<?xml version="1.0" encoding="US-ASCII"?>
<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!-- -->
<link:linkbase xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/AccruedExpenses" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#AccruedExpenses" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/AccruedExpensesDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#AccruedExpensesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/AccruedExpensesTables" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#AccruedExpensesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/AcquisitionsDispositionsAndOtherSignificantTransactions" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#AcquisitionsDispositionsAndOtherSignificantTransactions" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/AcquisitionsDispositionsAndOtherSignificantTransactionsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#AcquisitionsDispositionsAndOtherSignificantTransactionsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/AcquisitionsDispositionsAndOtherSignificantTransactionsBlackstoneVentureDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#AcquisitionsDispositionsAndOtherSignificantTransactionsBlackstoneVentureDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/AcquisitionsDispositionsAndOtherSignificantTransactionsHcpMasterLeaseTransactionAndRideaVenturesRestructuringDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#AcquisitionsDispositionsAndOtherSignificantTransactionsHcpMasterLeaseTransactionAndRideaVenturesRestructuringDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/AcquisitionsDispositionsAndOtherSignificantTransactionsHealthpeakCcrcVentureAndMasterLeaseTransactionsDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#AcquisitionsDispositionsAndOtherSignificantTransactionsHealthpeakCcrcVentureAndMasterLeaseTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/AcquisitionsDispositionsAndOtherSignificantTransactionsRevenueOfDisposalGroupsDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#AcquisitionsDispositionsAndOtherSignificantTransactionsRevenueOfDisposalGroupsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/AcquisitionsDispositionsAndOtherSignificantTransactionsTables" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#AcquisitionsDispositionsAndOtherSignificantTransactionsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/AcquisitionsDispositionsAndOtherSignificantTransactionsVentasLeasePortfolioRestructuringDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#AcquisitionsDispositionsAndOtherSignificantTransactionsVentasLeasePortfolioRestructuringDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/AcquisitionsDispositionsAndOtherSignificantTransactionsWelltowerLeaseAndRideaVentureRestructuringDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#AcquisitionsDispositionsAndOtherSignificantTransactionsWelltowerLeaseAndRideaVentureRestructuringDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfEquity" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfEquity" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsParenthetical" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/CoverPage" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#CoverPage" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/Debt" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#Debt" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/Debt2018FinancingsDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#Debt2018FinancingsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/Debt2019FinancingsDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#Debt2019FinancingsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/DebtAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#DebtAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/DebtConvertibleDebtDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#DebtConvertibleDebtDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/DebtCreditFacilitiesDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#DebtCreditFacilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/DebtScheduleOfDebtDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#DebtScheduleOfDebtDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/DebtScheduleOfMaturitiesDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#DebtScheduleOfMaturitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/DebtTables" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#DebtTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/DescriptionOfBusiness" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#DescriptionOfBusiness" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/DescriptionOfBusinessNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#DescriptionOfBusinessNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#EarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsGoodwillAndAssetImpairmentDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsGoodwillAndAssetImpairmentDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsInterestRateCapsDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsInterestRateCapsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNetGoodwillDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNetGoodwillDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNetOtherIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNetOtherIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNetTables" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNetTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/IncomeTaxesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#IncomeTaxesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/IncomeTaxesDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#IncomeTaxesDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/IncomeTaxesImpactOfTaxCutsAndJobsActDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#IncomeTaxesImpactOfTaxCutsAndJobsActDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/IncomeTaxesReconciliationOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#IncomeTaxesReconciliationOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#IncomeTaxesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/IncomeTaxesUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#IncomeTaxesUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/IncomeTaxesValuationAllowanceDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#IncomeTaxesValuationAllowanceDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/InvestmentInUnconsolidatedVentures" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#InvestmentInUnconsolidatedVentures" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/InvestmentInUnconsolidatedVenturesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#InvestmentInUnconsolidatedVenturesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/InvestmentInUnconsolidatedVenturesEquityMethodInvestmentsDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#InvestmentInUnconsolidatedVenturesEquityMethodInvestmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/InvestmentInUnconsolidatedVenturesTables" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#InvestmentInUnconsolidatedVenturesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/InvestmentInUnconsolidatedVenturesVariableInterestEntitiesDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#InvestmentInUnconsolidatedVenturesVariableInterestEntitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/Leases" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#Leases" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/LeasesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#LeasesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/LeasesFacilityLeaseExpenseDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#LeasesFacilityLeaseExpenseDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/LeasesLeaseCostDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#LeasesLeaseCostDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/LeasesMaturityAsc840Details" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#LeasesMaturityAsc840Details" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/LeasesMaturityAsc842Details" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#LeasesMaturityAsc842Details" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/LeasesTables" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#LeasesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndLeaseholdIntangiblesNet" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndLeaseholdIntangiblesNet" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndLeaseholdIntangiblesNetPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndLeaseholdIntangiblesNetPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndLeaseholdIntangiblesNetTables" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndLeaseholdIntangiblesNetTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/QuarterlyResultsOfOperationsUnaudited" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#QuarterlyResultsOfOperationsUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/QuarterlyResultsOfOperationsUnauditedDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#QuarterlyResultsOfOperationsUnauditedDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/QuarterlyResultsOfOperationsUnauditedTables" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#QuarterlyResultsOfOperationsUnauditedTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/RetirementPlans" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#RetirementPlans" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/RetirementPlansDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#RetirementPlansDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/Revenue" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#Revenue" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/RevenueAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#RevenueAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/RevenueDisaggregationOfRevenueDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#RevenueDisaggregationOfRevenueDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/RevenueTables" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#RevenueTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/SegmentInformation" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#SegmentInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/SegmentInformationDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#SegmentInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/SegmentInformationTables" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#SegmentInformationTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/SelfInsurance" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#SelfInsurance" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/SelfInsuranceDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#SelfInsuranceDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/ShareRepurchaseProgram" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#ShareRepurchaseProgram" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/ShareRepurchaseProgramDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#ShareRepurchaseProgramDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/StockBasedCompensation" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#StockBasedCompensation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/StockBasedCompensationAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#StockBasedCompensationAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/StockBasedCompensationRestrictedStockActivityDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#StockBasedCompensationRestrictedStockActivityDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/StockBasedCompensationRestrictedStockGrantsDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#StockBasedCompensationRestrictedStockGrantsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/StockBasedCompensationTables" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#StockBasedCompensationTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesBalanceSheetAdoptionEffectDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesBalanceSheetAdoptionEffectDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesCashAndEscrowDepositsDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesCashAndEscrowDepositsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/SupplementalDisclosureOfCashFlowInformation" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#SupplementalDisclosureOfCashFlowInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/SupplementalDisclosureOfCashFlowInformationAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#SupplementalDisclosureOfCashFlowInformationAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/SupplementalDisclosureOfCashFlowInformationCashAndRestrictedCashDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#SupplementalDisclosureOfCashFlowInformationCashAndRestrictedCashDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/SupplementalDisclosureOfCashFlowInformationSupplementalDisclosureOfCashFlowInformationDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#SupplementalDisclosureOfCashFlowInformationSupplementalDisclosureOfCashFlowInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/SupplementalDisclosureOfCashFlowInformationSupplementalScheduleOfNonCashOperatingInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#SupplementalDisclosureOfCashFlowInformationSupplementalScheduleOfNonCashOperatingInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/SupplementalDisclosureOfCashFlowInformationTables" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#SupplementalDisclosureOfCashFlowInformationTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/ValuationAndQualifyingAccounts" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#ValuationAndQualifyingAccounts" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://brookdale.com/role/ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDetails" xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/AccruedExpenses" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/AccruedExpensesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/AccruedExpensesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/AcquisitionsDispositionsAndOtherSignificantTransactions" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/AcquisitionsDispositionsAndOtherSignificantTransactionsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_45BF1E239333C03851DEF76510D26F43" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_F5E2519391182A3FC2BDF76510CC10B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_45BF1E239333C03851DEF76510D26F43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_F5E2519391182A3FC2BDF76510CC10B8" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_292C7BE98C1052966E5BF76510CC4DAC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_F5E2519391182A3FC2BDF76510CC10B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_292C7BE98C1052966E5BF76510CC4DAC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_18C3FCD745897E7B9D8CF76510CD1520_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_292C7BE98C1052966E5BF76510CC4DAC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_18C3FCD745897E7B9D8CF76510CD1520_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_18C3FCD745897E7B9D8CF76510CD1520" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_292C7BE98C1052966E5BF76510CC4DAC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_18C3FCD745897E7B9D8CF76510CD1520" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgagesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgagesMember_75494C4861D3AC258A38F76510CDF351" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_18C3FCD745897E7B9D8CF76510CD1520" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgagesMember_75494C4861D3AC258A38F76510CDF351" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_FC8319C973DAE5B28263F76510CD06B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_F5E2519391182A3FC2BDF76510CC10B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_FC8319C973DAE5B28263F76510CD06B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_4E140DAB7E6B0F54873BF76510CD8263_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_FC8319C973DAE5B28263F76510CD06B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_4E140DAB7E6B0F54873BF76510CD8263_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_4E140DAB7E6B0F54873BF76510CD8263" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_FC8319C973DAE5B28263F76510CD06B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_4E140DAB7E6B0F54873BF76510CD8263" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupHeldForSaleOrDisposedOfBySaleNotDiscontinuedOperationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupHeldForSaleOrDisposedOfBySaleNotDiscontinuedOperationsMember_E91E5E63AF3096DBEDACF76510CE33E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_4E140DAB7E6B0F54873BF76510CD8263" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupHeldForSaleOrDisposedOfBySaleNotDiscontinuedOperationsMember_E91E5E63AF3096DBEDACF76510CE33E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis_2BC35AC28EA04A5D3323F76510CEF6BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_F5E2519391182A3FC2BDF76510CC10B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis_2BC35AC28EA04A5D3323F76510CEF6BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_A10F4E8F40DD8B424429F76510CE3C73_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis_2BC35AC28EA04A5D3323F76510CEF6BE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_A10F4E8F40DD8B424429F76510CE3C73_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_A10F4E8F40DD8B424429F76510CE3C73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesAxis_2BC35AC28EA04A5D3323F76510CEF6BE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_A10F4E8F40DD8B424429F76510CE3C73" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_CurrentPropertyOwnershipStatusMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_CurrentPropertyOwnershipStatusMember_4A67B73C23FAC301C22EF76510CFBD7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RealEstatePropertiesDomain_A10F4E8F40DD8B424429F76510CE3C73" xlink:to="loc_bkd_CurrentPropertyOwnershipStatusMember_4A67B73C23FAC301C22EF76510CFBD7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_1A3D328FCE97711A9F57F76510CF191A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_F5E2519391182A3FC2BDF76510CC10B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_1A3D328FCE97711A9F57F76510CF191A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_6B5E3B523E628F6FFCB9F76510CF8222_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_1A3D328FCE97711A9F57F76510CF191A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_6B5E3B523E628F6FFCB9F76510CF8222_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_6B5E3B523E628F6FFCB9F76510CF8222" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_1A3D328FCE97711A9F57F76510CF191A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_6B5E3B523E628F6FFCB9F76510CF8222" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_CommunitiesAcquiredPreviouslyLeasedOrManagedMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_CommunitiesAcquiredPreviouslyLeasedOrManagedMember_56115C821DAD3D4C5CBDF76510CF34DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_6B5E3B523E628F6FFCB9F76510CF8222" xlink:to="loc_bkd_CommunitiesAcquiredPreviouslyLeasedOrManagedMember_56115C821DAD3D4C5CBDF76510CF34DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_AE51C8AF2E52A2E11B67F76510D0F1DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_F5E2519391182A3FC2BDF76510CC10B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_AE51C8AF2E52A2E11B67F76510D0F1DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_2AB06E876B7402EE5197F76510D00765_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_AE51C8AF2E52A2E11B67F76510D0F1DA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_2AB06E876B7402EE5197F76510D00765_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_2AB06E876B7402EE5197F76510D00765" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_AE51C8AF2E52A2E11B67F76510D0F1DA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_2AB06E876B7402EE5197F76510D00765" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_CommunitiesDisposedOfThroughSaleMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_CommunitiesDisposedOfThroughSaleMember_4444A6DD4FF3D81B347BF76510D0C34D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_2AB06E876B7402EE5197F76510D00765" xlink:to="loc_bkd_CommunitiesDisposedOfThroughSaleMember_4444A6DD4FF3D81B347BF76510D0C34D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_CommunitiesDisposedOfThroughLeaseTerminationsMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_CommunitiesDisposedOfThroughLeaseTerminationsMember_A9B9CE83FA3116C24D69F76510D011E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_2AB06E876B7402EE5197F76510D00765" xlink:to="loc_bkd_CommunitiesDisposedOfThroughLeaseTerminationsMember_A9B9CE83FA3116C24D69F76510D011E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_A37CommunitiesDisposedOfThroughLeaseTerminationsMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_A37CommunitiesDisposedOfThroughLeaseTerminationsMember_45544896931E6CEBFC6CF76510D1FC44" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_2AB06E876B7402EE5197F76510D00765" xlink:to="loc_bkd_A37CommunitiesDisposedOfThroughLeaseTerminationsMember_45544896931E6CEBFC6CF76510D1FC44" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_ThreeCommunitiesHeldForSaleMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_ThreeCommunitiesHeldForSaleMember_6C2B05DFC583D7321078F76510D1FEF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_2AB06E876B7402EE5197F76510D00765" xlink:to="loc_bkd_ThreeCommunitiesHeldForSaleMember_6C2B05DFC583D7321078F76510D1FEF9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_SaleOf3CommunitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_SaleOf3CommunitiesMember_25D1066C21612B9100B9F76510D1661F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_2AB06E876B7402EE5197F76510D00765" xlink:to="loc_bkd_SaleOf3CommunitiesMember_25D1066C21612B9100B9F76510D1661F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_CCRCVenturesLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_CCRCVenturesLLCMember_454039A0391968DCA792F76510D116EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_2AB06E876B7402EE5197F76510D00765" xlink:to="loc_bkd_CCRCVenturesLLCMember_454039A0391968DCA792F76510D116EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_AssistedLivingAndMemoryCareMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_AssistedLivingAndMemoryCareMember_C1AF4D030A4DD486D9B4F76510D17247" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_2AB06E876B7402EE5197F76510D00765" xlink:to="loc_bkd_AssistedLivingAndMemoryCareMember_C1AF4D030A4DD486D9B4F76510D17247" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_Saleof14CommunitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_Saleof14CommunitiesMember_166CBBAE915B19ED01D9F76510D1F13A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_2AB06E876B7402EE5197F76510D00765" xlink:to="loc_bkd_Saleof14CommunitiesMember_166CBBAE915B19ED01D9F76510D1F13A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_SaleOf22CommunitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_SaleOf22CommunitiesMember_7A3481FE4A5FA5A98E09F76510D2BE07" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_2AB06E876B7402EE5197F76510D00765" xlink:to="loc_bkd_SaleOf22CommunitiesMember_7A3481FE4A5FA5A98E09F76510D2BE07" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_DisposalGroupNumberOfCommunitiesDisposedOf" xlink:label="loc_bkd_DisposalGroupNumberOfCommunitiesDisposedOf_806C4CE0F2C2690FBAA2F76510D2BD45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_45BF1E239333C03851DEF76510D26F43" xlink:to="loc_bkd_DisposalGroupNumberOfCommunitiesDisposedOf_806C4CE0F2C2690FBAA2F76510D2BD45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NumberOfUnconsolidatedJointVenturesInterestSold" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NumberOfUnconsolidatedJointVenturesInterestSold_E911851E91D46BC7D95EF76510D2893E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_45BF1E239333C03851DEF76510D26F43" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NumberOfUnconsolidatedJointVenturesInterestSold_E911851E91D46BC7D95EF76510D2893E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesAcquired" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesAcquired_6258814BA3709154454EF76510D2E75C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_45BF1E239333C03851DEF76510D26F43" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesAcquired_6258814BA3709154454EF76510D2E75C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesOwned" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesOwned_47925955CFC8A4D51CBFF76510D3A6D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_45BF1E239333C03851DEF76510D26F43" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesOwned_47925955CFC8A4D51CBFF76510D3A6D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_OperatingandFinancingLeasesNumberOfCommunities" xlink:label="loc_bkd_OperatingandFinancingLeasesNumberOfCommunities_66B419F5298CCE2A12E9F76510D33357" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_45BF1E239333C03851DEF76510D26F43" xlink:to="loc_bkd_OperatingandFinancingLeasesNumberOfCommunities_66B419F5298CCE2A12E9F76510D33357" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesManaged" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesManaged_0B7BC53CFF6D7B9B2F1EF76510D32974" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_45BF1E239333C03851DEF76510D26F43" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesManaged_0B7BC53CFF6D7B9B2F1EF76510D32974" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesManagedByThirdParty" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesManagedByThirdParty_0EEED4D9C692A4469458F76510D3C92A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_45BF1E239333C03851DEF76510D26F43" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesManagedByThirdParty_0EEED4D9C692A4469458F76510D3C92A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NumberofCommunitiesClassifiedAsHeldForSale" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NumberofCommunitiesClassifiedAsHeldForSale_D7672F900AFFB6431DD8F76510D386BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_45BF1E239333C03851DEF76510D26F43" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NumberofCommunitiesClassifiedAsHeldForSale_D7672F900AFFB6431DD8F76510D386BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsHeldForSaleLongLivedFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsHeldForSaleLongLivedFairValueDisclosure_A13FE8059F9C99EFE745F76510D33D0F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_45BF1E239333C03851DEF76510D26F43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsHeldForSaleLongLivedFairValueDisclosure_A13FE8059F9C99EFE745F76510D33D0F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstate_AB865EE4D4ED42EE30ABF76510D495C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_45BF1E239333C03851DEF76510D26F43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstate_AB865EE4D4ED42EE30ABF76510D495C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSalesOfBusinessAffiliateAndProductiveAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSalesOfBusinessAffiliateAndProductiveAssets_2A38AFE17950BE537D8AF76510D42D9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_45BF1E239333C03851DEF76510D26F43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSalesOfBusinessAffiliateAndProductiveAssets_2A38AFE17950BE537D8AF76510D42D9B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1_D14B0B6E35D0EB5B608AF76510D4A0FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_45BF1E239333C03851DEF76510D26F43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1_D14B0B6E35D0EB5B608AF76510D4A0FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts_A246A67F52FFE028B09AF76510D4D24B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_45BF1E239333C03851DEF76510D26F43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts_A246A67F52FFE028B09AF76510D4D24B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/AcquisitionsDispositionsAndOtherSignificantTransactionsBlackstoneVentureDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0B595678730AD5B69F0221999A21DADD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_7ECF295E715A0C888B5621999A1A2EF3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0B595678730AD5B69F0221999A21DADD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_7ECF295E715A0C888B5621999A1A2EF3" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_ADC5F82B9A858AF992B421999A1AA599" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_7ECF295E715A0C888B5621999A1A2EF3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_ADC5F82B9A858AF992B421999A1AA599" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_15F14F372B27872B013121999A1B252E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_ADC5F82B9A858AF992B421999A1AA599" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_15F14F372B27872B013121999A1B252E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_15F14F372B27872B013121999A1B252E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_ADC5F82B9A858AF992B421999A1AA599" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_15F14F372B27872B013121999A1B252E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_A2LeasedCommunitiesOwnedByJointVentureTerminatedMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_A2LeasedCommunitiesOwnedByJointVentureTerminatedMember_F034AED5B170ED9EA6DE21999A1B17B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_15F14F372B27872B013121999A1B252E" xlink:to="loc_bkd_A2LeasedCommunitiesOwnedByJointVentureTerminatedMember_F034AED5B170ED9EA6DE21999A1B17B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_TerminationOfTripleNetLeasesMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_TerminationOfTripleNetLeasesMember_E9379EEDD97871E42CDC21999A1B51D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_15F14F372B27872B013121999A1B252E" xlink:to="loc_bkd_TerminationOfTripleNetLeasesMember_E9379EEDD97871E42CDC21999A1B51D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_8CD6DA9C2C3271FF58CC21999A1C7FCF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_7ECF295E715A0C888B5621999A1A2EF3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_8CD6DA9C2C3271FF58CC21999A1C7FCF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_33E64F691C58F676C26E21999A1C3926_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_8CD6DA9C2C3271FF58CC21999A1C7FCF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_33E64F691C58F676C26E21999A1C3926_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_33E64F691C58F676C26E21999A1C3926" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_8CD6DA9C2C3271FF58CC21999A1C7FCF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_33E64F691C58F676C26E21999A1C3926" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_BlackstoneVentureMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_BlackstoneVentureMember_9FCD8164BE9B073DC6A821999A1C671B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_33E64F691C58F676C26E21999A1C3926" xlink:to="loc_bkd_BlackstoneVentureMember_9FCD8164BE9B073DC6A821999A1C671B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis_E8E85C5B2FB60B9C322A21999A1CE0C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_7ECF295E715A0C888B5621999A1A2EF3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis_E8E85C5B2FB60B9C322A21999A1CE0C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_2D6EF25D0426587504F421999A1C00E1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis_E8E85C5B2FB60B9C322A21999A1CE0C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_2D6EF25D0426587504F421999A1C00E1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_2D6EF25D0426587504F421999A1C00E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis_E8E85C5B2FB60B9C322A21999A1CE0C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_2D6EF25D0426587504F421999A1C00E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_JointVentureMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_JointVentureMember_49EC9A0E45E6C0AA8EB921999A1DA460" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_2D6EF25D0426587504F421999A1C00E1" xlink:to="loc_bkd_JointVentureMember_49EC9A0E45E6C0AA8EB921999A1DA460" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceByDeferredTaxAssetAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceByDeferredTaxAssetAxis_A33D425683E5B272F4B821999A1D6C06" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_7ECF295E715A0C888B5621999A1A2EF3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceByDeferredTaxAssetAxis_A33D425683E5B272F4B821999A1D6C06" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetDomain_2F3B3D79B0951F57CB7621999A1D6F4E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceByDeferredTaxAssetAxis_A33D425683E5B272F4B821999A1D6C06" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetDomain_2F3B3D79B0951F57CB7621999A1D6F4E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetDomain_2F3B3D79B0951F57CB7621999A1D6F4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceByDeferredTaxAssetAxis_A33D425683E5B272F4B821999A1D6C06" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetDomain_2F3B3D79B0951F57CB7621999A1D6F4E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_FormationofBlackstoneJointVentureMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_FormationofBlackstoneJointVentureMember_0B4139C813B08822908921999A1E9A03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetDomain_2F3B3D79B0951F57CB7621999A1D6F4E" xlink:to="loc_bkd_FormationofBlackstoneJointVentureMember_0B4139C813B08822908921999A1E9A03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_2B53DF8064986E72343521999A1E11F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_7ECF295E715A0C888B5621999A1A2EF3" xlink:to="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_2B53DF8064986E72343521999A1E11F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_BC5234AA0F9D71234C6321999A1EA01B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_2B53DF8064986E72343521999A1E11F7" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_BC5234AA0F9D71234C6321999A1EA01B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_BC5234AA0F9D71234C6321999A1EA01B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_2B53DF8064986E72343521999A1E11F7" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_BC5234AA0F9D71234C6321999A1EA01B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_HCPInc.Member" xlink:label="loc_bkd_HCPInc.Member_9FE7FC5C7C0C8279A57C21999A1E6792" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_BC5234AA0F9D71234C6321999A1EA01B" xlink:to="loc_bkd_HCPInc.Member_9FE7FC5C7C0C8279A57C21999A1E6792" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_382F31740624BB35CA9E21999A1F8FCD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_7ECF295E715A0C888B5621999A1A2EF3" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_382F31740624BB35CA9E21999A1F8FCD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0650510FD6B64CF54CE621999A1FBDE8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_382F31740624BB35CA9E21999A1F8FCD" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0650510FD6B64CF54CE621999A1FBDE8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0650510FD6B64CF54CE621999A1FBDE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_382F31740624BB35CA9E21999A1F8FCD" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0650510FD6B64CF54CE621999A1FBDE8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_BlackstoneVentureMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_BlackstoneVentureMember_F75BCF2A1821E126DB6521999A1F04D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0650510FD6B64CF54CE621999A1FBDE8" xlink:to="loc_bkd_BlackstoneVentureMember_F75BCF2A1821E126DB6521999A1F04D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_AE9791318062C09AC0B821999A1FCCE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_7ECF295E715A0C888B5621999A1A2EF3" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_AE9791318062C09AC0B821999A1FCCE4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_2FE70CD29AB7C53C286521999A20C875_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_AE9791318062C09AC0B821999A1FCCE4" xlink:to="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_2FE70CD29AB7C53C286521999A20C875_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_2FE70CD29AB7C53C286521999A20C875" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_AE9791318062C09AC0B821999A1FCCE4" xlink:to="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_2FE70CD29AB7C53C286521999A20C875" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_BlackstoneVentureMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_BlackstoneVentureMember_1ECF726B7DE70097EA4621999A2058D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_2FE70CD29AB7C53C286521999A20C875" xlink:to="loc_bkd_BlackstoneVentureMember_1ECF726B7DE70097EA4621999A2058D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_9274FD5961230DEF232C21999A20CCA1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_7ECF295E715A0C888B5621999A1A2EF3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_9274FD5961230DEF232C21999A20CCA1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_D0673DCF214FC01D962121999A202E68_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_9274FD5961230DEF232C21999A20CCA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_D0673DCF214FC01D962121999A202E68_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_D0673DCF214FC01D962121999A202E68" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_9274FD5961230DEF232C21999A20CCA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_D0673DCF214FC01D962121999A202E68" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_SeniorHousingCommunitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_SeniorHousingCommunitiesMember_2A4D6275747CBA430EB921999A2193D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_D0673DCF214FC01D962121999A202E68" xlink:to="loc_bkd_SeniorHousingCommunitiesMember_2A4D6275747CBA430EB921999A2193D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesAcquired" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesAcquired_E111F8EBB29DF523F37621999A213045" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0B595678730AD5B69F0221999A21DADD" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesAcquired_E111F8EBB29DF523F37621999A213045" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_CE5A0094C14AD66FFE1421999A229115" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0B595678730AD5B69F0221999A21DADD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_CE5A0094C14AD66FFE1421999A229115" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract_0EA0829A95CFD3BEB84221999A226475" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0B595678730AD5B69F0221999A21DADD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract_0EA0829A95CFD3BEB84221999A226475" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_EquityMethodInvestmentsLeaseholdInterestsContributedNumberOfCommunities" xlink:label="loc_bkd_EquityMethodInvestmentsLeaseholdInterestsContributedNumberOfCommunities_4FF628C7E940EB612B0F21999A22BBF7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0B595678730AD5B69F0221999A21DADD" xlink:to="loc_bkd_EquityMethodInvestmentsLeaseholdInterestsContributedNumberOfCommunities_4FF628C7E940EB612B0F21999A22BBF7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments_2DD8DCE384892B96639321999A22F801" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0B595678730AD5B69F0221999A21DADD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments_2DD8DCE384892B96639321999A22F801" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_3C42A67E52AD51164F9721999A223A65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0B595678730AD5B69F0221999A21DADD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_3C42A67E52AD51164F9721999A223A65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_OperatingLeasesNumberOfCommunities" xlink:label="loc_bkd_OperatingLeasesNumberOfCommunities_A04D0D502BBAE26A2BB721999A22B64E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0B595678730AD5B69F0221999A21DADD" xlink:to="loc_bkd_OperatingLeasesNumberOfCommunities_A04D0D502BBAE26A2BB721999A22B64E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_EquityMethodInvestmentsNumberOfCommunitiesManaged" xlink:label="loc_bkd_EquityMethodInvestmentsNumberOfCommunitiesManaged_8E08C8BC1A90A4953E1021999A23EB58" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0B595678730AD5B69F0221999A21DADD" xlink:to="loc_bkd_EquityMethodInvestmentsNumberOfCommunitiesManaged_8E08C8BC1A90A4953E1021999A23EB58" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesManagedByThirdParty" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesManagedByThirdParty_91883B521A6AD3E85C1221999A2374AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0B595678730AD5B69F0221999A21DADD" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesManagedByThirdParty_91883B521A6AD3E85C1221999A2374AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_E8CFD87BA850FCB9256221999A239893" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0B595678730AD5B69F0221999A21DADD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_E8CFD87BA850FCB9256221999A239893" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure_350C3AB7B619C5EE116F21999A2384CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0B595678730AD5B69F0221999A21DADD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure_350C3AB7B619C5EE116F21999A2384CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_7045E9EB36CFA4AB105121999A23046A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0B595678730AD5B69F0221999A21DADD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_7045E9EB36CFA4AB105121999A23046A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount_65454D113F1AB9CAC75F21999A234F42" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0B595678730AD5B69F0221999A21DADD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount_65454D113F1AB9CAC75F21999A234F42" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_DisposalGroupNumberOfCommunitiesDisposedOf" xlink:label="loc_bkd_DisposalGroupNumberOfCommunitiesDisposedOf_255CCE1EC4DA41A66F4D21999A23E793" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0B595678730AD5B69F0221999A21DADD" xlink:to="loc_bkd_DisposalGroupNumberOfCommunitiesDisposedOf_255CCE1EC4DA41A66F4D21999A23E793" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_PaymentsForDivestitureOfInterestInJointVenture" xlink:label="loc_bkd_PaymentsForDivestitureOfInterestInJointVenture_09A12804AFC7E09EC9E321999A249313" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0B595678730AD5B69F0221999A21DADD" xlink:to="loc_bkd_PaymentsForDivestitureOfInterestInJointVenture_09A12804AFC7E09EC9E321999A249313" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1_0278AC90DDC72E8304FB21999A247BE0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0B595678730AD5B69F0221999A21DADD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1_0278AC90DDC72E8304FB21999A247BE0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NumberofCommunitiesDisposedThroughTerminationofLease" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NumberofCommunitiesDisposedThroughTerminationofLease_B897D6F0C9BDFCBAEB5521999A2433A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0B595678730AD5B69F0221999A21DADD" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NumberofCommunitiesDisposedThroughTerminationofLease_B897D6F0C9BDFCBAEB5521999A2433A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_FinancingLeaseAssetsCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_bkd_FinancingLeaseAssetsCarryingValue_53B1362DC07BD7089E5C21D9F33DFCFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0B595678730AD5B69F0221999A21DADD" xlink:to="loc_bkd_FinancingLeaseAssetsCarryingValue_53B1362DC07BD7089E5C21D9F33DFCFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_FinancingLeaseObligationsCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_bkd_FinancingLeaseObligationsCarryingValue_4C89759CB44127FE8DA421D64F4E2FB5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0B595678730AD5B69F0221999A21DADD" xlink:to="loc_bkd_FinancingLeaseObligationsCarryingValue_4C89759CB44127FE8DA421D64F4E2FB5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesPreviouslySubjectToSaleLeasebackTransactions" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesPreviouslySubjectToSaleLeasebackTransactions_32D7A11AB878F55778B921DEF59CE864" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0B595678730AD5B69F0221999A21DADD" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesPreviouslySubjectToSaleLeasebackTransactions_32D7A11AB878F55778B921DEF59CE864" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/AcquisitionsDispositionsAndOtherSignificantTransactionsHcpMasterLeaseTransactionAndRideaVenturesRestructuringDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F5CA82B1C282C1DCE0AD21999DB34170" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_C345F4F37146DBEABE5321999DA90C23" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F5CA82B1C282C1DCE0AD21999DB34170" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_C345F4F37146DBEABE5321999DA90C23" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_5AA78CD0AE7104A4138021999DAA3FA6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_C345F4F37146DBEABE5321999DA90C23" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_5AA78CD0AE7104A4138021999DAA3FA6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_EAC4840427DDBC92B83721999DAA5A30_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_5AA78CD0AE7104A4138021999DAA3FA6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_EAC4840427DDBC92B83721999DAA5A30_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_EAC4840427DDBC92B83721999DAA5A30" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_5AA78CD0AE7104A4138021999DAA3FA6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_EAC4840427DDBC92B83721999DAA5A30" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_A33CommunitiesDisposedOfThroughLeaseTerminationsMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_A33CommunitiesDisposedOfThroughLeaseTerminationsMember_928D4362E883AF3CB9FA21999DAA575B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_EAC4840427DDBC92B83721999DAA5A30" xlink:to="loc_bkd_A33CommunitiesDisposedOfThroughLeaseTerminationsMember_928D4362E883AF3CB9FA21999DAA575B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_A37CommunitiesDisposedOfThroughOperationsandorManagementTerminationMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_A37CommunitiesDisposedOfThroughOperationsandorManagementTerminationMember_4BB7830BFED90DFDBBB521999DAB56DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_EAC4840427DDBC92B83721999DAA5A30" xlink:to="loc_bkd_A37CommunitiesDisposedOfThroughOperationsandorManagementTerminationMember_4BB7830BFED90DFDBBB521999DAB56DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_A37CommunitiesDisposedOfThroughManagementAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_A37CommunitiesDisposedOfThroughManagementAgreementMember_6850AA0A31B3E8FD16D821999DAB4D98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_EAC4840427DDBC92B83721999DAA5A30" xlink:to="loc_bkd_A37CommunitiesDisposedOfThroughManagementAgreementMember_6850AA0A31B3E8FD16D821999DAB4D98" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_A34CommunitiesDisposedOfThroughManagementTerminationMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_A34CommunitiesDisposedOfThroughManagementTerminationMember_3249E69965A6BC9B5AD721999DABE05E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_EAC4840427DDBC92B83721999DAA5A30" xlink:to="loc_bkd_A34CommunitiesDisposedOfThroughManagementTerminationMember_3249E69965A6BC9B5AD721999DABE05E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_A20OfThe33CommunitiesDisposedOfThroughLeaseTerminationsMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_A20OfThe33CommunitiesDisposedOfThroughLeaseTerminationsMember_423A58AAB35C5E49EFFE21999DAB7CF6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_EAC4840427DDBC92B83721999DAA5A30" xlink:to="loc_bkd_A20OfThe33CommunitiesDisposedOfThroughLeaseTerminationsMember_423A58AAB35C5E49EFFE21999DAB7CF6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_97D3353B9B325CCD012F21999DAB0FF6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_C345F4F37146DBEABE5321999DA90C23" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_97D3353B9B325CCD012F21999DAB0FF6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_67378917336644F7F53F21999DAB6233_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_97D3353B9B325CCD012F21999DAB0FF6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_67378917336644F7F53F21999DAB6233_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_67378917336644F7F53F21999DAB6233" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_97D3353B9B325CCD012F21999DAB0FF6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_67378917336644F7F53F21999DAB6233" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryRealEstateCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryRealEstateCompanyMember_81AB9E414698CC7072B121999DABE692" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_67378917336644F7F53F21999DAB6233" xlink:to="loc_bkd_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryRealEstateCompanyMember_81AB9E414698CC7072B121999DABE692" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_StatementScenarioAxis_C36438C78C3CD38A1DAA21999DACEF0A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_C345F4F37146DBEABE5321999DA90C23" xlink:to="loc_srt_StatementScenarioAxis_C36438C78C3CD38A1DAA21999DACEF0A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_EE893DB59103245D54F521999DACFFA3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_StatementScenarioAxis_C36438C78C3CD38A1DAA21999DACEF0A" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_EE893DB59103245D54F521999DACFFA3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_EE893DB59103245D54F521999DACFFA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_StatementScenarioAxis_C36438C78C3CD38A1DAA21999DACEF0A" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_EE893DB59103245D54F521999DACFFA3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioForecastMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScenarioForecastMember_F5EECCACE560D54A80BB21999DAC60F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_EE893DB59103245D54F521999DACFFA3" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScenarioForecastMember_F5EECCACE560D54A80BB21999DAC60F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_07FA9DE3851187968B8D21999DB1029B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_C345F4F37146DBEABE5321999DA90C23" xlink:to="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_07FA9DE3851187968B8D21999DB1029B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_3087601E3C424B0F9ADE21999DB26C86_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_07FA9DE3851187968B8D21999DB1029B" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_3087601E3C424B0F9ADE21999DB26C86_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_3087601E3C424B0F9ADE21999DB26C86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_07FA9DE3851187968B8D21999DB1029B" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_3087601E3C424B0F9ADE21999DB26C86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_HCPInc.Member" xlink:label="loc_bkd_HCPInc.Member_ED7BB3A8AE32746E98D621999DB2A5D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_3087601E3C424B0F9ADE21999DB26C86" xlink:to="loc_bkd_HCPInc.Member_ED7BB3A8AE32746E98D621999DB2A5D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_ByTransactionNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_bkd_ByTransactionNameAxis_130BC3C9B02AFA25BD2B21999DB20ED1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_C345F4F37146DBEABE5321999DA90C23" xlink:to="loc_bkd_ByTransactionNameAxis_130BC3C9B02AFA25BD2B21999DB20ED1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_ByTransactionNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_bkd_ByTransactionNameDomain_D2E510B858F17924097221999DB2A31A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_bkd_ByTransactionNameAxis_130BC3C9B02AFA25BD2B21999DB20ED1" xlink:to="loc_bkd_ByTransactionNameDomain_D2E510B858F17924097221999DB2A31A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_ByTransactionNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_bkd_ByTransactionNameDomain_D2E510B858F17924097221999DB2A31A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_bkd_ByTransactionNameAxis_130BC3C9B02AFA25BD2B21999DB20ED1" xlink:to="loc_bkd_ByTransactionNameDomain_D2E510B858F17924097221999DB2A31A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_MasterLeaseTransactionsMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_MasterLeaseTransactionsMember_DB7E0F0564322F84BC1E21999DB39BF2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bkd_ByTransactionNameDomain_D2E510B858F17924097221999DB2A31A" xlink:to="loc_bkd_MasterLeaseTransactionsMember_DB7E0F0564322F84BC1E21999DB39BF2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_RIDEAVenturesRestructuringMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_RIDEAVenturesRestructuringMember_E53BD879321F90D0A4C621999DB3DAB5