3f-9e86-63dce4faebfb" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueUpwardPriceAdjustmentAnnualAmount_b6135d04-1de5-43cd-ab7b-dfefe2861f8a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueUpwardPriceAdjustmentAnnualAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseLineItems_8b813cc2-b082-492f-996e-666f947a37fc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueUpwardPriceAdjustmentAnnualAmount_b6135d04-1de5-43cd-ab7b-dfefe2861f8a" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiRealizedGain_84605914-1c7d-4776-8f23-cb37fc6475c6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiRealizedGain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseLineItems_8b813cc2-b082-492f-996e-666f947a37fc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiRealizedGain_84605914-1c7d-4776-8f23-cb37fc6475c6" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueImpairmentLossAnnualAmount_f17fcc18-4428-4230-9fd4-53a6946946a8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueImpairmentLossAnnualAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseLineItems_8b813cc2-b082-492f-996e-666f947a37fc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueImpairmentLossAnnualAmount_f17fcc18-4428-4230-9fd4-53a6946946a8" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentRealizedGainLossOnDisposal_dcba873e-bd83-4bb5-b483-27adc008917d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentRealizedGainLossOnDisposal"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseLineItems_8b813cc2-b082-492f-996e-666f947a37fc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentRealizedGainLossOnDisposal_dcba873e-bd83-4bb5-b483-27adc008917d" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseTable_eb4285f6-a1b4-4859-a8bd-a05728391aba" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseLineItems_8b813cc2-b082-492f-996e-666f947a37fc" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseTable_eb4285f6-a1b4-4859-a8bd-a05728391aba" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_ee21ff7a-bb6d-411d-9d43-ac571d48f847" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseTable_eb4285f6-a1b4-4859-a8bd-a05728391aba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_ee21ff7a-bb6d-411d-9d43-ac571d48f847" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_ee21ff7a-bb6d-411d-9d43-ac571d48f847_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_ee21ff7a-bb6d-411d-9d43-ac571d48f847" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_ee21ff7a-bb6d-411d-9d43-ac571d48f847_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_fb99651e-5215-4a8a-8c28-6117a9f6e293" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_ee21ff7a-bb6d-411d-9d43-ac571d48f847" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_fb99651e-5215-4a8a-8c28-6117a9f6e293" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_EducationMember_f73f3fcf-12b7-4fd1-af3a-6c946d247cbc" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_EducationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_fb99651e-5215-4a8a-8c28-6117a9f6e293" xlink:to="loc_ghc_EducationMember_f73f3fcf-12b7-4fd1-af3a-6c946d247cbc" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_bbd9e511-98a5-467f-a70b-b3fc05853657" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseTable_eb4285f6-a1b4-4859-a8bd-a05728391aba" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_bbd9e511-98a5-467f-a70b-b3fc05853657" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_bbd9e511-98a5-467f-a70b-b3fc05853657_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_bbd9e511-98a5-467f-a70b-b3fc05853657" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_bbd9e511-98a5-467f-a70b-b3fc05853657_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_4bcd9789-914a-41fd-96ad-39d4fc19a15a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_bbd9e511-98a5-467f-a70b-b3fc05853657" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_4bcd9789-914a-41fd-96ad-39d4fc19a15a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_HigherEducationMember_62844f9b-d4a9-4c78-86d8-e255dbed2d44" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_HigherEducationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_4bcd9789-914a-41fd-96ad-39d4fc19a15a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_HigherEducationMember_62844f9b-d4a9-4c78-86d8-e255dbed2d44" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_eeafea4d-81a9-4d71-a79a-ed86310a6a84" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_TransactionAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseTable_eb4285f6-a1b4-4859-a8bd-a05728391aba" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_eeafea4d-81a9-4d71-a79a-ed86310a6a84" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_eeafea4d-81a9-4d71-a79a-ed86310a6a84_default" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_TransactionTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_eeafea4d-81a9-4d71-a79a-ed86310a6a84" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_eeafea4d-81a9-4d71-a79a-ed86310a6a84_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_0d95b21f-9b13-4809-87fb-f6e80124446c" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_TransactionTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_eeafea4d-81a9-4d71-a79a-ed86310a6a84" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_0d95b21f-9b13-4809-87fb-f6e80124446c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KaplanUniversityTransactionMember_fd278f09-3648-4705-9008-9d1bc69bd34c" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_KaplanUniversityTransactionMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_0d95b21f-9b13-4809-87fb-f6e80124446c" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KaplanUniversityTransactionMember_fd278f09-3648-4705-9008-9d1bc69bd34c" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_8e9316db-6283-4292-8309-4e5b4b07b96f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ScheduleofNonOperatingIncomeExpenseTable_eb4285f6-a1b4-4859-a8bd-a05728391aba" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_8e9316db-6283-4292-8309-4e5b4b07b96f" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_8e9316db-6283-4292-8309-4e5b4b07b96f_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_8e9316db-6283-4292-8309-4e5b4b07b96f" xlink:to="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_8e9316db-6283-4292-8309-4e5b4b07b96f_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_d9e1da29-ac3b-4ef8-8601-131e774bf7bb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_8e9316db-6283-4292-8309-4e5b4b07b96f" xlink:to="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_d9e1da29-ac3b-4ef8-8601-131e774bf7bb" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_FramebridgeMember_acf8b72e-ef1a-4ae0-abe5-ffe94a360073" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_FramebridgeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_d9e1da29-ac3b-4ef8-8601-131e774bf7bb" xlink:to="loc_ghc_FramebridgeMember_acf8b72e-ef1a-4ae0-abe5-ffe94a360073" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossComponentsofOCIDetails1" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossComponentsofOCIDetails1"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossComponentsofOCIDetails1" xlink:type="extended" id="i7d7ae574902f440b9071eabacf0a5ef9_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossComponentsofOCIDetails1">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_360ab65d-dd9e-479d-9973-65b96753c56c" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsBeforeTax_2b6db2f7-7a89-41da-9d04-a3248b1e085f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsBeforeTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_360ab65d-dd9e-479d-9973-65b96753c56c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsBeforeTax_2b6db2f7-7a89-41da-9d04-a3248b1e085f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsTax_3d30a167-d2f2-410b-a8d7-b5b87bdc1a6d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_360ab65d-dd9e-479d-9973-65b96753c56c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsTax_3d30a167-d2f2-410b-a8d7-b5b87bdc1a6d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax_6c1c9728-eb9a-4cc0-aa24-5d3e9991f2de" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_360ab65d-dd9e-479d-9973-65b96753c56c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax_6c1c9728-eb9a-4cc0-aa24-5d3e9991f2de" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodBeforeTax_f7e26d81-7bdb-4588-8dba-5b6c066111a6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodBeforeTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_360ab65d-dd9e-479d-9973-65b96753c56c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodBeforeTax_f7e26d81-7bdb-4588-8dba-5b6c066111a6" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodTax_e5ade17b-03d9-4a1d-8876-2d2267b44a6c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_360ab65d-dd9e-479d-9973-65b96753c56c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodTax_e5ade17b-03d9-4a1d-8876-2d2267b44a6c" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_24b03fb0-3468-458f-9664-8a5cdfd943dd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_360ab65d-dd9e-479d-9973-65b96753c56c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_24b03fb0-3468-458f-9664-8a5cdfd943dd" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTax_07c191a8-f4f1-4752-a5bf-0d83bbae7d04" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_360ab65d-dd9e-479d-9973-65b96753c56c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTax_07c191a8-f4f1-4752-a5bf-0d83bbae7d04" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTax_c5fd3327-cf2d-4ad7-aadd-06d7860af323" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_360ab65d-dd9e-479d-9973-65b96753c56c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTax_c5fd3327-cf2d-4ad7-aadd-06d7860af323" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_1e6cac73-22d1-4902-af72-ed22f09e20bf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