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bkd_ByTransactionNameDomain_D2E510B858F17924097221999DB2A31A" xlink:to="loc_bkd_RIDEAVenturesRestructuringMember_E53BD879321F90D0A4C621999DB3DAB5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesAcquired" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesAcquired_109D06198CC427B0459C21999DB3A5FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F5CA82B1C282C1DCE0AD21999DB34170" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesAcquired_109D06198CC427B0459C21999DB3A5FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_PaymentToAcquireLeasedAssets" xlink:label="loc_bkd_PaymentToAcquireLeasedAssets_0F8AF8834E88B11BD7CA21999DB4D9B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F5CA82B1C282C1DCE0AD21999DB34170" xlink:to="loc_bkd_PaymentToAcquireLeasedAssets_0F8AF8834E88B11BD7CA21999DB4D9B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_DisposalGroupNumberOfCommunitiesDisposedOf" xlink:label="loc_bkd_DisposalGroupNumberOfCommunitiesDisposedOf_C4824C66424806FD9BB721999DB426DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F5CA82B1C282C1DCE0AD21999DB34170" xlink:to="loc_bkd_DisposalGroupNumberOfCommunitiesDisposedOf_C4824C66424806FD9BB721999DB426DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_OperatingLeasesNumberOfCommunities" xlink:label="loc_bkd_OperatingLeasesNumberOfCommunities_88297EE8DC3931922B1621999DB4F6C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F5CA82B1C282C1DCE0AD21999DB34170" xlink:to="loc_bkd_OperatingLeasesNumberOfCommunities_88297EE8DC3931922B1621999DB4F6C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_OperatingLeaseAnnualRentReduction" xlink:label="loc_bkd_OperatingLeaseAnnualRentReduction_9AFE783054FDAD30FCBE21999DB41F3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F5CA82B1C282C1DCE0AD21999DB34170" xlink:to="loc_bkd_OperatingLeaseAnnualRentReduction_9AFE783054FDAD30FCBE21999DB41F3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NumbersOfCommunitiesWithRentReduction" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NumbersOfCommunitiesWithRentReduction_7EF29A18FAA88B62FD2421999DB45137" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F5CA82B1C282C1DCE0AD21999DB34170" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NumbersOfCommunitiesWithRentReduction_7EF29A18FAA88B62FD2421999DB45137" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_08C0185BCC2EDCD6B0BA21999DB49D4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F5CA82B1C282C1DCE0AD21999DB34170" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_08C0185BCC2EDCD6B0BA21999DB49D4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NumberOfJointVentures" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NumberOfJointVentures_955131400B04A433F29C21999DB54CB3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F5CA82B1C282C1DCE0AD21999DB34170" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NumberOfJointVentures_955131400B04A433F29C21999DB54CB3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfInterestInJointVenture" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfInterestInJointVenture_40A59540B16C859CBCA921999DB5F000" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F5CA82B1C282C1DCE0AD21999DB34170" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfInterestInJointVenture_40A59540B16C859CBCA921999DB5F000" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1_3D8EC5C3BBC4AA8C976B21999DB5C139" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F5CA82B1C282C1DCE0AD21999DB34170" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1_3D8EC5C3BBC4AA8C976B21999DB5C139" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_EquityMethodInvestmentsNumberOfCommunitiesManaged" xlink:label="loc_bkd_EquityMethodInvestmentsNumberOfCommunitiesManaged_23D2BF1417BB99793AA721999DB5DFED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F5CA82B1C282C1DCE0AD21999DB34170" xlink:to="loc_bkd_EquityMethodInvestmentsNumberOfCommunitiesManaged_23D2BF1417BB99793AA721999DB5DFED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_PaymentstoAcquireAssetFromJointVenture" xlink:label="loc_bkd_PaymentstoAcquireAssetFromJointVenture_7FFE7862ABB490BE17CB21999DB5B3EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F5CA82B1C282C1DCE0AD21999DB34170" xlink:to="loc_bkd_PaymentstoAcquireAssetFromJointVenture_7FFE7862ABB490BE17CB21999DB5B3EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesManagementRetained" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesManagementRetained_B949F1B78CA3729A716921999DB5D97C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F5CA82B1C282C1DCE0AD21999DB34170" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesManagementRetained_B949F1B78CA3729A716921999DB5D97C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnContractTermination" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnContractTermination_6E84C19FF6D1700260AE21999DB53059" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F5CA82B1C282C1DCE0AD21999DB34170" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnContractTermination_6E84C19FF6D1700260AE21999DB53059" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_IncreaseDecreaseInLeaseLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_bkd_IncreaseDecreaseInLeaseLiabilities_2C63DBDBF46DE598FEFD21999DB679A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F5CA82B1C282C1DCE0AD21999DB34170" xlink:to="loc_bkd_IncreaseDecreaseInLeaseLiabilities_2C63DBDBF46DE598FEFD21999DB679A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredRevenue_16CA451CB6A9E5C2D00021999DB6213A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F5CA82B1C282C1DCE0AD21999DB34170" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredRevenue_16CA451CB6A9E5C2D00021999DB6213A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_IncreaseDecreaseInLongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="loc_bkd_IncreaseDecreaseInLongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_EBDA2CFEB43AD2680AD721999DB654DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F5CA82B1C282C1DCE0AD21999DB34170" xlink:to="loc_bkd_IncreaseDecreaseInLongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_EBDA2CFEB43AD2680AD721999DB654DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_AssetsUnderLeases" xlink:label="loc_bkd_AssetsUnderLeases_D353C8F4EEAFD5E673F421999DB67427" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F5CA82B1C282C1DCE0AD21999DB34170" xlink:to="loc_bkd_AssetsUnderLeases_D353C8F4EEAFD5E673F421999DB67427" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligations_95FFD0B7CD41621C0C3721999DB6874F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F5CA82B1C282C1DCE0AD21999DB34170" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligations_95FFD0B7CD41621C0C3721999DB6874F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesPreviouslySubjectToSaleLeasebackTransactions" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesPreviouslySubjectToSaleLeasebackTransactions_EFD1759CCD60A7DAEB9E21999DB7128E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F5CA82B1C282C1DCE0AD21999DB34170" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesPreviouslySubjectToSaleLeasebackTransactions_EFD1759CCD60A7DAEB9E21999DB7128E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnTerminationOfLease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnTerminationOfLease_BF749D4529766314C64F21999DB7A51C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_F5CA82B1C282C1DCE0AD21999DB34170" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnTerminationOfLease_BF749D4529766314C64F21999DB7A51C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/AcquisitionsDispositionsAndOtherSignificantTransactionsHealthpeakCcrcVentureAndMasterLeaseTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8169F105501B7030FED42199A63115EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_4261A98C0D062D368A082199A62DAF9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8169F105501B7030FED42199A63115EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_4261A98C0D062D368A082199A62DAF9B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_020BE2BB22538FFACAE12199A62EE56A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_4261A98C0D062D368A082199A62DAF9B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_020BE2BB22538FFACAE12199A62EE56A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_45FC3C8B6D22D6A0D1862199A62E69C6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_020BE2BB22538FFACAE12199A62EE56A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_45FC3C8B6D22D6A0D1862199A62E69C6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_45FC3C8B6D22D6A0D1862199A62E69C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_020BE2BB22538FFACAE12199A62EE56A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_45FC3C8B6D22D6A0D1862199A62E69C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NonRecourseFirstMortgagesMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NonRecourseFirstMortgagesMember_1AFBDAAB17E5382C2A542199A62EF7E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_45FC3C8B6D22D6A0D1862199A62E69C6" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NonRecourseFirstMortgagesMember_1AFBDAAB17E5382C2A542199A62EF7E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_ByTransactionNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_bkd_ByTransactionNameAxis_7F2E3962A3F8435A76C52199A62F02AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_4261A98C0D062D368A082199A62DAF9B" xlink:to="loc_bkd_ByTransactionNameAxis_7F2E3962A3F8435A76C52199A62F02AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_ByTransactionNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_bkd_ByTransactionNameDomain_B5B7B2E99F4E6BFDED692199A62F0D3D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_bkd_ByTransactionNameAxis_7F2E3962A3F8435A76C52199A62F02AF" xlink:to="loc_bkd_ByTransactionNameDomain_B5B7B2E99F4E6BFDED692199A62F0D3D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_ByTransactionNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_bkd_ByTransactionNameDomain_B5B7B2E99F4E6BFDED692199A62F0D3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_bkd_ByTransactionNameAxis_7F2E3962A3F8435A76C52199A62F02AF" xlink:to="loc_bkd_ByTransactionNameDomain_B5B7B2E99F4E6BFDED692199A62F0D3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_MasterLeaseTransactionsMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_MasterLeaseTransactionsMember_08A8D1314BF9E5A5E22E2199A62FCAED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bkd_ByTransactionNameDomain_B5B7B2E99F4E6BFDED692199A62F0D3D" xlink:to="loc_bkd_MasterLeaseTransactionsMember_08A8D1314BF9E5A5E22E2199A62FCAED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_A71772D2FC954EFF22602199A62F3BC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_4261A98C0D062D368A082199A62DAF9B" xlink:to="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_A71772D2FC954EFF22602199A62F3BC4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_524F73BB40A52F7F6C632199A6303EC2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_A71772D2FC954EFF22602199A62F3BC4" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_524F73BB40A52F7F6C632199A6303EC2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_524F73BB40A52F7F6C632199A6303EC2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_A71772D2FC954EFF22602199A62F3BC4" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_524F73BB40A52F7F6C632199A6303EC2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_CCRCVenturesLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_CCRCVenturesLLCMember_29F4944D9E3460D163132199A630B0DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_524F73BB40A52F7F6C632199A6303EC2" xlink:to="loc_bkd_CCRCVenturesLLCMember_29F4944D9E3460D163132199A630B0DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_HCPInc.Member" xlink:label="loc_bkd_HCPInc.Member_1864A2E648FF5E3926AC2199A6307966" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_524F73BB40A52F7F6C632199A6303EC2" xlink:to="loc_bkd_HCPInc.Member_1864A2E648FF5E3926AC2199A6307966" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_33779651960BE94DE57E2199A630C10B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_4261A98C0D062D368A082199A62DAF9B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_33779651960BE94DE57E2199A630C10B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_423D17855518E3517A042199A63098DD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_33779651960BE94DE57E2199A630C10B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_423D17855518E3517A042199A63098DD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_423D17855518E3517A042199A63098DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_33779651960BE94DE57E2199A630C10B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_423D17855518E3517A042199A63098DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_CcrcsRentalMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_CcrcsRentalMember_23EB546ED2BF8D5B4EAB2199A6317AD8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_423D17855518E3517A042199A63098DD" xlink:to="loc_bkd_CcrcsRentalMember_23EB546ED2BF8D5B4EAB2199A6317AD8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NumberOfAdditionalEntryFee" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NumberOfAdditionalEntryFee_539B2CCA7A967F8D06142199A6315DA6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8169F105501B7030FED42199A63115EA" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NumberOfAdditionalEntryFee_539B2CCA7A967F8D06142199A6315DA6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_C49A96D007CD1218FE212199A6313DA1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8169F105501B7030FED42199A63115EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_C49A96D007CD1218FE212199A6313DA1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NumberOfEntryFee" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NumberOfEntryFee_0FC65E223867BAA0C4562199A6327947" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8169F105501B7030FED42199A63115EA" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NumberOfEntryFee_0FC65E223867BAA0C4562199A6327947" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_3356F7BF9E93EA3DDDFB2199A63239CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8169F105501B7030FED42199A63115EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_3356F7BF9E93EA3DDDFB2199A63239CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInterestInJointVenture" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInterestInJointVenture_12A65523F130E2C609662199A6329DE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8169F105501B7030FED42199A63115EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInterestInJointVenture_12A65523F130E2C609662199A6329DE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_PaymentsProceedsForManagementAgreementTerminationFee" xlink:label="loc_bkd_PaymentsProceedsForManagementAgreementTerminationFee_6E679C33B1FC9EA9854A2199A632D234" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8169F105501B7030FED42199A63115EA" xlink:to="loc_bkd_PaymentsProceedsForManagementAgreementTerminationFee_6E679C33B1FC9EA9854A2199A632D234" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NumberofCommunitiesLeased" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NumberofCommunitiesLeased_DDE831C98D03F8F85F4E2199A6379F35" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8169F105501B7030FED42199A63115EA" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NumberofCommunitiesLeased_DDE831C98D03F8F85F4E2199A6379F35" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NumberofCommunitiesAcquiredCurrentlyLeased" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NumberofCommunitiesAcquiredCurrentlyLeased_66C790CA0C3C8DCD2D042199A6377E8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8169F105501B7030FED42199A63115EA" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NumberofCommunitiesAcquiredCurrentlyLeased_66C790CA0C3C8DCD2D042199A6377E8E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NumberofLeasesCommunitiesTransferredToSuccessorOperator" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NumberofLeasesCommunitiesTransferredToSuccessorOperator_2D67C040EA740AC9B5FF2199A6385D0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8169F105501B7030FED42199A63115EA" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NumberofLeasesCommunitiesTransferredToSuccessorOperator_2D67C040EA740AC9B5FF2199A6385D0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt_860C24DCF7E4347FD6892199A6384292" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8169F105501B7030FED42199A63115EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt_860C24DCF7E4347FD6892199A6384292" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NumberofContinuingCommunities" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NumberofContinuingCommunities_967E8992D87243C08AC42199A6385377" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8169F105501B7030FED42199A63115EA" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NumberofContinuingCommunities_967E8992D87243C08AC42199A6385377" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_LesseeOperatingLeaseNumberOfExtensions" xlink:label="loc_bkd_LesseeOperatingLeaseNumberOfExtensions_475D48377ACC45A0253E2199A6380045" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8169F105501B7030FED42199A63115EA" xlink:to="loc_bkd_LesseeOperatingLeaseNumberOfExtensions_475D48377ACC45A0253E2199A6380045" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_LesseeOperatingLeaseNumberOfExtensionsTerm" xlink:label="loc_bkd_LesseeOperatingLeaseNumberOfExtensionsTerm_3D33BA02860D9F4347E22199A63822AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8169F105501B7030FED42199A63115EA" xlink:to="loc_bkd_LesseeOperatingLeaseNumberOfExtensionsTerm_3D33BA02860D9F4347E22199A63822AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense_6D63293F96C4FC2F69DB2199A638DACD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8169F105501B7030FED42199A63115EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense_6D63293F96C4FC2F69DB2199A638DACD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_OperatingLeasesRentExpenseAnnualEscalatorRate" xlink:label="loc_bkd_OperatingLeasesRentExpenseAnnualEscalatorRate_497C36A3CA07A22E54562199A639B388" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8169F105501B7030FED42199A63115EA" xlink:to="loc_bkd_OperatingLeasesRentExpenseAnnualEscalatorRate_497C36A3CA07A22E54562199A639B388" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_OperatingLeaseCapitalExpendituresAvailability" xlink:label="loc_bkd_OperatingLeaseCapitalExpendituresAvailability_37B9197C3485796EFAC42199A639603B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8169F105501B7030FED42199A63115EA" xlink:to="loc_bkd_OperatingLeaseCapitalExpendituresAvailability_37B9197C3485796EFAC42199A639603B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_OperatingLeaseInitialLeaseRate" xlink:label="loc_bkd_OperatingLeaseInitialLeaseRate_10ED59728FFE5C4ECB0C2199A639C594" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8169F105501B7030FED42199A63115EA" xlink:to="loc_bkd_OperatingLeaseInitialLeaseRate_10ED59728FFE5C4ECB0C2199A639C594" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NumberofEntryFeeSales" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NumberofEntryFeeSales_7BF721CB4F540DF7E7B32199A63900BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_8169F105501B7030FED42199A63115EA" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NumberofEntryFeeSales_7BF721CB4F540DF7E7B32199A63900BF" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/AcquisitionsDispositionsAndOtherSignificantTransactionsRevenueOfDisposalGroupsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_61946CA4042F54D2BEDEFD723A73449C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_89FEAEC2C25B5AA9A8EF3E04DDC50D42" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_61946CA4042F54D2BEDEFD723A73449C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_89FEAEC2C25B5AA9A8EF3E04DDC50D42" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_57C7D91277D05E3B901E54E8FF6C29D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_89FEAEC2C25B5AA9A8EF3E04DDC50D42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_57C7D91277D05E3B901E54E8FF6C29D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_F9D55C30F48B9A495F9426F2032611BB_5E3990826EA354D1B7BD00660D25AC25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_57C7D91277D05E3B901E54E8FF6C29D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_F9D55C30F48B9A495F9426F2032611BB_5E3990826EA354D1B7BD00660D25AC25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6A9B38F9DCC052469B223755B3E57527" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_57C7D91277D05E3B901E54E8FF6C29D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6A9B38F9DCC052469B223755B3E57527" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_IndependentLivingMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_IndependentLivingMember_74D825DA8E475E1B98E7F166C291C4D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6A9B38F9DCC052469B223755B3E57527" xlink:to="loc_bkd_IndependentLivingMember_74D825DA8E475E1B98E7F166C291C4D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_AssistedLivingAndMemoryCareMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_AssistedLivingAndMemoryCareMember_C8227DFBBE0953728301BBFC0CA2B304" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6A9B38F9DCC052469B223755B3E57527" xlink:to="loc_bkd_AssistedLivingAndMemoryCareMember_C8227DFBBE0953728301BBFC0CA2B304" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_CcrcsRentalMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_CcrcsRentalMember_52E93EBA2432536D81CE7D9E7F90EBE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_6A9B38F9DCC052469B223755B3E57527" xlink:to="loc_bkd_CcrcsRentalMember_52E93EBA2432536D81CE7D9E7F90EBE4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_D165FE0CFEF359899841149CA5F9DAEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_89FEAEC2C25B5AA9A8EF3E04DDC50D42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_D165FE0CFEF359899841149CA5F9DAEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_078A8B3A0BCC89B8719B26F2032C1C05_5E3990826EA354D1B7BD00660D25AC25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_D165FE0CFEF359899841149CA5F9DAEC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_078A8B3A0BCC89B8719B26F2032C1C05_5E3990826EA354D1B7BD00660D25AC25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_97519E434B445F8EA635B28069489B4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_D165FE0CFEF359899841149CA5F9DAEC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_97519E434B445F8EA635B28069489B4B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_CommunitiesDisposedOfThroughSaleAndLeaseTerminationsMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_CommunitiesDisposedOfThroughSaleAndLeaseTerminationsMember_7EB138170B4954A2A6F3850E1311B0FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_97519E434B445F8EA635B28069489B4B" xlink:to="loc_bkd_CommunitiesDisposedOfThroughSaleAndLeaseTerminationsMember_7EB138170B4954A2A6F3850E1311B0FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_9966451C897957208B299FAAD8440837" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_61946CA4042F54D2BEDEFD723A73449C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_9966451C897957208B299FAAD8440837" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold_8CABC9CE3C8F5223B3696DA7F500F2B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_61946CA4042F54D2BEDEFD723A73449C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold_8CABC9CE3C8F5223B3696DA7F500F2B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRent_313ACC0366685EEFBA3A556FD5E268B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_61946CA4042F54D2BEDEFD723A73449C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRent_313ACC0366685EEFBA3A556FD5E268B5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/AcquisitionsDispositionsAndOtherSignificantTransactionsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/AcquisitionsDispositionsAndOtherSignificantTransactionsVentasLeasePortfolioRestructuringDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0479ED41969F457C04F6222D7EA43F11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_9F7AD31E2ECDA87F00E7222D7E9CD03E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0479ED41969F457C04F6222D7EA43F11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_9F7AD31E2ECDA87F00E7222D7E9CD03E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_StatementScenarioAxis_A91DBCD3769352CB7089222D7EA0FAA1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_9F7AD31E2ECDA87F00E7222D7E9CD03E" xlink:to="loc_srt_StatementScenarioAxis_A91DBCD3769352CB7089222D7EA0FAA1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0BA078070AE4CB4896D1222D7EA0B35E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_StatementScenarioAxis_A91DBCD3769352CB7089222D7EA0FAA1" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0BA078070AE4CB4896D1222D7EA0B35E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0BA078070AE4CB4896D1222D7EA0B35E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_StatementScenarioAxis_A91DBCD3769352CB7089222D7EA0FAA1" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0BA078070AE4CB4896D1222D7EA0B35E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioForecastMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScenarioForecastMember_5C225A2C228485E42EF3222D7EA0A8D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0BA078070AE4CB4896D1222D7EA0B35E" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScenarioForecastMember_5C225A2C228485E42EF3222D7EA0A8D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_CFA69267FBC86953567F222D7EA07AA7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_9F7AD31E2ECDA87F00E7222D7E9CD03E" xlink:to="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_CFA69267FBC86953567F222D7EA07AA7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_146D9007087C0C1217F5222D7EA06A5A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_CFA69267FBC86953567F222D7EA07AA7" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_146D9007087C0C1217F5222D7EA06A5A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_146D9007087C0C1217F5222D7EA06A5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_CFA69267FBC86953567F222D7EA07AA7" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_146D9007087C0C1217F5222D7EA06A5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_VentasIncMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_VentasIncMember_BBD5160BA349026BC961222D7EA04F14" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_146D9007087C0C1217F5222D7EA06A5A" xlink:to="loc_bkd_VentasIncMember_BBD5160BA349026BC961222D7EA04F14" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeAxis_48FD968E032EBA184A1A222D7EA022AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_9F7AD31E2ECDA87F00E7222D7E9CD03E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeAxis_48FD968E032EBA184A1A222D7EA022AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeDomain_AC56394C5C13747559C0222D7EA458B1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeAxis_48FD968E032EBA184A1A222D7EA022AC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeDomain_AC56394C5C13747559C0222D7EA458B1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeDomain_AC56394C5C13747559C0222D7EA458B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeAxis_48FD968E032EBA184A1A222D7EA022AC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeDomain_AC56394C5C13747559C0222D7EA458B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_MasterLeaseAndSecurityAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_MasterLeaseAndSecurityAgreementMember_41B7BA124679AE7C704F222D7EA48B80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeDomain_AC56394C5C13747559C0222D7EA458B1" xlink:to="loc_bkd_MasterLeaseAndSecurityAgreementMember_41B7BA124679AE7C704F222D7EA48B80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_OperatingLeasesNumberOfCommunities" xlink:label="loc_bkd_OperatingLeasesNumberOfCommunities_DED4FF1FEA7FDD10C8A1222D7EA4A5AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0479ED41969F457C04F6222D7EA43F11" xlink:to="loc_bkd_OperatingLeasesNumberOfCommunities_DED4FF1FEA7FDD10C8A1222D7EA4A5AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_OperatingLeasesPriorNumberOfCommunities" xlink:label="loc_bkd_OperatingLeasesPriorNumberOfCommunities_F043EFAAB78B7E2A0294222D7EA4F84B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0479ED41969F457C04F6222D7EA43F11" xlink:to="loc_bkd_OperatingLeasesPriorNumberOfCommunities_F043EFAAB78B7E2A0294222D7EA4F84B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_OperatingLeasesAdditionalNumberOfCommunities" xlink:label="loc_bkd_OperatingLeasesAdditionalNumberOfCommunities_D2E0EF3CA0286370F90E222D7EA4098D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0479ED41969F457C04F6222D7EA43F11" xlink:to="loc_bkd_OperatingLeasesAdditionalNumberOfCommunities_D2E0EF3CA0286370F90E222D7EA4098D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_OperatingLeasesNumberOfCommunitiesAddedToAgreementDuringPeriod" xlink:label="loc_bkd_OperatingLeasesNumberOfCommunitiesAddedToAgreementDuringPeriod_A2E209E31760F49A0D8A222D7EA48C3A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0479ED41969F457C04F6222D7EA43F11" xlink:to="loc_bkd_OperatingLeasesNumberOfCommunitiesAddedToAgreementDuringPeriod_A2E209E31760F49A0D8A222D7EA48C3A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_OperatingLeasesNumberOfCommunitiesToBeAddedToAgreementDuringPeriod" xlink:label="loc_bkd_OperatingLeasesNumberOfCommunitiesToBeAddedToAgreementDuringPeriod_96D37541DACA9E71AFD6222D7EA46325" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0479ED41969F457C04F6222D7EA43F11" xlink:to="loc_bkd_OperatingLeasesNumberOfCommunitiesToBeAddedToAgreementDuringPeriod_96D37541DACA9E71AFD6222D7EA46325" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_LesseeOperatingLeaseNumberOfExtensions" xlink:label="loc_bkd_LesseeOperatingLeaseNumberOfExtensions_BFB822A86DAC3F20ABAA222D7EA4C046" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0479ED41969F457C04F6222D7EA43F11" xlink:to="loc_bkd_LesseeOperatingLeaseNumberOfExtensions_BFB822A86DAC3F20ABAA222D7EA4C046" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm_67DCBD610F0F67D752BC222D7EA43957" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0479ED41969F457C04F6222D7EA43F11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm_67DCBD610F0F67D752BC222D7EA43957" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_OperatingLeasesTotalRentExpense" xlink:label="loc_bkd_OperatingLeasesTotalRentExpense_501BF6756206C195BB39222D7EA44041" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0479ED41969F457C04F6222D7EA43F11" xlink:to="loc_bkd_OperatingLeasesTotalRentExpense_501BF6756206C195BB39222D7EA44041" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_OperatingLeasesAnnualRentCredit" xlink:label="loc_bkd_OperatingLeasesAnnualRentCredit_3EEC48299E02CF9FF9D3222D7EA456E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0479ED41969F457C04F6222D7EA43F11" xlink:to="loc_bkd_OperatingLeasesAnnualRentCredit_3EEC48299E02CF9FF9D3222D7EA456E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_DeferredRentCreditAfterChangeOfControl" xlink:label="loc_bkd_DeferredRentCreditAfterChangeOfControl_DCCD148B9283D5A154CD222D7EA43C2C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0479ED41969F457C04F6222D7EA43F11" xlink:to="loc_bkd_DeferredRentCreditAfterChangeOfControl_DCCD148B9283D5A154CD222D7EA43C2C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_OperatingLeasesBaseRentEscalatorCPIIncreasePercentage" xlink:label="loc_bkd_OperatingLeasesBaseRentEscalatorCPIIncreasePercentage_AC41F0C185154F75F24D222D7EA412F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0479ED41969F457C04F6222D7EA43F11" xlink:to="loc_bkd_OperatingLeasesBaseRentEscalatorCPIIncreasePercentage_AC41F0C185154F75F24D222D7EA412F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_OperatingLeasesBaseRentEscalatorCPIIncreaseMultiplier" xlink:label="loc_bkd_OperatingLeasesBaseRentEscalatorCPIIncreaseMultiplier_B22183E17AC3A08CE78F222D7EA4BE24" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0479ED41969F457C04F6222D7EA43F11" xlink:to="loc_bkd_OperatingLeasesBaseRentEscalatorCPIIncreaseMultiplier_B22183E17AC3A08CE78F222D7EA4BE24" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_OperatingLeasesBaseRentEscalatorCPIDecreasePercentage" xlink:label="loc_bkd_OperatingLeasesBaseRentEscalatorCPIDecreasePercentage_2C49E4E3F2685BCFB622222D7EA4A890" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0479ED41969F457C04F6222D7EA43F11" xlink:to="loc_bkd_OperatingLeasesBaseRentEscalatorCPIDecreasePercentage_2C49E4E3F2685BCFB622222D7EA4A890" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_LesseeOperatingLeasesInvestmentMinimumUnitPerLease" xlink:label="loc_bkd_LesseeOperatingLeasesInvestmentMinimumUnitPerLease_02F267C4DB0A22401EF1222D7EA4D3B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0479ED41969F457C04F6222D7EA43F11" xlink:to="loc_bkd_LesseeOperatingLeasesInvestmentMinimumUnitPerLease_02F267C4DB0A22401EF1222D7EA4D3B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_LesseeOperatingLeasesInvestmentMinimumDurationOfLease" xlink:label="loc_bkd_LesseeOperatingLeasesInvestmentMinimumDurationOfLease_EC520756A72FFD859C83222D7EA8836C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0479ED41969F457C04F6222D7EA43F11" xlink:to="loc_bkd_LesseeOperatingLeasesInvestmentMinimumDurationOfLease_EC520756A72FFD859C83222D7EA8836C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForCapitalImprovements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForCapitalImprovements_2042D65E6F2D73A14BD6222D7EA8A6BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0479ED41969F457C04F6222D7EA43F11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForCapitalImprovements_2042D65E6F2D73A14BD6222D7EA8A6BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_PaymentForLeasingArrangementFees" xlink:label="loc_bkd_PaymentForLeasingArrangementFees_09E7F375270204910A84222D7EA83477" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0479ED41969F457C04F6222D7EA43F11" xlink:to="loc_bkd_PaymentForLeasingArrangementFees_09E7F375270204910A84222D7EA83477" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_LesseeOperatingLeasesOptionToTerminateRentReductionPercentageOfProceedsOfTerminations" xlink:label="loc_bkd_LesseeOperatingLeasesOptionToTerminateRentReductionPercentageOfProceedsOfTerminations_BAB834E53140ABFC1E48222D7EA85C88" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0479ED41969F457C04F6222D7EA43F11" xlink:to="loc_bkd_LesseeOperatingLeasesOptionToTerminateRentReductionPercentageOfProceedsOfTerminations_BAB834E53140ABFC1E48222D7EA85C88" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyManagementFeePercentFee" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyManagementFeePercentFee_DFADF0534E7179345AB5222D7EA86992" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0479ED41969F457C04F6222D7EA43F11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyManagementFeePercentFee_DFADF0534E7179345AB5222D7EA86992" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnTerminationOfLease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnTerminationOfLease_88506A7EDB51176F79D8222D7EA82DEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0479ED41969F457C04F6222D7EA43F11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnTerminationOfLease_88506A7EDB51176F79D8222D7EA82DEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_DisposalGroupNumberOfCommunitiesExercisedToMarketForSaleAndSold" xlink:label="loc_bkd_DisposalGroupNumberOfCommunitiesExercisedToMarketForSaleAndSold_7C6ACC7CDD2E5DCAEA64222D7EA8F5AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0479ED41969F457C04F6222D7EA43F11" xlink:to="loc_bkd_DisposalGroupNumberOfCommunitiesExercisedToMarketForSaleAndSold_7C6ACC7CDD2E5DCAEA64222D7EA8F5AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_LesseeOperatingLeasesOptionToTerminateReductionOfRentForTerminatingCommunities" xlink:label="loc_bkd_LesseeOperatingLeasesOptionToTerminateReductionOfRentForTerminatingCommunities_5BF866E8B11301C92737222D7EA9B4B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_0479ED41969F457C04F6222D7EA43F11" xlink:to="loc_bkd_LesseeOperatingLeasesOptionToTerminateReductionOfRentForTerminatingCommunities_5BF866E8B11301C92737222D7EA9B4B6" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/AcquisitionsDispositionsAndOtherSignificantTransactionsWelltowerLeaseAndRideaVentureRestructuringDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_5327D1A974D72B89B314F76510A89330" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_A97B24281F8408952DABF76510A448FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_5327D1A974D72B89B314F76510A89330" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_A97B24281F8408952DABF76510A448FE" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_933BBF8926D0EAC6ABA8F76510A4CEAB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_A97B24281F8408952DABF76510A448FE" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_933BBF8926D0EAC6ABA8F76510A4CEAB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_2BF417954DB9C457E571F76510A4A17A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_933BBF8926D0EAC6ABA8F76510A4CEAB" xlink:to="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_2BF417954DB9C457E571F76510A4A17A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_2BF417954DB9C457E571F76510A4A17A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_933BBF8926D0EAC6ABA8F76510A4CEAB" xlink:to="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_2BF417954DB9C457E571F76510A4A17A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_WelltowerRIDEAMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_WelltowerRIDEAMember_6698315342F1775D8724F76510A5699D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_2BF417954DB9C457E571F76510A4A17A" xlink:to="loc_bkd_WelltowerRIDEAMember_6698315342F1775D8724F76510A5699D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_ED7C212FFC5B8E2FCD60F76510A5C473" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_A97B24281F8408952DABF76510A448FE" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_ED7C212FFC5B8E2FCD60F76510A5C473" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_D215DD6F2C4DCAC2FF7FF76510A564DA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_ED7C212FFC5B8E2FCD60F76510A5C473" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_D215DD6F2C4DCAC2FF7FF76510A564DA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_D215DD6F2C4DCAC2FF7FF76510A564DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_ED7C212FFC5B8E2FCD60F76510A5C473" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_D215DD6F2C4DCAC2FF7FF76510A564DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_7E65F21AC3B8E052C5A8F76510A57203" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_D215DD6F2C4DCAC2FF7FF76510A564DA" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_7E65F21AC3B8E052C5A8F76510A57203" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_4F5DB33611714942153DF76510A6E170" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_A97B24281F8408952DABF76510A448FE" xlink:to="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_4F5DB33611714942153DF76510A6E170" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_038BDC8803AF1DFE60C1F76510A66BFF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_4F5DB33611714942153DF76510A6E170" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_038BDC8803AF1DFE60C1F76510A66BFF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_038BDC8803AF1DFE60C1F76510A66BFF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_4F5DB33611714942153DF76510A6E170" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_038BDC8803AF1DFE60C1F76510A66BFF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_WelltowerInc.Member" xlink:label="loc_bkd_WelltowerInc.Member_765C86C6CA3545F13305F76510A6D542" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_038BDC8803AF1DFE60C1F76510A66BFF" xlink:to="loc_bkd_WelltowerInc.Member_765C86C6CA3545F13305F76510A6D542" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_ByTransactionNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_bkd_ByTransactionNameAxis_790D8261928FBD09B2C1F76510A6C409" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_A97B24281F8408952DABF76510A448FE" xlink:to="loc_bkd_ByTransactionNameAxis_790D8261928FBD09B2C1F76510A6C409" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_ByTransactionNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_bkd_ByTransactionNameDomain_E225A394A7BF7581CF14F76510A75CD1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_bkd_ByTransactionNameAxis_790D8261928FBD09B2C1F76510A6C409" xlink:to="loc_bkd_ByTransactionNameDomain_E225A394A7BF7581CF14F76510A75CD1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_ByTransactionNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_bkd_ByTransactionNameDomain_E225A394A7BF7581CF14F76510A75CD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_bkd_ByTransactionNameAxis_790D8261928FBD09B2C1F76510A6C409" xlink:to="loc_bkd_ByTransactionNameDomain_E225A394A7BF7581CF14F76510A75CD1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_WelltowerLeaseTransactionsMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_WelltowerLeaseTransactionsMember_F0D0BA7B4AF1CF18633EF76510A7B78E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bkd_ByTransactionNameDomain_E225A394A7BF7581CF14F76510A75CD1" xlink:to="loc_bkd_WelltowerLeaseTransactionsMember_F0D0BA7B4AF1CF18633EF76510A7B78E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_WelltowerLeaseTransactionsLeasePortfolioMaturingIn2028Member" xlink:label="loc_bkd_WelltowerLeaseTransactionsLeasePortfolioMaturingIn2028Member_C741FC68DF81BF47E219F76510A7D5BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bkd_ByTransactionNameDomain_E225A394A7BF7581CF14F76510A75CD1" xlink:to="loc_bkd_WelltowerLeaseTransactionsLeasePortfolioMaturingIn2028Member_C741FC68DF81BF47E219F76510A7D5BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_WelltowerLeaseTransactionsLeasePortfolioMaturingIn2020Member" xlink:label="loc_bkd_WelltowerLeaseTransactionsLeasePortfolioMaturingIn2020Member_03A4A7546E08129D1CE2F76510A72245" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bkd_ByTransactionNameDomain_E225A394A7BF7581CF14F76510A75CD1" xlink:to="loc_bkd_WelltowerLeaseTransactionsLeasePortfolioMaturingIn2020Member_03A4A7546E08129D1CE2F76510A72245" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_D2C52F9DD0D5758E0CD1F76510A879EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_A97B24281F8408952DABF76510A448FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_D2C52F9DD0D5758E0CD1F76510A879EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_E751CD7A1C2E766FF55BF76510A836B8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_D2C52F9DD0D5758E0CD1F76510A879EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_E751CD7A1C2E766FF55BF76510A836B8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_E751CD7A1C2E766FF55BF76510A836B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_D2C52F9DD0D5758E0CD1F76510A879EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_E751CD7A1C2E766FF55BF76510A836B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_A37CommunitiesDisposedOfThroughLeaseTerminationsMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_A37CommunitiesDisposedOfThroughLeaseTerminationsMember_8D6B93FEFF1FA8F963A8F76510A8D949" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_E751CD7A1C2E766FF55BF76510A836B8" xlink:to="loc_bkd_A37CommunitiesDisposedOfThroughLeaseTerminationsMember_8D6B93FEFF1FA8F963A8F76510A8D949" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_DisposalGroupNumberOfCommunitiesDisposedOf" xlink:label="loc_bkd_DisposalGroupNumberOfCommunitiesDisposedOf_11412237A3D0A80BF13AF76510A94896" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_5327D1A974D72B89B314F76510A89330" xlink:to="loc_bkd_DisposalGroupNumberOfCommunitiesDisposedOf_11412237A3D0A80BF13AF76510A94896" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NumberOfLeasePortfolios" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NumberOfLeasePortfolios_E5162C2A74F1D2216794F76510A9BD38" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_5327D1A974D72B89B314F76510A89330" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NumberOfLeasePortfolios_E5162C2A74F1D2216794F76510A9BD38" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_OperatingLeasesNumberOfCommunities" xlink:label="loc_bkd_OperatingLeasesNumberOfCommunities_40BF913BF34F3F0F9125F76510A987CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_5327D1A974D72B89B314F76510A89330" xlink:to="loc_bkd_OperatingLeasesNumberOfCommunities_40BF913BF34F3F0F9125F76510A987CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_PaymentsProceedsForLeaseTermination" xlink:label="loc_bkd_PaymentsProceedsForLeaseTermination_9C638FB8BAF5428B6253F76510A9D29C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_5327D1A974D72B89B314F76510A89330" xlink:to="loc_bkd_PaymentsProceedsForLeaseTermination_9C638FB8BAF5428B6253F76510A9D29C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnTerminationOfLease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnTerminationOfLease_227420D9BF58B5DA45C2F76510A9482C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_5327D1A974D72B89B314F76510A89330" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnTerminationOfLease_227420D9BF58B5DA45C2F76510A9482C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense_9380EAFD46A903E55034F76510AA4368" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_5327D1A974D72B89B314F76510A89330" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense_9380EAFD46A903E55034F76510AA4368" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_PotentialLeaseTerminationsRentCreditPercentage" xlink:label="loc_bkd_PotentialLeaseTerminationsRentCreditPercentage_560049BB17BF2F45E29EF76510AA59D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_5327D1A974D72B89B314F76510A89330" xlink:to="loc_bkd_PotentialLeaseTerminationsRentCreditPercentage_560049BB17BF2F45E29EF76510AA59D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_D7C842403F9F61021BA2F76510AA5424" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_5327D1A974D72B89B314F76510A89330" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_D7C842403F9F61021BA2F76510AA5424" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfEquityMethodInvestments_6E97E3028E141E1D9479F76510AA5054" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_5327D1A974D72B89B314F76510A89330" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfEquityMethodInvestments_6E97E3028E141E1D9479F76510AA5054" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfEquityInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfEquityInvestments_30B5969F1C48CB991545F76510AA44C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_5327D1A974D72B89B314F76510A89330" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfEquityInvestments_30B5969F1C48CB991545F76510AA44C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NumberOfLeasesNotRenewed" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NumberOfLeasesNotRenewed_C073F630839E07848191F76510AA6B8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_5327D1A974D72B89B314F76510A89330" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NumberOfLeasesNotRenewed_C073F630839E07848191F76510AA6B8B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_MasterLeasesNotRenewedNumberOfCommunities" xlink:label="loc_bkd_MasterLeasesNotRenewedNumberOfCommunities_6EBC4F850A2028C3E37EF76510ABA09B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_5327D1A974D72B89B314F76510A89330" xlink:to="loc_bkd_MasterLeasesNotRenewedNumberOfCommunities_6EBC4F850A2028C3E37EF76510ABA09B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesManaged" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesManaged_C1469B7963AFD27C3680F76510ABE449" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_5327D1A974D72B89B314F76510A89330" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesManaged_C1469B7963AFD27C3680F76510ABE449" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2B6C1FB4B89259368153BCF5F4575E48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_03DD8D693F6655CA86FBD9017F5EFF34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2B6C1FB4B89259368153BCF5F4575E48" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_03DD8D693F6655CA86FBD9017F5EFF34" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_E9D1E80D019658F58C7578B0BE27DBE5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_03DD8D693F6655CA86FBD9017F5EFF34" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_E9D1E80D019658F58C7578B0BE27DBE5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2E9CCB0A5F0B3E721BBC26F206A8C191_5E3990826EA354D1B7BD00660D25AC25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_E9D1E80D019658F58C7578B0BE27DBE5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2E9CCB0A5F0B3E721BBC26F206A8C191_5E3990826EA354D1B7BD00660D25AC25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_6F1E7A56DDAC505B8A3982D6D21D69AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_E9D1E80D019658F58C7578B0BE27DBE5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_6F1E7A56DDAC505B8A3982D6D21D69AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_253F77DE08DA5799916879771CBFB2B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_6F1E7A56DDAC505B8A3982D6D21D69AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_253F77DE08DA5799916879771CBFB2B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract_89E57F231FF850E5BB4466640B787796" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2B6C1FB4B89259368153BCF5F4575E48" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract_89E57F231FF850E5BB4466640B787796" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_C1D5BB6A89C85BFD870D155F242270AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract_89E57F231FF850E5BB4466640B787796" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_C1D5BB6A89C85BFD870D155F242270AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_3857DE1AD9585D7E8876860CB3B8A623" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract_89E57F231FF850E5BB4466640B787796" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_3857DE1AD9585D7E8876860CB3B8A623" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_F98286F35A645478B31F7A7DF84B360E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract_89E57F231FF850E5BB4466640B787796" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_F98286F35A645478B31F7A7DF84B360E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_2ADC6EF0C32353678F254BDE9E58C137" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract_89E57F231FF850E5BB4466640B787796" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_2ADC6EF0C32353678F254BDE9E58C137" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_01583F6E0AD5535D9147731B10794D77" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract_89E57F231FF850E5BB4466640B787796" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_01583F6E0AD5535D9147731B10794D77" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_F272BAE9EC3F5EF0A0C049BFED1D4632" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract_89E57F231FF850E5BB4466640B787796" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_F272BAE9EC3F5EF0A0C049BFED1D4632" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_3340D593714651BCA373BC6994920A08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract_89E57F231FF850E5BB4466640B787796" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_3340D593714651BCA373BC6994920A08" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_981FF306366C50D5A8A06D696A64F61F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract_89E57F231FF850E5BB4466640B787796" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_981FF306366C50D5A8A06D696A64F61F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockOtherSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockOtherSharesOutstanding_82F917D7052D520793844439F712B5E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract_89E57F231FF850E5BB4466640B787796" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockOtherSharesOutstanding_82F917D7052D520793844439F712B5E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares_C033215DA8DE51EEACE9D8E63C9A030B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract_89E57F231FF850E5BB4466640B787796" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares_C033215DA8DE51EEACE9D8E63C9A030B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfEquity" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_44F9B5C5BFA3A3D8EDE511BB4C1C431A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_39B9706C2C3EFDA042F611BB4C1A9F00" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_44F9B5C5BFA3A3D8EDE511BB4C1C431A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_39B9706C2C3EFDA042F611BB4C1A9F00" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_BAD266319C105367123711BB4C1AC7A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_39B9706C2C3EFDA042F611BB4C1A9F00" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_BAD266319C105367123711BB4C1AC7A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_AB472103033AB5A19D1D11BB4C1B5F19_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_BAD266319C105367123711BB4C1AC7A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_AB472103033AB5A19D1D11BB4C1B5F19_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_AB472