_360ab65d-dd9e-479d-9973-65b96753c56c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_1e6cac73-22d1-4902-af72-ed22f09e20bf" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_69bbc038-0416-4394-8754-33314cc29f8d" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ghc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_360ab65d-dd9e-479d-9973-65b96753c56c" xlink:to="loc_ghc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_69bbc038-0416-4394-8754-33314cc29f8d" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_43b017df-3b5f-4eec-8ee4-cebfdef674c1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ghc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_69bbc038-0416-4394-8754-33314cc29f8d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_43b017df-3b5f-4eec-8ee4-cebfdef674c1" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_43b017df-3b5f-4eec-8ee4-cebfdef674c1_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_43b017df-3b5f-4eec-8ee4-cebfdef674c1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_43b017df-3b5f-4eec-8ee4-cebfdef674c1_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_e6c264c9-003b-4134-a6d9-f789492ab453" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_43b017df-3b5f-4eec-8ee4-cebfdef674c1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_e6c264c9-003b-4134-a6d9-f789492ab453" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember_dcf2af93-a391-46d9-a93a-13b47237f246" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_e6c264c9-003b-4134-a6d9-f789492ab453" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember_dcf2af93-a391-46d9-a93a-13b47237f246" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_fa2aa572-d2d4-493e-bc88-307f289a9d1e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_e6c264c9-003b-4134-a6d9-f789492ab453" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_fa2aa572-d2d4-493e-bc88-307f289a9d1e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetPriorServiceCostCreditMember_03fac7aa-0f94-438a-9ea4-ce05f6249e32" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetPriorServiceCostCreditMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_fa2aa572-d2d4-493e-bc88-307f289a9d1e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetPriorServiceCostCreditMember_03fac7aa-0f94-438a-9ea4-ce05f6249e32" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetUnamortizedGainLossMember_6e1ef4c8-22d8-4ec2-8d67-c8d7465d964c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetUnamortizedGainLossMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_fa2aa572-d2d4-493e-bc88-307f289a9d1e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetUnamortizedGainLossMember_6e1ef4c8-22d8-4ec2-8d67-c8d7465d964c" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedGainLossNetCashFlowHedgeParentMember_d13eab07-560e-4df9-9f0f-b9ee800c8b3e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedGainLossNetCashFlowHedgeParentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_e6c264c9-003b-4134-a6d9-f789492ab453" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedGainLossNetCashFlowHedgeParentMember_d13eab07-560e-4df9-9f0f-b9ee800c8b3e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAOCIbalancesDetails2" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAOCIbalancesDetails2"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAOCIbalancesDetails2" xlink:type="extended" id="i8d9ca3cc421842f28b97d42257ba3208_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAOCIbalancesDetails2">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_7d77b164-4aa9-47a9-85ac-c6eb4a1f31fd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_990a3a7a-5765-4f91-b8e9-9401640e580a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_7d77b164-4aa9-47a9-85ac-c6eb4a1f31fd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_990a3a7a-5765-4f91-b8e9-9401640e580a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_8ed58c33-75a0-426c-99b9-38ec7499be4a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_990a3a7a-5765-4f91-b8e9-9401640e580a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_8ed58c33-75a0-426c-99b9-38ec7499be4a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax_ade29302-8270-48cd-a76b-744ad90ebdd1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_990a3a7a-5765-4f91-b8e9-9401640e580a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax_ade29302-8270-48cd-a76b-744ad90ebdd1" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_882e29ba-5a5f-4908-9997-8c8023fba1f7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_990a3a7a-5765-4f91-b8e9-9401640e580a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_882e29ba-5a5f-4908-9997-8c8023fba1f7" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_b3f05239-a8da-4745-95b7-07f45a59077a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAbstract_990a3a7a-5765-4f91-b8e9-9401640e580a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_b3f05239-a8da-4745-95b7-07f45a59077a" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_952146c2-872a-418a-a292-b50a4935b3aa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_3bb1326b-9b4a-4914-a8db-c0ab12ba3ff8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_7d77b164-4aa9-47a9-85ac-c6eb4a1f31fd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_3bb1326b-9b4a-4914-a8db-c0ab12ba3ff8" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_ed57a5c3-5609-439e-8e0f-8fd4a4dad1f6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_3bb1326b-9b4a-4914-a8db-c0ab12ba3ff8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_ed57a5c3-5609-439e-8e0f-8fd4a4dad1f6" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_ed57a5c3-5609-439e-8e0f-8fd4a4dad1f6_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_ed57a5c3-5609-439e-8e0f-8fd4a4dad1f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_ed57a5c3-5609-439e-8e0f-8fd4a4dad1f6_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_bb6ac1b6-ae28-4d1b-89b6-4526fb9a4a58" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_ed57a5c3-5609-439e-8e0f-8fd4a4dad1f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_bb6ac1b6-ae28-4d1b-89b6-4526fb9a4a58" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AociIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember_97c9eac7-98f6-4e09-9de6-f7ddb7d78c05" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AociIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_bb6ac1b6-ae28-4d1b-89b6-4526fb9a4a58" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AociIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember_97c9eac7-98f6-4e09-9de6-f7ddb7d78c05" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember_538407b2-71ac-4635-a83f-d71825e3a99b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AociIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember_97c9eac7-98f6-4e09-9de6-f7ddb7d78c05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember_538407b2-71ac-4635-a83f-d71825e3a99b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_66e60ce0-580b-4e66-946d-d56be2470400" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AociIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember_97c9eac7-98f6-4e09-9de6-f7ddb7d78c05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_66e60ce0-580b-4e66-946d-d56be2470400" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedGainLossNetCashFlowHedgeParentMember_29c5a5f1-8f26-4148-8a85-c2d20a340020" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedGainLossNetCashFlowHedgeParentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AociIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember_97c9eac7-98f6-4e09-9de6-f7ddb7d78c05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedGainLossNetCashFlowHedgeParentMember_29c5a5f1-8f26-4148-8a85-c2d20a340020" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationsoutofAOCIDetails3" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationsoutofAOCIDetails3"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationsoutofAOCIDetails3" xlink:type="extended" id="id12a591f739249a0848bcfa4d9a15ef4_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationsoutofAOCIDetails3">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_8dede464-5eab-415e-b190-97e3a9cad75a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodBeforeTax_e541a3fd-d82c-4350-8723-bc26feb8e02a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodBeforeTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_8dede464-5eab-415e-b190-97e3a9cad75a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodBeforeTax_e541a3fd-d82c-4350-8723-bc26feb8e02a" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodTax_d5a0f44d-2e51-4d76-9eb2-619c39fff608" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_8dede464-5eab-415e-b190-97e3a9cad75a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodTax_d5a0f44d-2e51-4d76-9eb2-619c39fff608" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_e4eb908e-dfbf-4c80-989c-b8b2951d9f2b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_8dede464-5eab-415e-b190-97e3a9cad75a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_e4eb908e-dfbf-4c80-989c-b8b2951d9f2b" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_f0948caf-f57a-48f7-8cd6-bb606d3aef4a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_8dede464-5eab-415e-b190-97e3a9cad75a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_f0948caf-f57a-48f7-8cd6-bb606d3aef4a" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_3da9525b-e8c7-42ca-b490-7a1ec0fbf5b7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_8dede464-5eab-415e-b190-97e3a9cad75a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_3da9525b-e8c7-42ca-b490-7a1ec0fbf5b7" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_b3e24b35-ac8f-4214-947d-b2f4226b140a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_8dede464-5eab-415e-b190-97e3a9cad75a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_b3e24b35-ac8f-4214-947d-b2f4226b140a" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable_61a6e1f3-0dab-4d7a-b225-349be9b6eff8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_8dede464-5eab-415e-b190-97e3a9cad75a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable_61a6e1f3-0dab-4d7a-b225-349be9b6eff8" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_af11f0fe-fc76-470d-9387-082dbe3be8d9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable_61a6e1f3-0dab-4d7a-b225-349be9b6eff8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_af11f0fe-fc76-470d-9387-082dbe3be8d9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_af11f0fe-fc76-470d-9387-082dbe3be8d9_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_af11f0fe-fc76-470d-9387-082dbe3be8d9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_af11f0fe-fc76-470d-9387-082dbe3be8d9_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_1e87d699-aa08-45a0-a198-3ebf5a4a4f27" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_af11f0fe-fc76-470d-9387-082dbe3be8d9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_1e87d699-aa08-45a0-a198-3ebf5a4a4f27" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember_3945476a-137e-4b6d-afd6-0794d50d365f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_1e87d699-aa08-45a0-a198-3ebf5a4a4f27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember_3945476a-137e-4b6d-afd6-0794d50d365f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_5b9d581f-f6a6-4b4e-b479-e059ac7def75" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_1e87d699-aa08-45a0-a198-3ebf5a4a4f27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_5b9d581f-f6a6-4b4e-b479-e059ac7def75" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetPriorServiceCostCreditMember_22fe99c0-488d-4f80-a2d5-e29c1d4bb472" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetPriorServiceCostCreditMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_5b9d581f-f6a6-4b4e-b479-e059ac7def75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetPriorServiceCostCreditMember_22fe99c0-488d-4f80-a2d5-e29c1d4bb472" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetUnamortizedGainLossMember_a6bc7bd5-5aa7-4f1e-aeb4-4404adf1bc7b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetUnamortizedGainLossMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_5b9d581f-f6a6-4b4e-b479-e059ac7def75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetUnamortizedGainLossMember_a6bc7bd5-5aa7-4f1e-aeb4-4404adf1bc7b" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedGainLossNetCashFlowHedgeParentMember_a899522b-4c49-4ce2-9270-22576c7f2e03" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedGainLossNetCashFlowHedgeParentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_1e87d699-aa08-45a0-a198-3ebf5a4a4f27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedGainLossNetCashFlowHedgeParentMember_a899522b-4c49-4ce2-9270-22576c7f2e03" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_2576e60c-18df-45b6-bed0-5a8f1d2ba9fc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable_61a6e1f3-0dab-4d7a-b225-349be9b6eff8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_2576e60c-18df-45b6-bed0-5a8f1d2ba9fc" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_2576e60c-18df-45b6-bed0-5a8f1d2ba9fc_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_2576e60c-18df-45b6-bed0-5a8f1d2ba9fc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_2576e60c-18df-45b6-bed0-5a8f1d2ba9fc_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_89578a96-43a4-4e71-91d1-949cd7434dfa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_2576e60c-18df-45b6-bed0-5a8f1d2ba9fc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_89578a96-43a4-4e71-91d1-949cd7434dfa" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_33d37a67-f8e6-44f6-9e54-fe393f328d53" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_89578a96-43a4-4e71-91d1-949cd7434dfa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_33d37a67-f8e6-44f6-9e54-fe393f328d53" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/ContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ContingenciesDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/ContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i662e3f3f6dc243daa61cde759f8f18b9_ContingenciesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_df08d20c-1bbe-4e55-b56d-8b7635b05f6c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyPendingClaimsNumber_f80c6f37-323f-4028-9f0e-9ffb2388bfab" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyPendingClaimsNumber"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_df08d20c-1bbe-4e55-b56d-8b7635b05f6c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyPendingClaimsNumber_f80c6f37-323f-4028-9f0e-9ffb2388bfab" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyEstimateOfPossibleLoss_2fc50c75-6ab4-4f80-904a-8e263e2c22b4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyEstimateOfPossibleLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_df08d20c-1bbe-4e55-b56d-8b7635b05f6c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyEstimateOfPossibleLoss_2fc50c75-6ab4-4f80-904a-8e263e2c22b4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_LossContingencyPotentialBorrowerDefenseClaimsPerEDNumber_cd98b06e-e961-4196-a250-89941829569a" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_LossContingencyPotentialBorrowerDefenseClaimsPerEDNumber"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_df08d20c-1bbe-4e55-b56d-8b7635b05f6c" xlink:to="loc_ghc_LossContingencyPotentialBorrowerDefenseClaimsPerEDNumber_cd98b06e-e961-4196-a250-89941829569a" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_LossContingencyBorrowerDefenseClaimsReceivedNumber_62881bb0-97c1-4f9d-bde0-21c7df0da16f" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_LossContingencyBorrowerDefenseClaimsReceivedNumber"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_df08d20c-1bbe-4e55-b56d-8b7635b05f6c" xlink:to="loc_ghc_LossContingencyBorrowerDefenseClaimsReceivedNumber_62881bb0-97c1-4f9d-bde0-21c7df0da16f" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_LossonGuarantorLeaseObligations_cd31256b-2d2f-4b05-866d-18dade0053ee" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_LossonGuarantorLeaseObligations"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_df08d20c-1bbe-4e55-b56d-8b7635b05f6c" xlink:to="loc_ghc_LossonGuarantorLeaseObligations_cd31256b-2d2f-4b05-866d-18dade0053ee" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_AmountPaidEntitledToRecover_978b2024-3714-42cd-8f50-9eb52700a923" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_AmountPaidEntitledToRecover"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_df08d20c-1bbe-4e55-b56d-8b7635b05f6c" xlink:to="loc_ghc_AmountPaidEntitledToRecover_978b2024-3714-42cd-8f50-9eb52700a923" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyLossInPeriod_38b8ba52-1b68-4daa-8475-b17417e862b6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyLossInPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_df08d20c-1bbe-4e55-b56d-8b7635b05f6c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyLossInPeriod_38b8ba52-1b68-4daa-8475-b17417e862b6" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_717957fc-6e25-4403-836f-607f363a33a0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_df08d20c-1bbe-4e55-b56d-8b7635b05f6c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_717957fc-6e25-4403-836f-607f363a33a0" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_NumberOfPendingProgramReviews_840f75cc-11a5-42eb-9bfc-8f39709a6f9b" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_NumberOfPendingProgramReviews"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_df08d20c-1bbe-4e55-b56d-8b7635b05f6c" xlink:to="loc_ghc_NumberOfPendingProgramReviews_840f75cc-11a5-42eb-9bfc-8f39709a6f9b" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_NumberOfFinalizedProgramReviews_7017565a-21b7-427c-900b-01d3af58a5bd" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_NumberOfFinalizedProgramReviews"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_df08d20c-1bbe-4e55-b56d-8b7635b05f6c" xlink:to="loc_ghc_NumberOfFinalizedProgramReviews_7017565a-21b7-427c-900b-01d3af58a5bd" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_NumberOfPreliminaryProgramReviewReportsReceived_8749477b-b1e9-447b-a306-994a3a43f7fb" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_NumberOfPreliminaryProgramReviewReportsReceived"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_df08d20c-1bbe-4e55-b56d-8b7635b05f6c" xlink:to="loc_ghc_NumberOfPreliminaryProgramReviewReportsReceived_8749477b-b1e9-447b-a306-994a3a43f7fb" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_LengthOfFullReviewOfStudentFiles_0c55acda-1f96-4c2d-b6e5-39460de236f3" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_LengthOfFullReviewOfStudentFiles"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_df08d20c-1bbe-4e55-b56d-8b7635b05f6c" xlink:to="loc_ghc_LengthOfFullReviewOfStudentFiles_0c55acda-1f96-4c2d-b6e5-39460de236f3" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_AccreditationTermReaffirmed_c10cc28b-101c-4817-88f1-70828048b183" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_AccreditationTermReaffirmed"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_df08d20c-1bbe-4e55-b56d-8b7635b05f6c" xlink:to="loc_ghc_AccreditationTermReaffirmed_c10cc28b-101c-4817-88f1-70828048b183" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_c05e8865-3cde-4d3a-b589-c9a7aac43220" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_df08d20c-1bbe-4e55-b56d-8b7635b05f6c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_c05e8865-3cde-4d3a-b589-c9a7aac43220" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameAxis_82ddc4af-cb86-436d-8af3-cbadf1fc5194" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_c05e8865-3cde-4d3a-b589-c9a7aac43220" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameAxis_82ddc4af-cb86-436d-8af3-cbadf1fc5194" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameDomain_82ddc4af-cb86-436d-8af3-cbadf1fc5194_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameAxis_82ddc4af-cb86-436d-8af3-cbadf1fc5194" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameDomain_82ddc4af-cb86-436d-8af3-cbadf1fc5194_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameDomain_f9ccdaef-455b-434d-bc9a-202b7a9a5091" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameAxis_82ddc4af-cb86-436d-8af3-cbadf1fc5194" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameDomain_f9ccdaef-455b-434d-bc9a-202b7a9a5091" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HerMajestysRevenueAndCustomsHMRCMember_aac98df4-0c1d-427c-ae6c-7bfd78c5ad42" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HerMajestysRevenueAndCustomsHMRCMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameDomain_f9ccdaef-455b-434d-bc9a-202b7a9a5091" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HerMajestysRevenueAndCustomsHMRCMember_aac98df4-0c1d-427c-ae6c-7bfd78c5ad42" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_2cc1b4ac-ce18-4047-9dc8-63c5d06f9b64" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_c05e8865-3cde-4d3a-b589-c9a7aac43220" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_2cc1b4ac-ce18-4047-9dc8-63c5d06f9b64" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_2cc1b4ac-ce18-4047-9dc8-63c5d06f9b64_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_2cc1b4ac-ce18-4047-9dc8-63c5d06f9b64" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_2cc1b4ac-ce18-4047-9dc8-63c5d06f9b64_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_c0340077-0355-4259-a2a1-370d92703614" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_2cc1b4ac-ce18-4047-9dc8-63c5d06f9b64" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_c0340077-0355-4259-a2a1-370d92703614" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_UKPathwaysMember_cb82d368-0591-4ffb-bf62-be4d1bd208cf" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_UKPathwaysMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_c0340077-0355-4259-a2a1-370d92703614" xlink:to="loc_ghc_UKPathwaysMember_cb82d368-0591-4ffb-bf62-be4d1bd208cf" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KaplanUniversityMember_794303e3-00f7-4d58-9cc4-3c7a3f3d2481" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_KaplanUniversityMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_c0340077-0355-4259-a2a1-370d92703614" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KaplanUniversityMember_794303e3-00f7-4d58-9cc4-3c7a3f3d2481" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_4defdd08-e104-4624-aa06-39254ceb0395" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_c05e8865-3cde-4d3a-b589-c9a7aac43220" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_4defdd08-e104-4624-aa06-39254ceb0395" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_4defdd08-e104-4624-aa06-39254ceb0395_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_4defdd08-e104-4624-aa06-39254ceb0395" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_4defdd08-e104-4624-aa06-39254ceb0395_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_108db0bb-5cb6-4719-80a8-0be59ac00413" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_4defdd08-e104-4624-aa06-39254ceb0395" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_108db0bb-5cb6-4719-80a8-0be59ac00413" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_EducationMember_364ef3c5-49ac-4e4c-bf10-f7c5e6a990d3" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_EducationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_108db0bb-5cb6-4719-80a8-0be59ac00413" xlink:to="loc_ghc_EducationMember_364ef3c5-49ac-4e4c-bf10-f7c5e6a990d3" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_fde6c4e5-6530-4d9e-9bfa-9dc2ac405aa7" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_TransactionAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_c05e8865-3cde-4d3a-b589-c9a7aac43220" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_fde6c4e5-6530-4d9e-9bfa-9dc2ac405aa7" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_fde6c4e5-6530-4d9e-9bfa-9dc2ac405aa7_default" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_TransactionTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_fde6c4e5-6530-4d9e-9bfa-9dc2ac405aa7" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_fde6c4e5-6530-4d9e-9bfa-9dc2ac405aa7_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_c2e908bd-7b96-4301-aab1-4a577c46e967" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_TransactionTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ghc_TransactionAxis_fde6c4e5-6530-4d9e-9bfa-9dc2ac405aa7" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_c2e908bd-7b96-4301-aab1-4a577c46e967" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_SaleOfKHECampusesBusinessMember_de77ada1-db86-4285-8f82-d7a5910ca244" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_SaleOfKHECampusesBusinessMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_TransactionTypeDomain_c2e908bd-7b96-4301-aab1-4a577c46e967" xlink:to="loc_ghc_SaleOfKHECampusesBusinessMember_de77ada1-db86-4285-8f82-d7a5910ca244" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_a746fd9d-2840-4a21-b56c-a3f33f839835" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_c05e8865-3cde-4d3a-b589-c9a7aac43220" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_a746fd9d-2840-4a21-b56c-a3f33f839835" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_a746fd9d-2840-4a21-b56c-a3f33f839835_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_a746fd9d-2840-4a21-b56c-a3f33f839835" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_a746fd9d-2840-4a21-b56c-a3f33f839835_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_95d3651c-a8fd-46c0-881e-535278c5f055" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_a746fd9d-2840-4a21-b56c-a3f33f839835" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_95d3651c-a8fd-46c0-881e-535278c5f055" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_204bc08b-cad2-4ff6-9f78-2752ed161bc3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_95d3651c-a8fd-46c0-881e-535278c5f055" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_204bc08b-cad2-4ff6-9f78-2752ed161bc3" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_c1307e6a-e636-4e9a-bce9-e787b4700619" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_c05e8865-3cde-4d3a-b589-c9a7aac43220" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_c1307e6a-e636-4e9a-bce9-e787b4700619" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_c1307e6a-e636-4e9a-bce9-e787b4700619_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_c1307e6a-e636-4e9a-bce9-e787b4700619" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_c1307e6a-e636-4e9a-bce9-e787b4700619_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_d6dacfa4-d6a1-43fb-b78f-fcb1eea4ab0f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_c1307e6a-e636-4e9a-bce9-e787b4700619" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_d6dacfa4-d6a1-43fb-b78f-fcb1eea4ab0f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KaplanInternationalMember_64e9f8fc-5dab-46ca-aa85-f8d9a11b0b05" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_KaplanInternationalMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_d6dacfa4-d6a1-43fb-b78f-fcb1eea4ab0f" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KaplanInternationalMember_64e9f8fc-5dab-46ca-aa85-f8d9a11b0b05" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_HigherEducationMember_ec912ae0-effd-494c-aedc-67c064175593" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_HigherEducationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_d6dacfa4-d6a1-43fb-b78f-fcb1eea4ab0f" xlink:to="loc_ghc_HigherEducationMember_ec912ae0-effd-494c-aedc-67c064175593" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_ac1119ff-2f36-46f4-a071-59650d0746fd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_c05e8865-3cde-4d3a-b589-c9a7aac43220" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_ac1119ff-2f36-46f4-a071-59650d0746fd" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_ac1119ff-2f36-46f4-a071-59650d0746fd_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_ac1119ff-2f36-46f4-a071-59650d0746fd" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_ac1119ff-2f36-46f4-a071-59650d0746fd_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_45e7d27a-5439-4217-bb71-d6e66c8c4654" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_ac1119ff-2f36-46f4-a071-59650d0746fd" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_45e7d27a-5439-4217-bb71-d6e66c8c4654" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_cfed6206-6146-47eb-bc51-1a80bbcd99f1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_45e7d27a-5439-4217-bb71-d6e66c8c4654" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_cfed6206-6146-47eb-bc51-1a80bbcd99f1" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_001078cb-792d-455b-8749-8263335c0359" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_45e7d27a-5439-4217-bb71-d6e66c8c4654" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_001078cb-792d-455b-8749-8263335c0359" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ApplicableYearsAxis_9e3e968d-3d0a-4eb6-86ad-87db6e67e248" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_ApplicableYearsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_c05e8865-3cde-4d3a-b589-c9a7aac43220" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ApplicableYearsAxis_9e3e968d-3d0a-4eb6-86ad-87db6e67e248" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ApplicableYearsDomain_9e3e968d-3d0a-4eb6-86ad-87db6e67e248_default" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_ApplicableYearsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ApplicableYearsAxis_9e3e968d-3d0a-4eb6-86ad-87db6e67e248" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ApplicableYearsDomain_9e3e968d-3d0a-4eb6-86ad-87db6e67e248_