103033AB5A19D1D11BB4C1B5F19" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_BAD266319C105367123711BB4C1AC7A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_AB472103033AB5A19D1D11BB4C1B5F19" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_5879E88DCF1323AEEBBC11BB4C1B5B95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_AB472103033AB5A19D1D11BB4C1B5F19" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_5879E88DCF1323AEEBBC11BB4C1B5B95" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_1121217BA3554BEFEF2711BB4C1BFFF0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_AB472103033AB5A19D1D11BB4C1B5F19" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_1121217BA3554BEFEF2711BB4C1BFFF0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_61E8B5C01FD21AD8BA6811BB4C1C7F7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_AB472103033AB5A19D1D11BB4C1B5F19" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_61E8B5C01FD21AD8BA6811BB4C1C7F7D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_1C638BE404EA6DA4C95811BB4C1C873F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_AB472103033AB5A19D1D11BB4C1B5F19" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_1C638BE404EA6DA4C95811BB4C1C873F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_1118382AB5A184AFB56F11BB4C1C9F34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_AB472103033AB5A19D1D11BB4C1B5F19" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_1118382AB5A184AFB56F11BB4C1C9F34" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_F0D3DD959855598D984C11E797AE9587" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_44F9B5C5BFA3A3D8EDE511BB4C1C431A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_F0D3DD959855598D984C11E797AE9587" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_5519C294B682E2E5971011BB4C1C9D1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_F0D3DD959855598D984C11E797AE9587" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_5519C294B682E2E5971011BB4C1C9D1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan_98C0C968A87CDF364D2C11BB4C1C4B24" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_F0D3DD959855598D984C11E797AE9587" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan_98C0C968A87CDF364D2C11BB4C1C4B24" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures_1E5C28F3028211676EC811BB4C1D875E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_F0D3DD959855598D984C11E797AE9587" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures_1E5C28F3028211676EC811BB4C1D875E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_AE7D8A5081C58EF4B5FC11BB4C1D7025" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_F0D3DD959855598D984C11E797AE9587" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_AE7D8A5081C58EF4B5FC11BB4C1D7025" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalOther" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalOther_A6CC5A30B0348D2552C611BB4C1D2A29" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_F0D3DD959855598D984C11E797AE9587" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalOther_A6CC5A30B0348D2552C611BB4C1D2A29" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition_BC5B377849539400476711BB4C1DCC9D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_F0D3DD959855598D984C11E797AE9587" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition_BC5B377849539400476711BB4C1DCC9D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod_F5032655C475171BCFC211BB4C1EB7F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_F0D3DD959855598D984C11E797AE9587" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod_F5032655C475171BCFC211BB4C1EB7F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption_A542062A05B1BAFC4EA511BB4C1E60CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_F0D3DD959855598D984C11E797AE9587" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption_A542062A05B1BAFC4EA511BB4C1E60CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_0314604363F9EAF4E7D311BB4C1ED7A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_F0D3DD959855598D984C11E797AE9587" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_0314604363F9EAF4E7D311BB4C1ED7A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination_03D90648D4F3B2D88DC511BB4C1E4266" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_F0D3DD959855598D984C11E797AE9587" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination_03D90648D4F3B2D88DC511BB4C1E4266" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders_C33E1A9CEC3777C3C18611BD2E04308B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_F0D3DD959855598D984C11E797AE9587" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders_C33E1A9CEC3777C3C18611BD2E04308B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_304F6425F948FB80736E11BB4C1F4F76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_F0D3DD959855598D984C11E797AE9587" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_304F6425F948FB80736E11BB4C1F4F76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans_3D08F6A58F99BF3823E111BB4C1F3098" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_F0D3DD959855598D984C11E797AE9587" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans_3D08F6A58F99BF3823E111BB4C1F3098" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures_CB2F1A68AA2FFDEED44811BB4C1F1B78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_F0D3DD959855598D984C11E797AE9587" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures_CB2F1A68AA2FFDEED44811BB4C1F1B78" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired_E1D358FFFE2A4B2F2AC911BB4C1F21E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_F0D3DD959855598D984C11E797AE9587" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired_E1D358FFFE2A4B2F2AC911BB4C1F21E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_BA477FDAD2698AFDE55A11BB4C1F74AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_F0D3DD959855598D984C11E797AE9587" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_BA477FDAD2698AFDE55A11BB4C1F74AF" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B740930BF4BEB351A620F2323445A02C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_AA33C327A1C7F124D8A7F2323443E61B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B740930BF4BEB351A620F2323445A02C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_AA33C327A1C7F124D8A7F2323443E61B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_0DE08996790143D35366F232344354CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_AA33C327A1C7F124D8A7F2323443E61B" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_0DE08996790143D35366F232344354CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_D899F478FC7354A27FBBF2323444DA45_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_0DE08996790143D35366F232344354CE" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_D899F478FC7354A27FBBF2323444DA45_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_D899F478FC7354A27FBBF2323444DA45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_0DE08996790143D35366F232344354CE" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_D899F478FC7354A27FBBF2323444DA45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HealthCareResidentServiceMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HealthCareResidentServiceMember_284102D0CED53D1E3601F2323444830D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_D899F478FC7354A27FBBF2323444DA45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HealthCareResidentServiceMember_284102D0CED53D1E3601F2323444830D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ManagementServiceMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ManagementServiceMember_AB7B1239E168DEFB9048F232344490BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_D899F478FC7354A27FBBF2323444DA45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ManagementServiceMember_AB7B1239E168DEFB9048F232344490BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_ReimbursementCostsManagedCommunitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_ReimbursementCostsManagedCommunitiesMember_CB3A855A11288EA5ECE3F2323444F84B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_D899F478FC7354A27FBBF2323444DA45" xlink:to="loc_bkd_ReimbursementCostsManagedCommunitiesMember_CB3A855A11288EA5ECE3F2323444F84B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateMember_E3B07B3E7D0C66DA31F4F232344414F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_D899F478FC7354A27FBBF2323444DA45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateMember_E3B07B3E7D0C66DA31F4F232344414F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_A1B7A5C1BD43CD560183F232344566BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B740930BF4BEB351A620F2323445A02C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_A1B7A5C1BD43CD560183F232344566BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_66C52E3C2D205D593DABF23234455C60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_A1B7A5C1BD43CD560183F232344566BE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_66C52E3C2D205D593DABF23234455C60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract_94A5BAB17AA1D77F1BF4F2323445F22D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B740930BF4BEB351A620F2323445A02C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract_94A5BAB17AA1D77F1BF4F2323445F22D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold_B8DDDDF6DF451108E0BCF2323446C468" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract_94A5BAB17AA1D77F1BF4F2323445F22D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold_B8DDDDF6DF451108E0BCF2323446C468" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_6C721C6B6B7128DDFE63F23234463738" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract_94A5BAB17AA1D77F1BF4F2323445F22D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_6C721C6B6B7128DDFE63F23234463738" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_OperatingLeaseFacilityExpense" xlink:label="loc_bkd_OperatingLeaseFacilityExpense_C5BA41C43F76ED5CDE23F232344635FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract_94A5BAB17AA1D77F1BF4F2323445F22D" xlink:to="loc_bkd_OperatingLeaseFacilityExpense_C5BA41C43F76ED5CDE23F232344635FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization_E1E3A2A3A9BF951C1857F232344668B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract_94A5BAB17AA1D77F1BF4F2323445F22D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization_E1E3A2A3A9BF951C1857F232344668B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_4BA9DA3698DE97736C97F2323446FA0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract_94A5BAB17AA1D77F1BF4F2323445F22D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_4BA9DA3698DE97736C97F2323446FA0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnTerminationOfLease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnTerminationOfLease_BD051C04A178E6E72340F23234478162" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract_94A5BAB17AA1D77F1BF4F2323445F22D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnTerminationOfLease_BD051C04A178E6E72340F23234478162" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_3B8BA0B4F3497DCA5D44F2323447AADB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostOfRevenueAbstract_94A5BAB17AA1D77F1BF4F2323445F22D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_3B8BA0B4F3497DCA5D44F2323447AADB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_0CD098C2B043151CB285F232344789D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B740930BF4BEB351A620F2323445A02C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_0CD098C2B043151CB285F232344789D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest_962735DF8FB199E694FDF232344CA617" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B740930BF4BEB351A620F2323445A02C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest_962735DF8FB199E694FDF232344CA617" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract_161F45F2C5329CBCC301F232344CF173" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B740930BF4BEB351A620F2323445A02C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract_161F45F2C5329CBCC301F232344CF173" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebtExcludingAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebtExcludingAmortization_8F3921A69DE91127C04DF232344C0767" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract_161F45F2C5329CBCC301F232344CF173" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebtExcludingAmortization_8F3921A69DE91127C04DF232344C0767" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_FinanceLeaseRightofUseAssetInterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_bkd_FinanceLeaseRightofUseAssetInterestExpense_397B00606AC744835016F232344D3459" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract_161F45F2C5329CBCC301F232344CF173" xlink:to="loc_bkd_FinanceLeaseRightofUseAssetInterestExpense_397B00606AC744835016F232344D3459" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCostsAndDiscounts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCostsAndDiscounts_B8F10C6050782157E461F232344D6F7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract_161F45F2C5329CBCC301F232344CF173" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCostsAndDiscounts_B8F10C6050782157E461F232344D6F7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_3229A6FAE65D9EB7BA44F232344D0C92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract_161F45F2C5329CBCC301F232344CF173" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_3229A6FAE65D9EB7BA44F232344D0C92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_A91F38CC286D7DB39826F232344D7D11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B740930BF4BEB351A620F2323445A02C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_A91F38CC286D7DB39826F232344D7D11" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_FEC58CC43A610D8D4113F232344EE402" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B740930BF4BEB351A620F2323445A02C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_FEC58CC43A610D8D4113F232344EE402" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1_26FECDB329ADF749EDE4F232344E3472" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B740930BF4BEB351A620F2323445A02C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1_26FECDB329ADF749EDE4F232344E3472" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_3ADFC8999C80EA4A2ADDF232344EF84B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B740930BF4BEB351A620F2323445A02C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_3ADFC8999C80EA4A2ADDF232344EF84B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_1F81FEA6959B44E39F59F232344E7275" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B740930BF4BEB351A620F2323445A02C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_1F81FEA6959B44E39F59F232344E7275" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_E2D2ED4FACD05E943E3EF232344E0B61" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B740930BF4BEB351A620F2323445A02C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_E2D2ED4FACD05E943E3EF232344E0B61" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_5574441693766E4C98E1F232344ED78B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B740930BF4BEB351A620F2323445A02C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_5574441693766E4C98E1F232344ED78B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_BAB6D5DC9ED2DE474444F232344F2AB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B740930BF4BEB351A620F2323445A02C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_BAB6D5DC9ED2DE474444F232344F2AB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_4DAB7374904A343337AFF232344F9957" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B740930BF4BEB351A620F2323445A02C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_4DAB7374904A343337AFF232344F9957" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDiluted_AFDAF62C47B86D3D2475F232344FEEAC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B740930BF4BEB351A620F2323445A02C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDiluted_AFDAF62C47B86D3D2475F232344FEEAC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfShareOutstandingBasicAndDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfShareOutstandingBasicAndDiluted_A97B84442C8D607588A0F232344F61B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B740930BF4BEB351A620F2323445A02C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfShareOutstandingBasicAndDiluted_A97B84442C8D607588A0F232344F61B2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsParenthetical" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/CoverPage" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/Debt" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/Debt2018FinancingsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_FC83ECF1F694DCDB1BF1450B5156495D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_466211F05667412AB3C8450B514A29EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_FC83ECF1F694DCDB1BF1450B5156495D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_466211F05667412AB3C8450B514A29EA" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_4D1DCB005F54B4539E45450B514AAC9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_466211F05667412AB3C8450B514A29EA" xlink:to="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_4D1DCB005F54B4539E45450B514AAC9B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_8E27EBF6EBE2D5EAE03D450B514E223B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_4D1DCB005F54B4539E45450B514AAC9B" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_8E27EBF6EBE2D5EAE03D450B514E223B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_8E27EBF6EBE2D5EAE03D450B514E223B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_4D1DCB005F54B4539E45450B514AAC9B" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_8E27EBF6EBE2D5EAE03D450B514E223B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_HCPInc.Member" xlink:label="loc_bkd_HCPInc.Member_7E802F63BAC9C9862AB8450B5152BE6D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_8E27EBF6EBE2D5EAE03D450B514E223B" xlink:to="loc_bkd_HCPInc.Member_7E802F63BAC9C9862AB8450B5152BE6D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_C770A19289ACE6530AF1450B51520CFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_466211F05667412AB3C8450B514A29EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_C770A19289ACE6530AF1450B51520CFE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_00D465029B31CCC14F95450B5152961A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_C770A19289ACE6530AF1450B51520CFE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_00D465029B31CCC14F95450B5152961A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_00D465029B31CCC14F95450B5152961A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_C770A19289ACE6530AF1450B51520CFE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_00D465029B31CCC14F95450B5152961A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgagesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgagesMember_8B581BB16251BCD5E8C8450B5152C822" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_00D465029B31CCC14F95450B5152961A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgagesMember_8B581BB16251BCD5E8C8450B5152C822" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_3F5070C94B94D9BEBA06450B51527900" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_00D465029B31CCC14F95450B5152961A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_3F5070C94B94D9BEBA06450B51527900" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_D0E2EACB2EADCD467AFA450B51520997" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_466211F05667412AB3C8450B514A29EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_D0E2EACB2EADCD467AFA450B51520997" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_E65BF14F86C2D3FB84BE450B515231A2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_D0E2EACB2EADCD467AFA450B51520997" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_E65BF14F86C2D3FB84BE450B515231A2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_E65BF14F86C2D3FB84BE450B515231A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_D0E2EACB2EADCD467AFA450B51520997" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_E65BF14F86C2D3FB84BE450B515231A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NonRecourseFirstMortgagesMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NonRecourseFirstMortgagesMember_14F99D710FA61710A744450B51523B19" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_E65BF14F86C2D3FB84BE450B515231A2" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NonRecourseFirstMortgagesMember_14F99D710FA61710A744450B51523B19" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NonRecourseSupplementalLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NonRecourseSupplementalLoanMember_E7CBE0081099708D51A3450B5152CDD0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_E65BF14F86C2D3FB84BE450B515231A2" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NonRecourseSupplementalLoanMember_E7CBE0081099708D51A3450B5152CDD0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_MortgageDebtDue2018Member" xlink:label="loc_bkd_MortgageDebtDue2018Member_E7BCF31ED5826E2B23AF450B5156D3C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_E65BF14F86C2D3FB84BE450B515231A2" xlink:to="loc_bkd_MortgageDebtDue2018Member_E7BCF31ED5826E2B23AF450B5156D3C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_MortgageDebtDueJanuary2019Member" xlink:label="loc_bkd_MortgageDebtDueJanuary2019Member_E2874AF941F27D7BE19A450B51567279" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_E65BF14F86C2D3FB84BE450B515231A2" xlink:to="loc_bkd_MortgageDebtDueJanuary2019Member_E2874AF941F27D7BE19A450B51567279" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_4AB214445AD0D33A95FC450B5156931E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_466211F05667412AB3C8450B514A29EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_4AB214445AD0D33A95FC450B5156931E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_A2316DB2F4E455329CA4450B51565F84_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_4AB214445AD0D33A95FC450B5156931E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_A2316DB2F4E455329CA4450B51565F84_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_A2316DB2F4E455329CA4450B51565F84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_4AB214445AD0D33A95FC450B5156931E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_A2316DB2F4E455329CA4450B51565F84" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_70A5C63238F3EBBCB908450B515640FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_A2316DB2F4E455329CA4450B51565F84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_70A5C63238F3EBBCB908450B515640FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_BDC64CCC260250AD9C23450B515609C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_FC83ECF1F694DCDB1BF1450B5156495D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_BDC64CCC260250AD9C23450B515609C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_DebtInstrumentNumberOfCommunitiesSecuringDebt" xlink:label="loc_bkd_DebtInstrumentNumberOfCommunitiesSecuringDebt_D383A33EC7BA336C1E3F450B51560E25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_FC83ECF1F694DCDB1BF1450B5156495D" xlink:to="loc_bkd_DebtInstrumentNumberOfCommunitiesSecuringDebt_D383A33EC7BA336C1E3F450B51560E25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate_9384E7B7ADF8228EFE1C450B5156D852" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_FC83ECF1F694DCDB1BF1450B5156495D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate_9384E7B7ADF8228EFE1C450B5156D852" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_DD7CDDD621AAF3167D8D450B515683D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_FC83ECF1F694DCDB1BF1450B5156495D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_DD7CDDD621AAF3167D8D450B515683D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingVariableInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingVariableInterestRate_D5153F849B78C29CE7D5450B51561221" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_FC83ECF1F694DCDB1BF1450B5156495D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingVariableInterestRate_D5153F849B78C29CE7D5450B51561221" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_3A6220058F0EF16875C3450B515983F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_FC83ECF1F694DCDB1BF1450B5156495D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_3A6220058F0EF16875C3450B515983F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesAcquired" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesAcquired_42A98DACCFE55BB11C5B450B5159B7A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_FC83ECF1F694DCDB1BF1450B5156495D" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesAcquired_42A98DACCFE55BB11C5B450B5159B7A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount_B4D8EB13CBB19F89047F450B5159E483" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_FC83ECF1F694DCDB1BF1450B5156495D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount_B4D8EB13CBB19F89047F450B5159E483" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NumberOfLoanPortfolios" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NumberOfLoanPortfolios_BD44F61E66E67349F674450B515950F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_FC83ECF1F694DCDB1BF1450B5156495D" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NumberOfLoanPortfolios_BD44F61E66E67349F674450B515950F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt_D560AE30E015910A5075450B51595C4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_FC83ECF1F694DCDB1BF1450B5156495D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt_D560AE30E015910A5075450B51595C4E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtRestructuringCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtRestructuringCosts_1DF19F69AC4F806BFB49450B515A04BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_FC83ECF1F694DCDB1BF1450B5156495D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtRestructuringCosts_1DF19F69AC4F806BFB49450B515A04BC" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/Debt2019FinancingsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_0EBE39150005B42C12FD450B4EA7B050" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_336E01297813E7B5EC2B450B4EA3731D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_0EBE39150005B42C12FD450B4EA7B050" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_336E01297813E7B5EC2B450B4EA3731D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_9F472E86B59E75E8AD3C450B4EA3A10E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_336E01297813E7B5EC2B450B4EA3731D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_9F472E86B59E75E8AD3C450B4EA3A10E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_571579207A114BAFECA6450B4EA7BC11_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_9F472E86B59E75E8AD3C450B4EA3A10E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_571579207A114BAFECA6450B4EA7BC11_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_571579207A114BAFECA6450B4EA7BC11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_9F472E86B59E75E8AD3C450B4EA3A10E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_571579207A114BAFECA6450B4EA7BC11" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_32852FD2915BFF46CE1F450B4EA7FA0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_571579207A114BAFECA6450B4EA7BC11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_32852FD2915BFF46CE1F450B4EA7FA0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_FC7341BE4D414CFFCA63450B4EA7877E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_336E01297813E7B5EC2B450B4EA3731D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_FC7341BE4D414CFFCA63450B4EA7877E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_63F013DA7039C941674C450B4EA792F6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_FC7341BE4D414CFFCA63450B4EA7877E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_63F013DA7039C941674C450B4EA792F6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_63F013DA7039C941674C450B4EA792F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_FC7341BE4D414CFFCA63450B4EA7877E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_63F013DA7039C941674C450B4EA792F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgagesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgagesMember_519A2EFCA274EC419BBC450B4EA7D5E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_63F013DA7039C941674C450B4EA792F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgagesMember_519A2EFCA274EC419BBC450B4EA7D5E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_9D39FE97B4A3A983A14E450B4EA7FBCB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_63F013DA7039C941674C450B4EA792F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_9D39FE97B4A3A983A14E450B4EA7FBCB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_982C9E4A154AE9A4DDFC450B4EA7424B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_336E01297813E7B5EC2B450B4EA3731D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_982C9E4A154AE9A4DDFC450B4EA7424B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_1AD9DDB8098410B1EC7F450B4EA75F81_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_982C9E4A154AE9A4DDFC450B4EA7424B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_1AD9DDB8098410B1EC7F450B4EA75F81_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_1AD9DDB8098410B1EC7F450B4EA75F81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_982C9E4A154AE9A4DDFC450B4EA7424B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_1AD9DDB8098410B1EC7F450B4EA75F81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NonRecourseSupplementalLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NonRecourseSupplementalLoanMember_5B2C38B55F27BAB1BDE4450B4EA7CEEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_1AD9DDB8098410B1EC7F450B4EA75F81" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NonRecourseSupplementalLoanMember_5B2C38B55F27BAB1BDE4450B4EA7CEEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_MortgageDebtDue2019Member" xlink:label="loc_bkd_MortgageDebtDue2019Member_895829451440CB4679F3450B4EA70005" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_1AD9DDB8098410B1EC7F450B4EA75F81" xlink:to="loc_bkd_MortgageDebtDue2019Member_895829451440CB4679F3450B4EA70005" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NonRecourseFirstMortgagesMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NonRecourseFirstMortgagesMember_88F9A035B55777D18770450B4EA79B8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_1AD9DDB8098410B1EC7F450B4EA75F81" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NonRecourseFirstMortgagesMember_88F9A035B55777D18770450B4EA79B8B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_B3746726513563F41557450B4EA74722" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_0EBE39150005B42C12FD450B4EA7B050" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_B3746726513563F41557450B4EA74722" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_DebtInstrumentNumberOfCommunitiesSecuringDebt" xlink:label="loc_bkd_DebtInstrumentNumberOfCommunitiesSecuringDebt_824C750DDAFD2D2F8DC8450B4EA7E0F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_0EBE39150005B42C12FD450B4EA7B050" xlink:to="loc_bkd_DebtInstrumentNumberOfCommunitiesSecuringDebt_824C750DDAFD2D2F8DC8450B4EA7E0F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate_A4322D56A9486AFBAFB5450B4EA7EC50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_0EBE39150005B42C12FD450B4EA7B050" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate_A4322D56A9486AFBAFB5450B4EA7EC50" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_0B47A2A50E4BB337F74D450B4EA709ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_0EBE39150005B42C12FD450B4EA7B050" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_0B47A2A50E4BB337F74D450B4EA709ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingVariableInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingVariableInterestRate_AAC63C5854A22EFD4C23450B4EABAEF4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_0EBE39150005B42C12FD450B4EA7B050" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingVariableInterestRate_AAC63C5854A22EFD4C23450B4EABAEF4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount_64035F6ACDD48533FA81450B4EABA66D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_0EBE39150005B42C12FD450B4EA7B050" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount_64035F6ACDD48533FA81450B4EABA66D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_7D929E63A0C6E9FB698D450B4EABA2A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_0EBE39150005B42C12FD450B4EA7B050" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_7D929E63A0C6E9FB698D450B4EABA2A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_14359B8BB8D7E7783BF6450B4EABCA4A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_0EBE39150005B42C12FD450B4EA7B050" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_14359B8BB8D7E7783BF6450B4EABCA4A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/DebtAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_0411C395BF6393E5CBE8F34170322CE9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_1822C8F310A8315BF504F341702F3442" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_0411C395BF6393E5CBE8F34170322CE9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_1822C8F310A8315BF504F341702F3442" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_533AE9CE3F042FE9BE7FF341702F650A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_1822C8F310A8315BF504F341702F3442" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_533AE9CE3F042FE9BE7FF341702F650A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_CA225B6DE48263EE86C1F341703092EB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_533AE9CE3F042FE9BE7FF341702F650A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_CA225B6DE48263EE86C1F341703092EB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_CA225B6DE48263EE86C1F341703092EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_533AE9CE3F042FE9BE7FF341702F650A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_CA225B6DE48263EE86C1F341703092EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgagesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgagesMember_10F467BBE566F1436A44F3417030E95E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_CA225B6DE48263EE86C1F341703092EB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgagesMember_10F467BBE566F1436A44F3417030E95E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_16C5E25DB12D842D6B65F3417030A156" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_1822C8F310A8315BF504F341702F3442" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_16C5E25DB12D842D6B65F3417030A156" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_52584342EF71CA6B5762F3417030D246_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_16C5E25DB12D842D6B65F3417030A156" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_52584342EF71CA6B5762F3417030D246_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_52584342EF71CA6B5762F3417030D246" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_16C5E25DB12D842D6B65F3417030A156" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_52584342EF71CA6B5762F3417030D246" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupHeldForSaleOrDisposedOfBySaleNotDiscontinuedOperationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupHeldForSaleOrDisposedOfBySaleNotDiscontinuedOperationsMember_3772754E00C23A8E987BF3417031C1AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_52584342EF71CA6B5762F3417030D246" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupHeldForSaleOrDisposedOfBySaleNotDiscontinuedOperationsMember_3772754E00C23A8E987BF3417031C1AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstate_54698587636D5D5EFDEBF3417032E3C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_0411C395BF6393E5CBE8F34170322CE9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstate_54698587636D5D5EFDEBF3417032E3C6" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/DebtConvertibleDebtDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_370AD47247ACAA146A96F401959FCCBB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_B8056099C79D2C275F9CF401959D2B65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_370AD47247ACAA146A96F401959FCCBB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_B8056099C79D2C275F9CF401959D2B65" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_FBDC51D21EA9FC3A7F29F401959D3DF3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_B8056099C79D2C275F9CF401959D2B65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_FBDC51D21EA9FC3A7F29F401959D3DF3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_5E714BE8173957A7D54DF401959DA0B0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_FBDC51D21EA9FC3A7F29F401959D3DF3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_5E714BE8173957A7D54DF401959DA0B0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_5E714BE8173957A7D54DF401959DA0B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_FBDC51D21EA9FC3A7F29F401959D3DF3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_5E714BE8173957A7D54DF401959DA0B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember_1D6E27F33ECED03439E6F401959E9F84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_5E714BE8173957A7D54DF401959DA0B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember_1D6E27F33ECED03439E6F401959E9F84" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_5F5EA265E04F7662C6AFF401959E17D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_B8056099C79D2C275F9CF401959D2B65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_5F5EA265E04F7662C6AFF401959E17D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_DFE33899BE329CBC5051F401959E29B4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_5F5EA265E04F7662C6AFF401959E17D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_DFE33899BE329CBC5051F401959E29B4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_DFE33899BE329CBC5051F401959E29B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_5F5EA265E04F7662C6AFF401959E17D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_DFE33899BE329CBC5051F401959E29B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_ConvertibleSeniorNotesDueJune2018Member" xlink:label="loc_bkd_ConvertibleSeniorNotesDueJune2018Member_A3FF9095BB425BBE3525F401959E3EB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_DFE33899BE329CBC5051F401959E29B4" xlink:to="loc_bkd_ConvertibleSeniorNotesDueJune2018Member_A3FF9095BB425BBE3525F401959E3EB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_9D6277077C6F3FFBEB0AF401959FBD72" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_370AD47247ACAA146A96F401959FCCBB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_9D6277077C6F3FFBEB0AF401959FBD72" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_3F63F109BFA71D5986FAF401959FAEF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_370AD47247ACAA146A96F401959FCCBB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_3F63F109BFA71D5986FAF401959FAEF9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount_DD4DBBC6ADD92BF6971AF401959F4403" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_370AD47247ACAA146A96F401959FCCBB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount_DD4DBBC6ADD92BF6971AF401959F4403" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/DebtCreditFacilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_48703C03E8CDC2317C86F341701E42B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_CF7C8A1426CA9F099D5DF3417018D2CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_48703C03E8CDC2317C86F341701E42B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_CF7C8A1426CA9F099D5DF3417018D2CC" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_DebtInstrumentTermOfAgreementAxis" xlink:label="loc_bkd_DebtInstrumentTermOfAgreementAxis_0D6B6847E0056E95EF9FF3417018CF95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_CF7C8A1426CA9F099D5DF3417018D2CC" xlink:to="loc_bkd_DebtInstrumentTermOfAgreementAxis_0D6B6847E0056E95EF9FF3417018CF95" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_DebtInstrumentTermOfAgreementDomain" xlink:label="loc_bkd_DebtInstrumentTermOfAgreementDomain_5D89BA5C1F80156D25ACF34170180F26_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_bkd_DebtInstrumentTermOfAgreementAxis_0D6B6847E0056E95EF9FF3417018CF95" xlink:to="loc_bkd_DebtInstrumentTermOfAgreementDomain_5D89BA5C1F80156D25ACF34170180F26_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_DebtInstrumentTermOfAgreementDomain" xlink:label="loc_bkd_DebtInstrumentTermOfAgreementDomain_5D89BA5C1F80156D25ACF34170180F26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_bkd_DebtInstrumentTermOfAgreementAxis_0D6B6847E0056E95EF9FF3417018CF95" xlink:to="loc_bkd_DebtInstrumentTermOfAgreementDomain_5D89BA5C1F80156D25ACF34170180F26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_ApplicableMarginLessThanOrEqualTo35UtilizationMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_ApplicableMarginLessThanOrEqualTo35UtilizationMember_043352EA6CD40FADBF0EF3417018C002" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bkd_DebtInstrumentTermOfAgreementDomain_5D89BA5C1F80156D25ACF34170180F26" xlink:to="loc_bkd_ApplicableMarginLessThanOrEqualTo35UtilizationMember_043352EA6CD40FADBF0EF3417018C002" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_ApplicableMarginGreaterThan35ButLessThanOrEqualTo50UtilizationMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_ApplicableMarginGreaterThan35ButLessThanOrEqualTo50UtilizationMember_C78452836DEE445306B5F34170192EB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bkd_DebtInstrumentTermOfAgreementDomain_5D89BA5C1F80156D25ACF34170180F26" xlink:to="loc_bkd_ApplicableMarginGreaterThan35ButLessThanOrEqualTo50UtilizationMember_C78452836DEE445306B5F34170192EB0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_ApplicableMarginGreaterThan50UtilizationMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_ApplicableMarginGreaterThan50UtilizationMember_2CBCF0CA893D6D04BE2FF341701924E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bkd_DebtInstrumentTermOfAgreementDomain_5D89BA5C1F80156D25ACF34170180F26" xlink:to="loc_bkd_ApplicableMarginGreaterThan50UtilizationMember_2CBCF0CA893D6D04BE2FF341701924E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_UnusedCommitmentFeeOutstandingDebtPercentageGreaterThanOrEqualTo50Member" xlink:label="loc_bkd_UnusedCommitmentFeeOutstandingDebtPercentageGreaterThanOrEqualTo50Member_FEE860AA112AEB2AA195F341701927BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bkd_DebtInstrumentTermOfAgreementDomain_5D89BA5C1F80156D25ACF34170180F26" xlink:to="loc_bkd_UnusedCommitmentFeeOutstandingDebtPercentageGreaterThanOrEqualTo50Member_FEE860AA112AEB2AA195F341701927BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_UnusedCommitmentFeeOutstandingDebtPercentageLessThan50Member" xlink:label="loc_bkd_UnusedCommitmentFeeOutstandingDebtPercentageLessThan50Member_AEF66233DB97ABAC3121F341701970FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bkd_DebtInstrumentTermOfAgreementDomain_5D89BA5C1F80156D25ACF34170180F26" xlink:to="loc_bkd_UnusedCommitmentFeeOutstandingDebtPercentageLessThan50Member_AEF66233DB97ABAC3121F341701970FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_DB7BF13F8B5EEE7C0975F341701985E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_CF7C8A1426CA9F099D5DF3417018D2CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_DB7BF13F8B5EEE7C0975F341701985E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_836EDA3D139B8DC121FFF341701AA0A5_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_DB7BF13F8B5EEE7C0975F341701985E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_836EDA3D139B8DC121FFF341701AA0A5_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_836EDA3D139B8DC121FFF341701AA0A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_DB7BF13F8B5EEE7C0975F341701985E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_836EDA3D139B8DC121FFF341701AA0A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_B171C8B54CD2F979B3E4F341701AA72F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_836EDA3D139B8DC121FFF341701AA0A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_B171C8B54CD2F979B3E4F341701AA72F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_844F28272B144DC188AAF341701A8299" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_CF7C8A1426CA9F099D5DF3417018D2CC" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_844F28272B144DC188AAF341701A8299" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_734D1ED027D78FB4995FF341701A7F68_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_844F28272B144DC188AAF341701A8299" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_734D1ED027D78FB4995FF341701A7F68_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_734D1ED027D78FB4995FF341701A7F68" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_844F28272B144DC188AAF341701A8299" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_734D1ED027D78FB4995FF341701A7F68" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_47845C61C097BD39531DF341701A2297" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_734D1ED027D78FB4995FF341701A7F68" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_47845C61C097BD39531DF341701A2297" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_166C3050B2F026365185F341701BB72B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_734D1ED027D78FB4995FF341701A7F68" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_166C3050B2F026365185F341701BB72B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_D2658717E6360469E29EF341701BDC96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_CF7C8A1426CA9F099D5DF3417018D2CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_D2658717E6360469E29EF341701BDC96" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_24D91AA2B92223F52C71F341701BB9D4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_D2658717E6360469E29EF341701BDC96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_24D91AA2B92223F52C71F341701BB9D4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_24D91AA2B92223F52C71F341701BB9D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_D2658717E6360469E29EF341701BDC96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_24D91AA2B92223F52C71F341701BB9D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_6FA773C08B7A5D765D9FF341701B4470" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_24D91AA2B92223F52C71F341701BB9D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_6FA773C08B7A5D765D9FF341701B4470" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_LetterOfCreditSublimitMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_LetterOfCreditSublimitMember_6E4C71E969E565A3529BF341701CA7EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_24D91AA2B92223F52C71F341701BB9D4" xlink:to="loc_bkd_LetterOfCreditSublimitMember_6E4C71E969E565A3529BF341701CA7EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_SwinglineLineOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_SwinglineLineOfCreditMember_33B5281CFFB279FBE7E7F341701CCC7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_24D91AA2B92223F52C71F341701BB9D4" xlink:to="loc_bkd_SwinglineLineOfCreditMember_33B5281CFFB279FBE7E7F341701CCC7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_OptionToIncreaseMaximumBorrowingCapacityMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_OptionToIncreaseMaximumBorrowingCapacityMember_B57E9B64899551EF2FC6F341701C8713" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_24D91AA2B92223F52C71F341701BB9D4" xlink:to="loc_bkd_OptionToIncreaseMaximumBorrowingCapacityMember_B57E9B64899551EF2FC6F341701C8713" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_BD4D2DCE3D19064A330FF341701C7A03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_24D91AA2B92223F52C71F341701BB9D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_BD4D2DCE3D19064A330FF341701C7A03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_E7FB0D8D0676D82C1C91F341701C1648" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_CF7C8A1426CA9F099D5DF3417018D2CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_E7FB0D8D0676D82C1C91F341701C1648" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_4776CE0233600FCC9DBBF341701C5F35_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_E7FB0D8D0676D82C1C91F341701C1648" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_4776CE0233600FCC9DBBF341701C5F35_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_4776CE0233600FCC9DBBF341701C5F35" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_E7FB0D8D0676D82C1C91F341701C1648" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_4776CE0233600FCC9DBBF341701C5F35" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_596DE7B841881C3ECCE8F341701D20E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_4776CE0233600FCC9DBBF341701C5F35" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_596DE7B841881C3ECCE8F341701D20E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_B6B6B17B34A3AC169481F341701D65E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_CF7C8A1426CA9F099D5DF3417018D2CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_B6B6B17B34A3AC169481F341701D65E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_43C1FB803FB5BB7C4A06F341701D684B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_B6B6B17B34A3AC169481F341701D65E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_43C1FB803FB5BB7C4A06F341701D684B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_43C1FB803FB5BB7C4A06F341701D684B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_B6B6B17B34A3AC169481F341701D65E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_43C1FB803FB5BB7C4A06F341701D684B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_FifthAmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_FifthAmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember_BDAA9B788EF3AD9F64A2F341701D5477" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_43C1FB803FB5BB7C4A06F341701D684B" xlink:to="loc_bkd_FifthAmendedAndRestatedCreditAgreementMember_BDAA9B788EF3AD9F64A2F341701D5477" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_2E1DE38CF2434E7C2CBAF341701EFA43" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_48703C03E8CDC2317C86F341701E42B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_2E1DE38CF2434E7C2CBAF341701EFA43" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_LineOfCreditFacilityFacilityUtilizationPercentage" xlink:label="loc_bkd_LineOfCreditFacilityFacilityUtilizationPercentage_693036CF6EF0A33183DCF341701ED350" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_48703C03E8CDC2317C86F341701E42B8" xlink:to="loc_bkd_LineOfCreditFacilityFacilityUtilizationPercentage_693036CF6EF0A33183DCF341701ED350" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_7F3EDCB25BDAC9DB543FF341701E6982" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_48703C03E8CDC2317C86F341701E42B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_7F3EDCB25BDAC9DB543FF341701E6982" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage_329CD0323EDE241C44F1F341701F77EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_48703C03E8CDC2317C86F341701E42B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage_329CD0323EDE241C44F1F341701F77EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_LineOfCreditPercentageOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_bkd_LineOfCreditPercentageOutstanding_F33CF7FFEA8B4D87CD67F341701FD483" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_48703C03E8CDC2317C86F341701E42B8" xlink:to="loc_bkd_LineOfCreditPercentageOutstanding_F33CF7FFEA8B4D87CD67F341701FD483" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_PercentageOfLoanAvailabilityFromPledgedAssetsFromMortgagedAssetsMaximum" xlink:label="loc_bkd_PercentageOfLoanAvailabilityFromPledgedAssetsFromMortgagedAssetsMaximum_B3CD60718ECA018B2658F341701FE9C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_48703C03E8CDC2317C86F341701E42B8" xlink:to="loc_bkd_PercentageOfLoanAvailabilityFromPledgedAssetsFromMortgagedAssetsMaximum_B3CD60718ECA018B2658F341701FE9C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit_788917964DF6F223E1F7F341701FC13B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_48703C03E8CDC2317C86F341701E42B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit_788917964DF6F223E1F7F341701FC13B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_2DCD7372D8FFE4FCE030F341701F5DC0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_48703C03E8CDC2317C86F341701E42B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_2DCD7372D8FFE4FCE030F341701F5DC0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_9EF13257C68A53049CDDF341701F8F8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_48703C03E8CDC2317C86F341701E42B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_9EF13257C68A53049CDDF341701F8F8D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/DebtScheduleOfDebtDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_1D720C682F55F49AA9D5F34170385D22" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_26C98325C5D117A8DA82F34170368D36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_1D720C682F55F49AA9D5F34170385D22" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_26C98325C5D117A8DA82F34170368D36" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_1AD54E25C64CCE0823FAF3417037F1DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_26C98325C5D117A8DA82F34170368D36