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ApplicableYearsDomain_954c5b63-d3ee-4ebc-9f82-8b5557aefe16" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_ApplicableYearsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ApplicableYearsAxis_9e3e968d-3d0a-4eb6-86ad-87db6e67e248" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ApplicableYearsDomain_954c5b63-d3ee-4ebc-9f82-8b5557aefe16" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_A2014to2018Member_d31fb92b-6255-49e8-bd92-7f2182058fd8" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_A2014to2018Member"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ghc_ApplicableYearsDomain_954c5b63-d3ee-4ebc-9f82-8b5557aefe16" xlink:to="loc_ghc_A2014to2018Member_d31fb92b-6255-49e8-bd92-7f2182058fd8" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/BusinessSegmentsTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#BusinessSegmentsTables"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/BusinessSegmentsTables" xlink:type="extended" id="i6169cd5701c74020b4e048a6622eab88_BusinessSegmentsTables">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_3b955a18-e8e5-4217-bdcf-77d843a2ee34" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTextBlock_5911f5bf-d7bc-4a33-8075-ab93c74f2796" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTextBlock"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_3b955a18-e8e5-4217-bdcf-77d843a2ee34" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTextBlock_5911f5bf-d7bc-4a33-8075-ab93c74f2796" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock_41edf305-a4d3-4705-b479-a0a63f642de3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_3b955a18-e8e5-4217-bdcf-77d843a2ee34" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock_41edf305-a4d3-4705-b479-a0a63f642de3" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_eb45e114-31fa-4464-a244-a9149206ff63" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_3b955a18-e8e5-4217-bdcf-77d843a2ee34" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_eb45e114-31fa-4464-a244-a9149206ff63" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_69d43c12-1aac-4ea2-a81b-226f85ea146b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_eb45e114-31fa-4464-a244-a9149206ff63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_69d43c12-1aac-4ea2-a81b-226f85ea146b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_69d43c12-1aac-4ea2-a81b-226f85ea146b_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_69d43c12-1aac-4ea2-a81b-226f85ea146b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_69d43c12-1aac-4ea2-a81b-226f85ea146b_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1c4c6a11-ad08-471c-a99d-18927428cc6e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_69d43c12-1aac-4ea2-a81b-226f85ea146b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1c4c6a11-ad08-471c-a99d-18927428cc6e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_EducationMember_23464695-2ea3-4c3a-a043-0d944f29f327" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_EducationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1c4c6a11-ad08-471c-a99d-18927428cc6e" xlink:to="loc_ghc_EducationMember_23464695-2ea3-4c3a-a043-0d944f29f327" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/BusinessSegmentsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#BusinessSegmentsNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/BusinessSegmentsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" id="i058a90ecf2024105883e0e4220f7e96a_BusinessSegmentsNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_b29e88ff-562e-47ae-96c7-079c3e0ad77f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments_358e2f90-7362-421b-8e9e-ed91f8c77a5f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_b29e88ff-562e-47ae-96c7-079c3e0ad77f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments_358e2f90-7362-421b-8e9e-ed91f8c77a5f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringSettlementAndImpairmentProvisions_ef189c9d-3ebd-431e-af77-f152ca2cf084" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringSettlementAndImpairmentProvisions"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_b29e88ff-562e-47ae-96c7-079c3e0ad77f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringSettlementAndImpairmentProvisions_ef189c9d-3ebd-431e-af77-f152ca2cf084" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_OperatingLeaseAbandonmentCost_4d04b82d-85c3-4e76-8aaa-d2ca24d5e2fa" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_OperatingLeaseAbandonmentCost"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_b29e88ff-562e-47ae-96c7-079c3e0ad77f" xlink:to="loc_ghc_OperatingLeaseAbandonmentCost_4d04b82d-85c3-4e76-8aaa-d2ca24d5e2fa" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_AcceleratedDepreciation_7bfe75e5-50a1-4e8d-8392-7ba3f74e218f" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_AcceleratedDepreciation"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_b29e88ff-562e-47ae-96c7-079c3e0ad77f" xlink:to="loc_ghc_AcceleratedDepreciation_7bfe75e5-50a1-4e8d-8392-7ba3f74e218f" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_131037cd-58d2-4462-8f42-fbf09a3d38c8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_b29e88ff-562e-47ae-96c7-079c3e0ad77f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_131037cd-58d2-4462-8f42-fbf09a3d38c8" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_7f2f2994-412b-4e59-9bf2-71ebf3261a43" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_131037cd-58d2-4462-8f42-fbf09a3d38c8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_7f2f2994-412b-4e59-9bf2-71ebf3261a43" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_7f2f2994-412b-4e59-9bf2-71ebf3261a43_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_7f2f2994-412b-4e59-9bf2-71ebf3261a43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_7f2f2994-412b-4e59-9bf2-71ebf3261a43_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_ce00eba6-7e6d-49b6-899c-c583bfebb035" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_7f2f2994-412b-4e59-9bf2-71ebf3261a43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_ce00eba6-7e6d-49b6-899c-c583bfebb035" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KaplanInternationalMember_74ba990a-9eda-4a65-853a-1c8a2a843a90" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_KaplanInternationalMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_ce00eba6-7e6d-49b6-899c-c583bfebb035" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KaplanInternationalMember_74ba990a-9eda-4a65-853a-1c8a2a843a90" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_HigherEducationMember_13439650-077c-4347-89e7-e61068833bfa" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_HigherEducationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_ce00eba6-7e6d-49b6-899c-c583bfebb035" xlink:to="loc_ghc_HigherEducationMember_13439650-077c-4347-89e7-e61068833bfa" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KaplanCorporateAndOtherMember_c35c62d2-3469-485b-8f1c-53b4bd1b2f9b" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_KaplanCorporateAndOtherMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_ce00eba6-7e6d-49b6-899c-c583bfebb035" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KaplanCorporateAndOtherMember_c35c62d2-3469-485b-8f1c-53b4bd1b2f9b" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReportableSubsegmentsMember_1606812d-184e-4a8f-9b28-3b02630a1250" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReportableSubsegmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_ce00eba6-7e6d-49b6-899c-c583bfebb035" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReportableSubsegmentsMember_1606812d-184e-4a8f-9b28-3b02630a1250" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis_55f1bd69-6cbe-46b3-a3e5-3395e5694c52" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_131037cd-58d2-4462-8f42-fbf09a3d38c8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis_55f1bd69-6cbe-46b3-a3e5-3395e5694c52" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain_55f1bd69-6cbe-46b3-a3e5-3395e5694c52_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis_55f1bd69-6cbe-46b3-a3e5-3395e5694c52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain_55f1bd69-6cbe-46b3-a3e5-3395e5694c52_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain_d815c9d9-ceb6-4f1b-bdfa-d4b46373280d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis_55f1bd69-6cbe-46b3-a3e5-3395e5694c52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain_d815c9d9-ceb6-4f1b-bdfa-d4b46373280d" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReportableSubsegmentsMember_9851e041-a374-4418-9249-4b9cae636763" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReportableSubsegmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain_d815c9d9-ceb6-4f1b-bdfa-d4b46373280d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReportableSubsegmentsMember_9851e041-a374-4418-9249-4b9cae636763" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_0159785c-0ff3-42c6-be59-0e01cd129bbf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_131037cd-58d2-4462-8f42-fbf09a3d38c8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_0159785c-0ff3-42c6-be59-0e01cd129bbf" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_0159785c-0ff3-42c6-be59-0e01cd129bbf_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_0159785c-0ff3-42c6-be59-0e01cd129bbf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_0159785c-0ff3-42c6-be59-0e01cd129bbf_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_33737425-5682-46f0-8883-72e14e92a37b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_0159785c-0ff3-42c6-be59-0e01cd129bbf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_33737425-5682-46f0-8883-72e14e92a37b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_EducationMember_6efc5970-34df-4b07-8af3-aec4e2f3a90f" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_EducationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_33737425-5682-46f0-8883-72e14e92a37b" xlink:to="loc_ghc_EducationMember_6efc5970-34df-4b07-8af3-aec4e2f3a90f" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TelevisionBroadcastingMember_8af307ad-5d4f-44a1-ba46-859fc237933e" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_TelevisionBroadcastingMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_33737425-5682-46f0-8883-72e14e92a37b" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TelevisionBroadcastingMember_8af307ad-5d4f-44a1-ba46-859fc237933e" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember_0b6afae8-28a9-457e-9341-ebcf4f7b11ff" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_33737425-5682-46f0-8883-72e14e92a37b" xlink:to="loc_ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember_0b6afae8-28a9-457e-9341-ebcf4f7b11ff" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember_08b3efec-f1f7-4c11-898b-a106ad822c8d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_33737425-5682-46f0-8883-72e14e92a37b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember_08b3efec-f1f7-4c11-898b-a106ad822c8d" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_3d22088f-8c5a-482c-8125-fc78e5b682b1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_131037cd-58d2-4462-8f42-fbf09a3d38c8" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_3d22088f-8c5a-482c-8125-fc78e5b682b1" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_3d22088f-8c5a-482c-8125-fc78e5b682b1_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_3d22088f-8c5a-482c-8125-fc78e5b682b1" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_3d22088f-8c5a-482c-8125-fc78e5b682b1_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_87d20235-a046-4382-af4b-c3f9e2f40143" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_3d22088f-8c5a-482c-8125-fc78e5b682b1" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_87d20235-a046-4382-af4b-c3f9e2f40143" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_47063631-aa4b-4b32-813d-58c75a6880e3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_87d20235-a046-4382-af4b-c3f9e2f40143" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_47063631-aa4b-4b32-813d-58c75a6880e3" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember_02ca4bbb-b72f-4e0d-a872-3415d1bb4fe4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_87d20235-a046-4382-af4b-c3f9e2f40143" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember_02ca4bbb-b72f-4e0d-a872-3415d1bb4fe4" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_073c98b2-4e82-44d2-9280-92254b509de2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_131037cd-58d2-4462-8f42-fbf09a3d38c8" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_073c98b2-4e82-44d2-9280-92254b509de2" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_073c98b2-4e82-44d2-9280-92254b509de2_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_073c98b2-4e82-44d2-9280-92254b509de2" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_073c98b2-4e82-44d2-9280-92254b509de2_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_43787d56-3515-443a-bfb4-95468a383007" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_073c98b2-4e82-44d2-9280-92254b509de2" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_43787d56-3515-443a-bfb4-95468a383007" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ClydesRestaurantGroupMember_3980d655-c5c7-465a-a6fc-1e9a7e527ba9" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_ClydesRestaurantGroupMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_43787d56-3515-443a-bfb4-95468a383007" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ClydesRestaurantGroupMember_3980d655-c5c7-465a-a6fc-1e9a7e527ba9" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/BusinessSegmentsRestructuringDetails1" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#BusinessSegmentsRestructuringDetails1"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/BusinessSegmentsRestructuringDetails1" xlink:type="extended" id="i0b2920dc265a4f84977b5380076f0d4d_BusinessSegmentsRestructuringDetails1">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_32dc841d-5623-45c5-89af-6b2f4b234a62" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeveranceCosts1_35ca3312-a5ac-4bb8-95b4-e4deee9efa67" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeveranceCosts1"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_32dc841d-5623-45c5-89af-6b2f4b234a62" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeveranceCosts1_35ca3312-a5ac-4bb8-95b4-e4deee9efa67" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_OperatingLeaseAbandonmentCost_86ce51c0-1948-4c3a-b650-a8edb9569f2c" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_OperatingLeaseAbandonmentCost"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_32dc841d-5623-45c5-89af-6b2f4b234a62" xlink:to="loc_ghc_OperatingLeaseAbandonmentCost_86ce51c0-1948-4c3a-b650-a8edb9569f2c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveAcceleratedDepreciation_5281f813-d302-443f-87fe-feb7fe9d388d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringReserveAcceleratedDepreciation"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_32dc841d-5623-45c5-89af-6b2f4b234a62" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringReserveAcceleratedDepreciation_5281f813-d302-443f-87fe-feb7fe9d388d" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_6604e3d5-c3d4-4a10-b1b1-bbfb62c69e84" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCharges"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_32dc841d-5623-45c5-89af-6b2f4b234a62" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCharges_6604e3d5-c3d4-4a10-b1b1-bbfb62c69e84" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseImpairmentLoss_352903ac-4427-4a9f-b1e9-1fcbfccfe75e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseImpairmentLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_32dc841d-5623-45c5-89af-6b2f4b234a62" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseImpairmentLoss_352903ac-4427-4a9f-b1e9-1fcbfccfe75e" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TangibleAssetImpairmentCharges_2fd10251-d157-4633-bba5-b1bb898ea32e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TangibleAssetImpairmentCharges"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_32dc841d-5623-45c5-89af-6b2f4b234a62" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TangibleAssetImpairmentCharges_2fd10251-d157-4633-bba5-b1bb898ea32e" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCostOfProvidingSpecialOrContractualTerminationBenefitRecognizedDuringPeriod_1ed54431-0c3d-4333-b975-2c599d99dda8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCostOfProvidingSpecialOrContractualTerminationBenefitRecognizedDuringPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_32dc841d-5623-45c5-89af-6b2f4b234a62" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCostOfProvidingSpecialOrContractualTerminationBenefitRecognizedDuringPeriod_1ed54431-0c3d-4333-b975-2c599d99dda8" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringSettlementAndImpairmentProvisions_d8f6736d-b60b-44b3-80ec-6302935efa37" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringSettlementAndImpairmentProvisions"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_32dc841d-5623-45c5-89af-6b2f4b234a62" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringSettlementAndImpairmentProvisions_d8f6736d-b60b-44b3-80ec-6302935efa37" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_1d685e6c-e764-4830-8993-b69c14471ad0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems_32dc841d-5623-45c5-89af-6b2f4b234a62" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_1d685e6c-e764-4830-8993-b69c14471ad0" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_730dbd64-aa2c-464c-8945-d5c23a51f1fa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_1d685e6c-e764-4830-8993-b69c14471ad0" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_730dbd64-aa2c-464c-8945-d5c23a51f1fa" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_730dbd64-aa2c-464c-8945-d5c23a51f1fa_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_730dbd64-aa2c-464c-8945-d5c23a51f1fa" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_730dbd64-aa2c-464c-8945-d5c23a51f1fa_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_ccbfa46c-d6a1-49a6-9834-a1f281520a60" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_730dbd64-aa2c-464c-8945-d5c23a51f1fa" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_ccbfa46c-d6a1-49a6-9834-a1f281520a60" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_6b0c83e0-601f-446f-bae1-e22529763209" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_ccbfa46c-d6a1-49a6-9834-a1f281520a60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_6b0c83e0-601f-446f-bae1-e22529763209" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_c50d9ff9-61ac-4132-a647-72942203661e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_1d685e6c-e764-4830-8993-b69c14471ad0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_c50d9ff9-61ac-4132-a647-72942203661e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_c50d9ff9-61ac-4132-a647-72942203661e_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_c50d9ff9-61ac-4132-a647-72942203661e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_c50d9ff9-61ac-4132-a647-72942203661e_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_159f7c6b-b38b-4b3d-916a-e35c0782cc3a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_c50d9ff9-61ac-4132-a647-72942203661e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_159f7c6b-b38b-4b3d-916a-e35c0782cc3a" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_EducationMember_2d2e9fb8-f76c-4265-a3e3-5a62504295cb" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_EducationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_159f7c6b-b38b-4b3d-916a-e35c0782cc3a" xlink:to="loc_ghc_EducationMember_2d2e9fb8-f76c-4265-a3e3-5a62504295cb" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember_d097f05e-ae59-48de-bf04-4c5668482a31" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_159f7c6b-b38b-4b3d-916a-e35c0782cc3a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember_d097f05e-ae59-48de-bf04-4c5668482a31" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis_c8dde80c-503b-4a2e-b2e5-cbae20022be5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_1d685e6c-e764-4830-8993-b69c14471ad0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis_c8dde80c-503b-4a2e-b2e5-cbae20022be5" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain_c8dde80c-503b-4a2e-b2e5-cbae20022be5_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis_c8dde80c-503b-4a2e-b2e5-cbae20022be5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain_c8dde80c-503b-4a2e-b2e5-cbae20022be5_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain_6e5850cf-4a43-4574-908c-97d9298ec4c9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis_c8dde80c-503b-4a2e-b2e5-cbae20022be5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain_6e5850cf-4a43-4574-908c-97d9298ec4c9" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReportableSubsegmentsMember_85ebc71e-b9c5-400f-87b3-78ba41f9a840" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReportableSubsegmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain_6e5850cf-4a43-4574-908c-97d9298ec4c9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReportableSubsegmentsMember_85ebc71e-b9c5-400f-87b3-78ba41f9a840" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KaplanCorporateAndOtherMember_8dfcd7aa-5ca6-406b-888e-9d42ecf5592f" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_KaplanCorporateAndOtherMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain_6e5850cf-4a43-4574-908c-97d9298ec4c9" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KaplanCorporateAndOtherMember_8dfcd7aa-5ca6-406b-888e-9d42ecf5592f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_c59493aa-9b97-4ccb-9aab-98da4a9f42c0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable_1d685e6c-e764-4830-8993-b69c14471ad0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_c59493aa-9b97-4ccb-9aab-98da4a9f42c0" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_c59493aa-9b97-4ccb-9aab-98da4a9f42c0_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_c59493aa-9b97-4ccb-9aab-98da4a9f42c0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_c59493aa-9b97-4ccb-9aab-98da4a9f42c0_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_05101464-eab5-4fc1-9869-a730baf8d195" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_c59493aa-9b97-4ccb-9aab-98da4a9f42c0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_05101464-eab5-4fc1-9869-a730baf8d195" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KaplanInternationalMember_ee61ad4f-876a-4456-9631-926a5e20b21c" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_KaplanInternationalMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_05101464-eab5-4fc1-9869-a730baf8d195" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KaplanInternationalMember_ee61ad4f-876a-4456-9631-926a5e20b21c" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_HigherEducationMember_feee1905-09b8-46fc-b63a-e9c72e35298b" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_HigherEducationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_05101464-eab5-4fc1-9869-a730baf8d195" xlink:to="loc_ghc_HigherEducationMember_feee1905-09b8-46fc-b63a-e9c72e35298b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_SupplementalEducationMember_7f4cb53c-ec0d-493d-b6d0-b05b6cf9d240" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_SupplementalEducationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_05101464-eab5-4fc1-9869-a730baf8d195" xlink:to="loc_ghc_SupplementalEducationMember_7f4cb53c-ec0d-493d-b6d0-b05b6cf9d240" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.ghco.com/role/BusinessSegmentsInformationbyOperatingSegmentDetails2" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#BusinessSegmentsInformationbyOperatingSegmentDetails2"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ghco.com/role/BusinessSegmentsInformationbyOperatingSegmentDetails2" xlink:type="extended" id="ib8f6dfd7bb614cd8a162fdcc4a89a9ce_BusinessSegmentsInformationbyOperatingSegmentDetails2">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_84f86a95-efda-41f7-88cb-2c3f4d48e83f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_be6bba0b-b6ec-46cd-a80a-d83629f35575" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_84f86a95-efda-41f7-88cb-2c3f4d48e83f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_be6bba0b-b6ec-46cd-a80a-d83629f35575" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_OperatingIncomeBeforeAmortizationOfIntangibleAssetsAndImpairmentOfGoodwillAndOtherLongLivedAssets_9bedf53c-f259-4423-945a-93df3fd3638c" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_OperatingIncomeBeforeAmortizationOfIntangibleAssetsAndImpairmentOfGoodwillAndOtherLongLivedAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_84f86a95-efda-41f7-88cb-2c3f4d48e83f" xlink:to="loc_ghc_OperatingIncomeBeforeAmortizationOfIntangibleAssetsAndImpairmentOfGoodwillAndOtherLongLivedAssets_9bedf53c-f259-4423-945a-93df3fd3638c" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssetsAndImpairmentOfGoodwillAndOtherLongLivedAssets_fe95d976-1379-43f8-919c-c869fc9426cf" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssetsAndImpairmentOfGoodwillAndOtherLongLivedAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_84f86a95-efda-41f7-88cb-2c3f4d48e83f" xlink:to="loc_ghc_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssetsAndImpairmentOfGoodwillAndOtherLongLivedAssets_fe95d976-1379-43f8-919c-c869fc9426cf" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_54e96a14-ba70-4683-9458-36de8ecdc43e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_84f86a95-efda-41f7-88cb-2c3f4d48e83f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_54e96a14-ba70-4683-9458-36de8ecdc43e" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_398bfa23-d29a-4949-90e3-aeb19f0c2d0a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_84f86a95-efda-41f7-88cb-2c3f4d48e83f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_398bfa23-d29a-4949-90e3-aeb19f0c2d0a" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet_bf94c17f-e6c1-48a3-bab7-89453dd68982" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_84f86a95-efda-41f7-88cb-2c3f4d48e83f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet_bf94c17f-e6c1-48a3-bab7-89453dd68982" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetPeriodicDefinedBenefitsExpenseReversalOfExpenseExcludingServiceCostComponent_83aba57c-1043-428f-9221-4f7781ab123b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetPeriodicDefinedBenefitsExpenseReversalOfExpenseExcludingServiceCostComponent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_84f86a95-efda-41f7-88cb-2c3f4d48e83f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetPeriodicDefinedBenefitsExpenseReversalOfExpenseExcludingServiceCostComponent_83aba57c-1043-428f-9221-4f7781ab123b" xlink:type="arc" order="6"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiGainLoss_749836b5-71f0-4b61-aefd-1648558950e2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiGainLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_84f86a95-efda-41f7-88cb-2c3f4d48e83f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiGainLoss_749836b5-71f0-4b61-aefd-1648558950e2" xlink:type="arc" order="7"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_ef30c54f-d73a-4041-9a09-9e1f1faab50c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_84f86a95-efda-41f7-88cb-2c3f4d48e83f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_ef30c54f-d73a-4041-9a09-9e1f1faab50c" xlink:type="arc" order="8"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_f948ec32-7145-47ed-9055-06bca352b582" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_84f86a95-efda-41f7-88cb-2c3f4d48e83f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_f948ec32-7145-47ed-9055-06bca352b582" xlink:type="arc" order="9"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_3abff1c3-4781-472d-8e1c-b4d92235eaa4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Depreciation"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_84f86a95-efda-41f7-88cb-2c3f4d48e83f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_3abff1c3-4781-472d-8e1c-b4d92235eaa4" xlink:type="arc" order="10"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost_45943180-bce6-486e-acba-afdbee61ea0d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_84f86a95-efda-41f7-88cb-2c3f4d48e83f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost_45943180-bce6-486e-acba-afdbee61ea0d" xlink:type="arc" order="11"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_IdentifiableAssets_f87a1d39-e9e0-46ec-8dbc-013a44b3ed02" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_IdentifiableAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_84f86a95-efda-41f7-88cb-2c3f4d48e83f" xlink:to="loc_ghc_IdentifiableAssets_f87a1d39-e9e0-46ec-8dbc-013a44b3ed02" xlink:type="arc" order="12"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi_8d81f4d8-9a4c-40b5-97b6-ae9932080642" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_84f86a95-efda-41f7-88cb-2c3f4d48e83f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNi_8d81f4d8-9a4c-40b5-97b6-ae9932080642" xlink:type="arc" order="13"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_67a4c878-6ca4-412b-a53e-4233836ddefc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_84f86a95-efda-41f7-88cb-2c3f4d48e83f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_67a4c878-6ca4-412b-a53e-4233836ddefc" xlink:type="arc" order="14"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsNoncurrent_17e77f25-dd96-40bd-9b97-ec8d33b709c7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsNoncurrent"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_84f86a95-efda-41f7-88cb-2c3f4d48e83f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsNoncurrent_17e77f25-dd96-40bd-9b97-ec8d33b709c7" xlink:type="arc" order="15"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_3cf66fd4-9f15-4ade-ace0-954af888b379" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_84f86a95-efda-41f7-88cb-2c3f4d48e83f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_3cf66fd4-9f15-4ade-ace0-954af888b379" xlink:type="arc" order="16"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_4f4ff9bc-ed78-4e44-a96a-c6e62a275b68" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_84f86a95-efda-41f7-88cb-2c3f4d48e83f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_4f4ff9bc-ed78-4e44-a96a-c6e62a275b68" xlink:type="arc" order="17"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_c370e85a-9bef-400b-a9a3-6cbcc812c22f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_84f86a95-efda-41f7-88cb-2c3f4d48e83f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_c370e85a-9bef-400b-a9a3-6cbcc812c22f" xlink:type="arc" order="18"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_59a1ecdf-dd6e-4a10-817a-1d642b3ff5ca" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_84f86a95-efda-41f7-88cb-2c3f4d48e83f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_59a1ecdf-dd6e-4a10-817a-1d642b3ff5ca" xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_0578caef-0de9-482d-a8bb-c04c58ee6ee8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_59a1ecdf-dd6e-4a10-817a-1d642b3ff5ca" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_0578caef-0de9-482d-a8bb-c04c58ee6ee8" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_0578caef-0de9-482d-a8bb-c04c58ee6ee8_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_0578caef-0de9-482d-a8bb-c04c58ee6ee8" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_0578caef-0de9-482d-a8bb-c04c58ee6ee8_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_406fbd17-ce51-4e99-a05a-247cc2380736" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_0578caef-0de9-482d-a8bb-c04c58ee6ee8" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_406fbd17-ce51-4e99-a05a-247cc2380736" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_af98d520-5485-461d-8e5e-bacdc52039ed" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_406fbd17-ce51-4e99-a05a-247cc2380736" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_af98d520-5485-461d-8e5e-bacdc52039ed" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember_97c87ef1-ca54-4f2a-a454-b5caa912d25f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_406fbd17-ce51-4e99-a05a-247cc2380736" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember_97c87ef1-ca54-4f2a-a454-b5caa912d25f" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember_9ff34e95-340c-4827-af9e-fc0ba770ab30" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_406fbd17-ce51-4e99-a05a-247cc2380736" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember_9ff34e95-340c-4827-af9e-fc0ba770ab30" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_4edb2753-a992-4d1b-a8b8-8ee919dc4f0e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_59a1ecdf-dd6e-4a10-817a-1d642b3ff5ca" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_4edb2753-a992-4d1b-a8b8-8ee919dc4f0e" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_4edb2753-a992-4d1b-a8b8-8ee919dc4f0e_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_4edb2753-a992-4d1b-a8b8-8ee919dc4f0e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_4edb2753-a992-4d1b-a8b8-8ee919dc4f0e_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_c77ae77b-ead2-450a-9caf-c3b846b01e61" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_4edb2753-a992-4d1b-a8b8-8ee919dc4f0e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_c77ae77b-ead2-450a-9caf-c3b846b01e61" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_EducationMember_4ca74480-b0d0-455e-a2be-df80ed26835b" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_EducationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_c77ae77b-ead2-450a-9caf-c3b846b01e61" xlink:to="loc_ghc_EducationMember_4ca74480-b0d0-455e-a2be-df80ed26835b" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_TelevisionBroadcastingMember_3c75f446-7ff0-4c7a-8c5b-ebfa7cacec8b" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_TelevisionBroadcastingMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_c77ae77b-ead2-450a-9caf-c3b846b01e61" xlink:to="loc_ghc_TelevisionBroadcastingMember_3c75f446-7ff0-4c7a-8c5b-ebfa7cacec8b" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_ManufacturingMember_62de9a06-fc06-4260-b548-f04f5c724cdf" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_ManufacturingMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_c77ae77b-ead2-450a-9caf-c3b846b01e61" xlink:to="loc_ghc_ManufacturingMember_62de9a06-fc06-4260-b548-f04f5c724cdf" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember_7b22eadd-0243-4d49-96b6-ba2708f98ed1" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_c77ae77b-ead2-450a-9caf-c3b846b01e61" xlink:to="loc_ghc_GrahamHealthcareGroupMember_7b22eadd-0243-4d49-96b6-ba2708f98ed1" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_AutomotiveMember_780c08ab-3088-4c68-b0ea-1c5a3664ac4c" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_AutomotiveMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_c77ae77b-ead2-450a-9caf-c3b846b01e61" xlink:to="loc_ghc_AutomotiveMember_780c08ab-3088-4c68-b0ea-1c5a3664ac4c" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember_6ebfc5c5-06b0-48e6-9bf2-d6e3584ad1d0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_c77ae77b-ead2-450a-9caf-c3b846b01e61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember_6ebfc5c5-06b0-48e6-9bf2-d6e3584ad1d0" xlink:type="arc" order="5"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis_481b8b2b-04e9-4e0b-8a7e-84973cb937e5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_59a1ecdf-dd6e-4a10-817a-1d642b3ff5ca" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis_481b8b2b-04e9-4e0b-8a7e-84973cb937e5" xlink:type="arc" order="3"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain_481b8b2b-04e9-4e0b-8a7e-84973cb937e5_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis_481b8b2b-04e9-4e0b-8a7e-84973cb937e5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain_481b8b2b-04e9-4e0b-8a7e-84973cb937e5_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain_85f0fd66-2a6e-44fc-926d-5a500d431c19" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis_481b8b2b-04e9-4e0b-8a7e-84973cb937e5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain_85f0fd66-2a6e-44fc-926d-5a500d431c19" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReportableSubsegmentsMember_0c720ab6-57e0-4f12-9d03-5d7218badb39" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReportableSubsegmentsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain_85f0fd66-2a6e-44fc-926d-5a500d431c19" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReportableSubsegmentsMember_0c720ab6-57e0-4f12-9d03-5d7218badb39" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KaplanCorporateAndOtherMember_b5060ef8-4e7b-45e3-848f-9b6bc8364a20" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_KaplanCorporateAndOtherMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain_85f0fd66-2a6e-44fc-926d-5a500d431c19" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KaplanCorporateAndOtherMember_b5060ef8-4e7b-45e3-848f-9b6bc8364a20" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntersubsegmentEliminationsMember_049c761f-652e-41c2-83f2-0df38d7dba24" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntersubsegmentEliminationsMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain_85f0fd66-2a6e-44fc-926d-5a500d431c19" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntersubsegmentEliminationsMember_049c761f-652e-41c2-83f2-0df38d7dba24" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_c8abfedf-edac-47bd-92c7-dc77273b0408" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_59a1ecdf-dd6e-4a10-817a-1d642b3ff5ca" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_c8abfedf-edac-47bd-92c7-dc77273b0408" xlink:type="arc" order="4"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_c8abfedf-edac-47bd-92c7-dc77273b0408_default" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_c8abfedf-edac-47bd-92c7-dc77273b0408" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_c8abfedf-edac-47bd-92c7-dc77273b0408_default" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_8aab8106-2e49-4618-88bc-c1b79bc09fac" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_c8abfedf-edac-47bd-92c7-dc77273b0408" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_8aab8106-2e49-4618-88bc-c1b79bc09fac" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_KaplanInternationalMember_c6d8ddd6-e6ed-4f09-8cc8-963c2d75ebb2" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_KaplanInternationalMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_8aab8106-2e49-4618-88bc-c1b79bc09fac" xlink:to="loc_ghc_KaplanInternationalMember_c6d8ddd6-e6ed-4f09-8cc8-963c2d75ebb2" xlink:type="arc" order="0"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_HigherEducationMember_b6c6d5f0-e330-4ce2-96c8-590578afcd45" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_HigherEducationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_8aab8106-2e49-4618-88bc-c1b79bc09fac" xlink:to="loc_ghc_HigherEducationMember_b6c6d5f0-e330-4ce2-96c8-590578afcd45" xlink:type="arc" order="1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_ghc_SupplementalEducationMember_d1177df2-ed59-4786-b8e8-59b536c9dd99" xlink:href="ghc-20210930.xsd#ghc_SupplementalEducationMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_8aab8106-2e49-4618-88bc-c1b79bc09fac" xlink:to="loc_ghc_SupplementalEducationMember_d1177df2-ed59-4786-b8e8-59b536c9dd99" xlink:type="arc" order="2"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
</link:linkbase>