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_1AD54E25C64CCE0823FAF3417037F1DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_531FCDED90912567E7EFF34170373722_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_1AD54E25C64CCE0823FAF3417037F1DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_531FCDED90912567E7EFF34170373722_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_531FCDED90912567E7EFF34170373722" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_1AD54E25C64CCE0823FAF3417037F1DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_531FCDED90912567E7EFF34170373722" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgagesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgagesMember_18F210860AECF33C684EF341703707CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_531FCDED90912567E7EFF34170373722" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgagesMember_18F210860AECF33C684EF341703707CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayableOtherPayablesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableOtherPayablesMember_AE8ECB8296D60C68F28EF34170380C65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_531FCDED90912567E7EFF34170373722" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableOtherPayablesMember_AE8ECB8296D60C68F28EF34170380C65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_27C577114919496AC8A3F341703842DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_1D720C682F55F49AA9D5F34170385D22" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_27C577114919496AC8A3F341703842DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_154599EC32855A7FE248F3417038E6A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_1D720C682F55F49AA9D5F34170385D22" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_154599EC32855A7FE248F3417038E6A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_D1FBFDAF7391839074A2F3417039FDBE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_1D720C682F55F49AA9D5F34170385D22" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_D1FBFDAF7391839074A2F3417039FDBE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_FD27EA7C846A5A23B454F3417039FF5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_1D720C682F55F49AA9D5F34170385D22" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_FD27EA7C846A5A23B454F3417039FF5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount_DDE844A5DBE4A4CE2161F3417039CCC2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_1D720C682F55F49AA9D5F34170385D22" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount_DDE844A5DBE4A4CE2161F3417039CCC2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/DebtScheduleOfMaturitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_5B1B2783014BBF52321CF3417029725E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_1D9508BC4E3F5EE38B4FF34170275FF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_5B1B2783014BBF52321CF3417029725E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_1D9508BC4E3F5EE38B4FF34170275FF9" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_61056566A4748F02AC55F3417028489F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_1D9508BC4E3F5EE38B4FF34170275FF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_61056566A4748F02AC55F3417028489F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_28A7A9F375ACA2EB447FF3417028EA6E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_61056566A4748F02AC55F3417028489F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_28A7A9F375ACA2EB447FF3417028EA6E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_28A7A9F375ACA2EB447FF3417028EA6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_61056566A4748F02AC55F3417028489F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_28A7A9F375ACA2EB447FF3417028EA6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMember_8F4E05506D8810C6CDB8F34170281F12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_28A7A9F375ACA2EB447FF3417028EA6E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMember_8F4E05506D8810C6CDB8F34170281F12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths_3F6E6AE22A42C731D2EBF3417029567A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_5B1B2783014BBF52321CF3417029725E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths_3F6E6AE22A42C731D2EBF3417029567A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_8511EAFB01ABED1D5F33F34170297075" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_5B1B2783014BBF52321CF3417029725E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_8511EAFB01ABED1D5F33F34170297075" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree_1FB7778982689580E3DDF3417029C61F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_5B1B2783014BBF52321CF3417029725E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree_1FB7778982689580E3DDF3417029C61F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour_33008C08D40A96DD62FAF341702A7BD0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_5B1B2783014BBF52321CF3417029725E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour_33008C08D40A96DD62FAF341702A7BD0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive_451EADC3883EE3BF3BC4F341702A261F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_5B1B2783014BBF52321CF3417029725E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive_451EADC3883EE3BF3BC4F341702A261F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive_8070AEBE8503B48A7372F341702A1B97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_5B1B2783014BBF52321CF3417029725E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive_8070AEBE8503B48A7372F341702A1B97" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_TotalObligations" xlink:label="loc_bkd_TotalObligations_4136D68E36DBBD861363F341702AF67D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_5B1B2783014BBF52321CF3417029725E" xlink:to="loc_bkd_TotalObligations_4136D68E36DBBD861363F341702AF67D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount_857782F25B6025E96832F341702ABE8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_5B1B2783014BBF52321CF3417029725E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount_857782F25B6025E96832F341702ABE8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_CE95C1A1FB0B12328A5BF341702B11EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_5B1B2783014BBF52321CF3417029725E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_CE95C1A1FB0B12328A5BF341702B11EC" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/DebtTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/DescriptionOfBusiness" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/DescriptionOfBusinessNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_12894F1E383F6FAC9B35EEF42272DBF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_0AD9022613A41057EF74EEF422710378" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_12894F1E383F6FAC9B35EEF42272DBF8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_0AD9022613A41057EF74EEF422710378" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_4B150B0587B4A4996935EEF42271BDFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_0AD9022613A41057EF74EEF422710378" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_4B150B0587B4A4996935EEF42271BDFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_1EBF3D92D140A0B0D7EAEEF422710DF1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_4B150B0587B4A4996935EEF42271BDFB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_1EBF3D92D140A0B0D7EAEEF422710DF1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_1EBF3D92D140A0B0D7EAEEF422710DF1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_4B150B0587B4A4996935EEF42271BDFB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_1EBF3D92D140A0B0D7EAEEF422710DF1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember_D779258E5574F0F42D54EEF42271584D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_1EBF3D92D140A0B0D7EAEEF422710DF1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtMember_D779258E5574F0F42D54EEF42271584D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_DB9F6072347F15F7CC25EEF422729AF2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_0AD9022613A41057EF74EEF422710378" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_DB9F6072347F15F7CC25EEF422729AF2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_C463A6F07A1B043531CEEEF42272CA32_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_DB9F6072347F15F7CC25EEF422729AF2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_C463A6F07A1B043531CEEEF42272CA32_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_C463A6F07A1B043531CEEEF42272CA32" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_DB9F6072347F15F7CC25EEF422729AF2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_C463A6F07A1B043531CEEEF42272CA32" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_ConvertibleSeniorNotesDueJune2018Member" xlink:label="loc_bkd_ConvertibleSeniorNotesDueJune2018Member_D1D7414ADBE7331AA668EEF42272BA07" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_C463A6F07A1B043531CEEEF42272CA32" xlink:to="loc_bkd_ConvertibleSeniorNotesDueJune2018Member_D1D7414ADBE7331AA668EEF42272BA07" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_A77F09D86299B265DE75EEF42272598A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_0AD9022613A41057EF74EEF422710378" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_A77F09D86299B265DE75EEF42272598A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_08B504B382F2ECB473B2EEF422720C2D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_A77F09D86299B265DE75EEF42272598A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_08B504B382F2ECB473B2EEF422720C2D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_08B504B382F2ECB473B2EEF422720C2D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_A77F09D86299B265DE75EEF42272598A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_08B504B382F2ECB473B2EEF422720C2D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_FE8B37CB4AA0E9AD428FEEF422729FC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_08B504B382F2ECB473B2EEF422720C2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_FE8B37CB4AA0E9AD428FEEF422729FC5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember_97AAEF4F264CFCC0C654EEF42272FCA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_08B504B382F2ECB473B2EEF422720C2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtSecuritiesMember_97AAEF4F264CFCC0C654EEF42272FCA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WarrantMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WarrantMember_1E76ACCFBBAB5BEB256CEEF42272A72C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_08B504B382F2ECB473B2EEF422720C2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WarrantMember_1E76ACCFBBAB5BEB256CEEF42272A72C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_60B9912C4720385ED969EEF422723E93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_12894F1E383F6FAC9B35EEF42272DBF8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_60B9912C4720385ED969EEF422723E93" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_BC51505B3C297894AB89EEF42272D897" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_12894F1E383F6FAC9B35EEF42272DBF8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_BC51505B3C297894AB89EEF42272D897" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_E27A03CB07CC19D5703AEEF4227251FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_12894F1E383F6FAC9B35EEF42272DBF8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_E27A03CB07CC19D5703AEEF4227251FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_DebtInstrumentConvertibleMaximumNumberOfEquityInstrument" xlink:label="loc_bkd_DebtInstrumentConvertibleMaximumNumberOfEquityInstrument_5C65A3564EBCE546C7B8EEF422727272" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_12894F1E383F6FAC9B35EEF42272DBF8" xlink:to="loc_bkd_DebtInstrumentConvertibleMaximumNumberOfEquityInstrument_5C65A3564EBCE546C7B8EEF422727272" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsGoodwillAndAssetImpairmentDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_1197C95F8997E0AEC17E30EF4C9607EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_F772CA28B8A034789CB930EF4C95ED0D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_1197C95F8997E0AEC17E30EF4C9607EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_F772CA28B8A034789CB930EF4C95ED0D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_7392051023CD9F01166C30EF4C95DEC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_F772CA28B8A034789CB930EF4C95ED0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_7392051023CD9F01166C30EF4C95DEC6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_28AA2F9F36146F89132230EF4C953FF3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_7392051023CD9F01166C30EF4C95DEC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_28AA2F9F36146F89132230EF4C953FF3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_28AA2F9F36146F89132230EF4C953FF3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_7392051023CD9F01166C30EF4C95DEC6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_28AA2F9F36146F89132230EF4C953FF3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember_05881D7425A3E2DF54B230EF4C9636F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_28AA2F9F36146F89132230EF4C953FF3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember_05881D7425A3E2DF54B230EF4C9636F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_C0BB7DA2AC8461F7D93130EF4C964CCD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_1197C95F8997E0AEC17E30EF4C9607EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_C0BB7DA2AC8461F7D93130EF4C964CCD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TangibleAssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TangibleAssetImpairmentCharges_16A61EAB684EC97CE71A30EF4C9627C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_1197C95F8997E0AEC17E30EF4C9607EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TangibleAssetImpairmentCharges_16A61EAB684EC97CE71A30EF4C9627C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssets" xlink:label="loc_bkd_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssets_2D8BBA052B87202AE80430EF4C979386" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_1197C95F8997E0AEC17E30EF4C9607EC" xlink:to="loc_bkd_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssets_2D8BBA052B87202AE80430EF4C979386" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOtherThanTemporaryImpairment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOtherThanTemporaryImpairment_E4C381FFF39F8908D12930EF4C97AC5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_1197C95F8997E0AEC17E30EF4C9607EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOtherThanTemporaryImpairment_E4C381FFF39F8908D12930EF4C97AC5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_AssetImpairmentChargesOtherIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_bkd_AssetImpairmentChargesOtherIntangibleAssetsNet_4551D501A19AB738406430EF4C97A5DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_1197C95F8997E0AEC17E30EF4C9607EC" xlink:to="loc_bkd_AssetImpairmentChargesOtherIntangibleAssetsNet_4551D501A19AB738406430EF4C97A5DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_AssetImpairmentChargesNonCashCharge" xlink:label="loc_bkd_AssetImpairmentChargesNonCashCharge_DF32E2FD719F4A81E4CB30F046CD801E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_1197C95F8997E0AEC17E30EF4C9607EC" xlink:to="loc_bkd_AssetImpairmentChargesNonCashCharge_DF32E2FD719F4A81E4CB30F046CD801E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf_678D9DA639FD825E078630EF4C97061C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_1197C95F8997E0AEC17E30EF4C9607EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf_678D9DA639FD825E078630EF4C97061C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetImpairmentCharges_55F81BE2C6BDFF0B1B1A30EF4C97170C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_1197C95F8997E0AEC17E30EF4C9607EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetImpairmentCharges_55F81BE2C6BDFF0B1B1A30EF4C97170C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_33F313BAEA67BC00310330EF4C988E92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_1197C95F8997E0AEC17E30EF4C9607EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_33F313BAEA67BC00310330EF4C988E92" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsInterestRateCapsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_3535A3A1E1585F19B9FB8F2EF759164B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_19F913221B515E1B9CFB1813743A4E67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_3535A3A1E1585F19B9FB8F2EF759164B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_19F913221B515E1B9CFB1813743A4E67" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_9C69BCF93ED05363985639443851A0AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_19F913221B515E1B9CFB1813743A4E67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_9C69BCF93ED05363985639443851A0AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_322AF909A681878D32FF26F202CC1C03_5E3990826EA354D1B7BD00660D25AC25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_9C69BCF93ED05363985639443851A0AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_322AF909A681878D32FF26F202CC1C03_5E3990826EA354D1B7BD00660D25AC25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_213C484BAB615272955E02A11BC0D1D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_9C69BCF93ED05363985639443851A0AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_213C484BAB615272955E02A11BC0D1D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_F80E5605519B57E8AD3ACF21A662EBFF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_213C484BAB615272955E02A11BC0D1D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_F80E5605519B57E8AD3ACF21A662EBFF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_0619C1F376DC5FF09E5759C95759186D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_19F913221B515E1B9CFB1813743A4E67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_0619C1F376DC5FF09E5759C95759186D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_91FFFACB0528CE1FCDA026F202D1B0CB_5E3990826EA354D1B7BD00660D25AC25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_0619C1F376DC5FF09E5759C95759186D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_91FFFACB0528CE1FCDA026F202D1B0CB_5E3990826EA354D1B7BD00660D25AC25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_250B317CA0DF56338C21564B77D1C4E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_0619C1F376DC5FF09E5759C95759186D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_250B317CA0DF56338C21564B77D1C4E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateCapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateCapMember_2AC5D6E2F582573C8A5E666119F7F810" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_250B317CA0DF56338C21564B77D1C4E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateCapMember_2AC5D6E2F582573C8A5E666119F7F810" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetNotionalAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetNotionalAmount_3B0D86CFCE9C558CB5ACCC2CC991D98B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_3535A3A1E1585F19B9FB8F2EF759164B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetNotionalAmount_3B0D86CFCE9C558CB5ACCC2CC991D98B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAverageCapInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAverageCapInterestRate_A35D0CFDC21E5B40A7134DE136934F93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_3535A3A1E1585F19B9FB8F2EF759164B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAverageCapInterestRate_A35D0CFDC21E5B40A7134DE136934F93" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateDerivativeAssetsAtFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateDerivativeAssetsAtFairValue_24BCA57FDA54536B99C6DA8406963DA7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_3535A3A1E1585F19B9FB8F2EF759164B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateDerivativeAssetsAtFairValue_24BCA57FDA54536B99C6DA8406963DA7" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_F9D538DA5299F517F1A630EF50BD38E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_BB1A48FD2A68557946CC30EF50B7E192" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_F9D538DA5299F517F1A630EF50BD38E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_BB1A48FD2A68557946CC30EF50B7E192" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_AE2BA5CDA50B6FC72A9130EF50B78FA7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_BB1A48FD2A68557946CC30EF50B7E192" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_AE2BA5CDA50B6FC72A9130EF50B78FA7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_6607BA2E4C11FEAF8FB330EF50B71431_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_AE2BA5CDA50B6FC72A9130EF50B78FA7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_6607BA2E4C11FEAF8FB330EF50B71431_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_6607BA2E4C11FEAF8FB330EF50B71431" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_AE2BA5CDA50B6FC72A9130EF50B78FA7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_6607BA2E4C11FEAF8FB330EF50B71431" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member_D70A91F8F6140C40970830EF50B8E579" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_6607BA2E4C11FEAF8FB330EF50B71431" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member_D70A91F8F6140C40970830EF50B8E579" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_FFB47DD89A927724E54730EF50B810A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_BB1A48FD2A68557946CC30EF50B7E192" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_FFB47DD89A927724E54730EF50B810A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_61B019D78B8F2077CF4630EF50B86936_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_FFB47DD89A927724E54730EF50B810A6" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_61B019D78B8F2077CF4630EF50B86936_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_61B019D78B8F2077CF4630EF50B86936" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_FFB47DD89A927724E54730EF50B810A6" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_61B019D78B8F2077CF4630EF50B86936" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_441325B338BD8E01645C30EF50B99701" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_61B019D78B8F2077CF4630EF50B86936" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_441325B338BD8E01645C30EF50B99701" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_49A4E67000D37C7226BD30EF50B9931A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_61B019D78B8F2077CF4630EF50B86936" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_49A4E67000D37C7226BD30EF50B9931A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_8431091BECD4228EFD3530EF50B9A499" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_BB1A48FD2A68557946CC30EF50B7E192" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_8431091BECD4228EFD3530EF50B9A499" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_E17D4BE0439732381C6830EF50B9592F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_8431091BECD4228EFD3530EF50B9A499" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_E17D4BE0439732381C6830EF50B9592F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_E17D4BE0439732381C6830EF50B9592F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_8431091BECD4228EFD3530EF50B9A499" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_E17D4BE0439732381C6830EF50B9592F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember_88F03EC84CBA801D374E30EF50BAD084" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_E17D4BE0439732381C6830EF50B9592F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsNonrecurringMember_88F03EC84CBA801D374E30EF50BAD084" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_84DADD6F3DB2B481B4C130EF50BA54FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_BB1A48FD2A68557946CC30EF50B7E192" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_84DADD6F3DB2B481B4C130EF50BA54FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_0BD190E99A0274E9961A30EF50BAD080_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_84DADD6F3DB2B481B4C130EF50BA54FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_0BD190E99A0274E9961A30EF50BAD080_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_0BD190E99A0274E9961A30EF50BAD080" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_84DADD6F3DB2B481B4C130EF50BA54FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_0BD190E99A0274E9961A30EF50BAD080" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_AssistedLivingAndMemoryCareMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_AssistedLivingAndMemoryCareMember_0E929CE00BD429E31C5930EF50BA873E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_0BD190E99A0274E9961A30EF50BAD080" xlink:to="loc_bkd_AssistedLivingAndMemoryCareMember_0E929CE00BD429E31C5930EF50BA873E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_IndependentLivingMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_IndependentLivingMember_4571C94E7EB51905058E30EF50BB9B2C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_0BD190E99A0274E9961A30EF50BAD080" xlink:to="loc_bkd_IndependentLivingMember_4571C94E7EB51905058E30EF50BB9B2C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_HealthCareServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_HealthCareServicesMember_BFEF46DA71E7D054F6A130EF50BB12D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_0BD190E99A0274E9961A30EF50BAD080" xlink:to="loc_bkd_HealthCareServicesMember_BFEF46DA71E7D054F6A130EF50BB12D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_3EE3615BDEB7AC9DD06930EF50BBAEB1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_BB1A48FD2A68557946CC30EF50B7E192" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_3EE3615BDEB7AC9DD06930EF50BBAEB1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_BC737F309AD75895D48430EF50BB30F5_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_3EE3615BDEB7AC9DD06930EF50BBAEB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_BC737F309AD75895D48430EF50BB30F5_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_BC737F309AD75895D48430EF50BB30F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_3EE3615BDEB7AC9DD06930EF50BBAEB1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_BC737F309AD75895D48430EF50BB30F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_058820CB966A8E57183F30EF50BBA29E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_BC737F309AD75895D48430EF50BB30F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_058820CB966A8E57183F30EF50BBA29E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_B888EED05AD48F3453CD30EF50BC7D4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_BC737F309AD75895D48430EF50BB30F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_B888EED05AD48F3453CD30EF50BC7D4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_FD44E08FCB17AC63A3C730EF50BC7C50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_BB1A48FD2A68557946CC30EF50B7E192" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_FD44E08FCB17AC63A3C730EF50BC7C50" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_482A8F59B3AC319B680930EF50BC556D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_FD44E08FCB17AC63A3C730EF50BC7C50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_482A8F59B3AC319B680930EF50BC556D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_77A8AE73FDD977B2200230EF50BC21A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_FD44E08FCB17AC63A3C730EF50BC7C50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_77A8AE73FDD977B2200230EF50BC21A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_482A8F59B3AC319B680930EF50BC556D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_77A8AE73FDD977B2200230EF50BC21A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_482A8F59B3AC319B680930EF50BC556D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_502DB0592B49FDB9EE5A30EF50BD0B19" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_77A8AE73FDD977B2200230EF50BC21A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_502DB0592B49FDB9EE5A30EF50BD0B19" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MarketableSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecurities_D05EC7518270AB2A6D5E30EF50BD2D63" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_F9D538DA5299F517F1A630EF50BD38E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecurities_D05EC7518270AB2A6D5E30EF50BD2D63" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_D4040CD2D2870E1C25CE30EF50BD3E8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_F9D538DA5299F517F1A630EF50BD38E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_D4040CD2D2870E1C25CE30EF50BD3E8F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_8C7DC41D705898A59A2330EF50BD00A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_F9D538DA5299F517F1A630EF50BD38E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_8C7DC41D705898A59A2330EF50BD00A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_ReportingUnitAmountOfCarryingAmountInExcessofFairValue" xlink:label="loc_bkd_ReportingUnitAmountOfCarryingAmountInExcessofFairValue_A2C58E71B94C06022D4830EF50BD6A1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_F9D538DA5299F517F1A630EF50BD38E2" xlink:to="loc_bkd_ReportingUnitAmountOfCarryingAmountInExcessofFairValue_A2C58E71B94C06022D4830EF50BD6A1B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_3EB62244CD4BD20B318830EF50BE3A18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_F9D538DA5299F517F1A630EF50BD38E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_3EB62244CD4BD20B318830EF50BE3A18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TangibleAssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TangibleAssetImpairmentCharges_DF0476340FA7FD32CCD830EF50BE0CE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_F9D538DA5299F517F1A630EF50BD38E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TangibleAssetImpairmentCharges_DF0476340FA7FD32CCD830EF50BE0CE8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentCapitalizationRate" xlink:label="loc_bkd_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentCapitalizationRate_1777FE45629E824BE35330EF50BED813" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_F9D538DA5299F517F1A630EF50BD38E2" xlink:to="loc_bkd_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentCapitalizationRate_1777FE45629E824BE35330EF50BED813" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOtherThanTemporaryImpairment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOtherThanTemporaryImpairment_E9F902F588F848BD4F7F30EF50BE3354" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_F9D538DA5299F517F1A630EF50BD38E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOtherThanTemporaryImpairment_E9F902F588F848BD4F7F30EF50BE3354" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_AssetImpairmentChargesNonCashCharge" xlink:label="loc_bkd_AssetImpairmentChargesNonCashCharge_0DA784C5C42C69137DBC30F0442AE5D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_F9D538DA5299F517F1A630EF50BD38E2" xlink:to="loc_bkd_AssetImpairmentChargesNonCashCharge_0DA784C5C42C69137DBC30F0442AE5D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf_A09F61B34ECDDE5BB0A730EF50BF347B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_F9D538DA5299F517F1A630EF50BD38E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf_A09F61B34ECDDE5BB0A730EF50BF347B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssets" xlink:label="loc_bkd_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssets_B8CC9BBBD1221CEC37B830EF50BF6B2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_F9D538DA5299F517F1A630EF50BD38E2" xlink:to="loc_bkd_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssets_B8CC9BBBD1221CEC37B830EF50BF6B2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_OperatingLeaseRightofUseAssetNumberOfCommunitiesImpaired" xlink:label="loc_bkd_OperatingLeaseRightofUseAssetNumberOfCommunitiesImpaired_88CB5CF76C545B6C8C2E30EF50BFC4A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_F9D538DA5299F517F1A630EF50BD38E2" xlink:to="loc_bkd_OperatingLeaseRightofUseAssetNumberOfCommunitiesImpaired_88CB5CF76C545B6C8C2E30EF50BFC4A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssetImpaired" xlink:label="loc_bkd_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssetImpaired_50D4BF9B3AA537A24C2D30EF50BF09A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_F9D538DA5299F517F1A630EF50BD38E2" xlink:to="loc_bkd_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssetImpaired_50D4BF9B3AA537A24C2D30EF50BF09A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption_06E158D8642A29AA278830EF50BF4002" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_F9D538DA5299F517F1A630EF50BD38E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption_06E158D8642A29AA278830EF50BF4002" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNetGoodwillDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_6EC59A7C6314DB8D73DBF23230A5D675" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_5845E35C5984E3A2A9E3F232309EED1E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_6EC59A7C6314DB8D73DBF23230A5D675" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_5845E35C5984E3A2A9E3F232309EED1E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_82F74721F5CE073BA39DF232309E4C89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_5845E35C5984E3A2A9E3F232309EED1E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_82F74721F5CE073BA39DF232309E4C89" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1D2F97CDDEE0ECECAC1CF232309F3588_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_82F74721F5CE073BA39DF232309E4C89" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1D2F97CDDEE0ECECAC1CF232309F3588_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1D2F97CDDEE0ECECAC1CF232309F3588" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_82F74721F5CE073BA39DF232309E4C89" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1D2F97CDDEE0ECECAC1CF232309F3588" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_IndependentLivingMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_IndependentLivingMember_FE273627FA6F26AE4E15F232309FEDC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1D2F97CDDEE0ECECAC1CF232309F3588" xlink:to="loc_bkd_IndependentLivingMember_FE273627FA6F26AE4E15F232309FEDC5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_AssistedLivingAndMemoryCareMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_AssistedLivingAndMemoryCareMember_051734CCA36F90730CA4F232309F752B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1D2F97CDDEE0ECECAC1CF232309F3588" xlink:to="loc_bkd_AssistedLivingAndMemoryCareMember_051734CCA36F90730CA4F232309F752B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_HealthCareServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_HealthCareServicesMember_B92846CD8DEC924EC57BF232309FF6B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_1D2F97CDDEE0ECECAC1CF232309F3588" xlink:to="loc_bkd_HealthCareServicesMember_B92846CD8DEC924EC57BF232309FF6B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillGross_4FC1302D66198F9EA025F23230A54307" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_6EC59A7C6314DB8D73DBF23230A5D675" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillGross_4FC1302D66198F9EA025F23230A54307" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_GoodwillDisposalsAndOtherReductions" xlink:label="loc_bkd_GoodwillDisposalsAndOtherReductions_BB58FD3426729C6545CAF23230A5ACEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_6EC59A7C6314DB8D73DBF23230A5D675" xlink:to="loc_bkd_GoodwillDisposalsAndOtherReductions_BB58FD3426729C6545CAF23230A5ACEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss_0C791FA4938720F2AE83F23230A5FD37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_6EC59A7C6314DB8D73DBF23230A5D675" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss_0C791FA4938720F2AE83F23230A5FD37" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_E217613D1E977F2B35A8F23230A6E8AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_6EC59A7C6314DB8D73DBF23230A5D675" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_E217613D1E977F2B35A8F23230A6E8AF" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNetOtherIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_3BB83B139E8AB65A053FF341705A6832" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_0F368F0E901CF03C02DEF34170597410" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_3BB83B139E8AB65A053FF341705A6832" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_0F368F0E901CF03C02DEF34170597410" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_636C3BF0248FF7D2A1EEF34170599E3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_0F368F0E901CF03C02DEF34170597410" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_636C3BF0248FF7D2A1EEF34170599E3F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_F8B21EABF09F181385ECF341705A3DBB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_636C3BF0248FF7D2A1EEF34170599E3F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_F8B21EABF09F181385ECF341705A3DBB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_F8B21EABF09F181385ECF341705A3DBB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_636C3BF0248FF7D2A1EEF34170599E3F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_F8B21EABF09F181385ECF341705A3DBB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_CommunityPurchaseOptionsMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_CommunityPurchaseOptionsMember_B2D19A381F88FF235753F341705A50A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_F8B21EABF09F181385ECF341705A3DBB" xlink:to="loc_bkd_CommunityPurchaseOptionsMember_B2D19A381F88FF235753F341705A50A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_HealthCareLicensesMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_HealthCareLicensesMember_6A9350BBACC86383AFACF341705ABD2C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_F8B21EABF09F181385ECF341705A3DBB" xlink:to="loc_bkd_HealthCareLicensesMember_6A9350BBACC86383AFACF341705ABD2C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_8E57B5109526D7791CD2F341705A7065" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassLineItems_3BB83B139E8AB65A053FF341705A6832" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill_8E57B5109526D7791CD2F341705A7065" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_6FCDC16F647F0BFF040FF341705C7E45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_7A38DE6D5CA1C31A3F52F341705B4ADA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_6FCDC16F647F0BFF040FF341705C7E45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_7A38DE6D5CA1C31A3F52F341705B4ADA" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_0B9DB01EDE2C3C8D87BCF341705BBEF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_7A38DE6D5CA1C31A3F52F341705B4ADA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_0B9DB01EDE2C3C8D87BCF341705BBEF5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_8A351A3F2CCA6C3C283DF341705B88E4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_0B9DB01EDE2C3C8D87BCF341705BBEF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_8A351A3F2CCA6C3C283DF341705B88E4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_8A351A3F2CCA6C3C283DF341705B88E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_0B9DB01EDE2C3C8D87BCF341705BBEF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_8A351A3F2CCA6C3C283DF341705B88E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_7C0654813E14F003A3F8F341705CD8DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_8A351A3F2CCA6C3C283DF341705B88E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TradeNamesMember_7C0654813E14F003A3F8F341705CD8DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractBasedIntangibleAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractBasedIntangibleAssetsMember_6A959DF3748E7929F67FF341705CD22A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_8A351A3F2CCA6C3C283DF341705B88E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractBasedIntangibleAssetsMember_6A959DF3748E7929F67FF341705CD22A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_70B9F24DAE2C7A6A6110F341705C305D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_6FCDC16F647F0BFF040FF341705C7E45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_70B9F24DAE2C7A6A6110F341705C305D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_5939DCF5750D0CF6B2F4F341705C4936" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_6FCDC16F647F0BFF040FF341705C7E45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_5939DCF5750D0CF6B2F4F341705C4936" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_3BEC3C42B19FB8999C5AF341705D70C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_6FCDC16F647F0BFF040FF341705C7E45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_3BEC3C42B19FB8999C5AF341705D70C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwill_995D753525D7A14DD350F341705D3287" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_6FCDC16F647F0BFF040FF341705C7E45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwill_995D753525D7A14DD350F341705D3287" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_C8020511EF412795E4BBF341705DB18D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_6FCDC16F647F0BFF040FF341705C7E45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_C8020511EF412795E4BBF341705DB18D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_B77F763EF5F9288237BBF341705DDEED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_6FCDC16F647F0BFF040FF341705C7E45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_B77F763EF5F9288237BBF341705DDEED" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsNetTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/IncomeTaxesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems_A5C98099031BA041B118225D25E3D2FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable_CD39EAF84A1F091065DA225D25E2F2D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems_A5C98099031BA041B118225D25E3D2FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable_CD39EAF84A1F091065DA225D25E2F2D1" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAxis_EFF28C5D02985E139DB3225D25E3C96E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable_CD39EAF84A1F091065DA225D25E2F2D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAxis_EFF28C5D02985E139DB3225D25E3C96E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain_6B7E08E98D24FA86E96D225D25E3D81D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAxis_EFF28C5D02985E139DB3225D25E3C96E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain_6B7E08E98D24FA86E96D225D25E3D81D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain_6B7E08E98D24FA86E96D225D25E3D81D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAxis_EFF28C5D02985E139DB3225D25E3C96E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain_6B7E08E98D24FA86E96D225D25E3D81D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLossCarryforwardMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLossCarryforwardMember_C1ABC40BFEDB8A031AD8225D25E33294" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain_6B7E08E98D24FA86E96D225D25E3D81D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLossCarryforwardMember_C1ABC40BFEDB8A031AD8225D25E33294" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_E7F559B6498C57760AAB225D25E315CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable_CD39EAF84A1F091065DA225D25E2F2D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_E7F559B6498C57760AAB225D25E315CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_1D15B55116A7A5BB44B6225D25E323E8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_E7F559B6498C57760AAB225D25E315CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_1D15B55116A7A5BB44B6225D25E323E8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_1D15B55116A7A5BB44B6225D25E323E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_E7F559B6498C57760AAB225D25E315CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_1D15B55116A7A5BB44B6225D25E323E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember_307A6B160CB388D5A6C2225D25E37BC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_1D15B55116A7A5BB44B6225D25E323E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember_307A6B160CB388D5A6C2225D25E37BC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_FederalAndStateMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_FederalAndStateMember_CD249F6652E55BCED73D225D25E32BD3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_1D15B55116A7A5BB44B6225D25E323E8" xlink:to="loc_bkd_FederalAndStateMember_CD249F6652E55BCED73D225D25E32BD3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_0B56C12786C219D976B4225D25E3473B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems_A5C98099031BA041B118225D25E3D2FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_0B56C12786C219D976B4225D25E3473B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards_43D78D258472565067B0225D25E8F57A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems_A5C98099031BA041B118225D25E3D2FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards_43D78D258472565067B0225D25E8F57A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_OperatingLossCarryforwardsIndefiniteLived" xlink:label="loc_bkd_OperatingLossCarryforwardsIndefiniteLived_EEF2495ECDD14AE2CD04225D25E81C85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems_A5C98099031BA041B118225D25E3D2FB" xlink:to="loc_bkd_OperatingLossCarryforwardsIndefiniteLived_EEF2495ECDD14AE2CD04225D25E81C85" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAmount_62AF77A6CB589D58547D225D25E8BA56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems_A5C98099031BA041B118225D25E3D2FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAmount_62AF77A6CB589D58547D225D25E8BA56" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAdjustmentOfDeferredTaxAssetLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAdjustmentOfDeferredTaxAssetLiability_FCE26E750EAD7ABB0CDE225D25E8BEB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems_A5C98099031BA041B118225D25E3D2FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAdjustmentOfDeferredTaxAssetLiability_FCE26E750EAD7ABB0CDE225D25E8BEB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_968FD9FA93CD6F90EAAE225D25ED1E78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems_A5C98099031BA041B118225D25E3D2FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_968FD9FA93CD6F90EAAE225D25ED1E78" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsValuationAllowance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsValuationAllowance_2BC929CEDA869B2F1B13225D25EDE528" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems_A5C98099031BA041B118225D25E3D2FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsValuationAllowance_2BC929CEDA869B2F1B13225D25EDE528" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardValuationAllowance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardValuationAllowance_E07376570C9E531C3A10225D25EDD5A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems_A5C98099031BA041B118225D25E3D2FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardValuationAllowance_E07376570C9E531C3A10225D25EDD5A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxContingenciesUnrecognizedTaxBenefits" xlink:label="loc_bkd_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxContingenciesUnrecognizedTaxBenefits_A820E273DF3A840C4F3C225D25EDD149" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems_A5C98099031BA041B118225D25E3D2FB" xlink:to="loc_bkd_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxContingenciesUnrecognizedTaxBenefits_A820E273DF3A840C4F3C225D25EDD149" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued_3C3B3ECDCFDAD4CEE5E0225D25ED5DEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems_A5C98099031BA041B118225D25E3D2FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued_3C3B3ECDCFDAD4CEE5E0225D25ED5DEF" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/IncomeTaxesDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/IncomeTaxesImpactOfTaxCutsAndJobsActDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/IncomeTaxesReconciliationOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/IncomeTaxesUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/IncomeTaxesValuationAllowanceDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/InvestmentInUnconsolidatedVentures" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/InvestmentInUnconsolidatedVenturesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_ScheduleOfInvestmentInUnconsolidatedJointVenturesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_bkd_ScheduleOfInvestmentInUnconsolidatedJointVenturesLineItems_41B74E5323288B7903B6F3417070DE36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_7140CE25DA9C93D59714F341706D304F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_bkd_ScheduleOfInvestmentInUnconsolidatedJointVenturesLineItems_41B74E5323288B7903B6F3417070DE36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_7140CE25DA9C93D59714F341706D304F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_9152B853828624DDCE92F341706D757F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_7140CE25DA9C93D59714F341706D304F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_9152B853828624DDCE92F341706D757F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_83BF5A920CF04D43AD39F341706E066E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_9152B853828624DDCE92F341706D757F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_83BF5A920CF04D43AD39F341706E066E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_83BF5A920CF04D43AD39F341706E066E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_9152B853828624DDCE92F341706D757F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_83BF5A920CF04D43AD39F341706E066E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NonRecourseFirstMortgagesMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NonRecourseFirstMortgagesMember_4EE07332ED66F215DF8CF341706ECB76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_83BF5A920CF04D43AD39F341706E066E" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NonRecourseFirstMortgagesMember_4EE07332ED66F215DF8CF341706ECB76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_EFE9DF1D72923D2D09DBF341706E1854" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_7140CE25DA9C93D59714F341706D304F" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_EFE9DF1D72923D2D09DBF341706E1854" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3BA4A7C6A93D733B94AFF341706FABE1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_EFE9DF1D72923D2D09DBF341706E1854" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3BA4A7C6A93D733B94AFF341706FABE1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3BA4A7C6A93D733B94AFF341706FABE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_EFE9DF1D72923D2D09DBF341706E1854" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3BA4A7C6A93D733B94AFF341706FABE1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_CCRCVenturesLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_CCRCVenturesLLCMember_070E0109284E5281825DF341706FB865" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3BA4A7C6A93D733B94AFF341706FABE1" xlink:to="loc_bkd_CCRCVenturesLLCMember_070E0109284E5281825DF341706FB865" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_43AD911658B78504C575F341706FBF77" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_7140CE25DA9C93D59714F341706D304F" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_43AD911658B78504C575F341706FBF77" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_497631A5D763E569C9A5F341706FAC31_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_43AD911658B78504C575F341706FBF77" xlink:to="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_497631A5D763E569C9A5F341706FAC31_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_497631A5D763E569C9A5F341706FAC31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_43AD911658B78504C575F341706FBF77" xlink:to="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_497631A5D763E569C9A5F341706FAC31" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_CCRCVenturesLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_CCRCVenturesLLCMember_6A29E7C4636EB594FC75F341707072DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_497631A5D763E569C9A5F341706FAC31" xlink:to="loc_bkd_CCRCVenturesLLCMember_6A29E7C4636EB594FC75F341707072DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt_BFEBB66CD677D990496AF3417070E479" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bkd_ScheduleOfInvestmentInUnconsolidatedJointVenturesLineItems_41B74E5323288B7903B6F3417070DE36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt_BFEBB66CD677D990496AF3417070E479" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions_2F9F589F4611D5CCBFD4F34170705DC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bkd_ScheduleOfInvestmentInUnconsolidatedJointVenturesLineItems_41B74E5323288B7903B6F3417070DE36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions_2F9F589F4611D5CCBFD4F34170705DC1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_EquityMethodLiability" xlink:label="loc_bkd_EquityMethodLiability_D434762A28185C28F10AF3417071E0AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bkd_ScheduleOfInvestmentInUnconsolidatedJointVenturesLineItems_41B74E5323288B7903B6F3417070DE36" xlink:to="loc_bkd_EquityMethodLiability_D434762A28185C28F10AF3417071E0AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentsUnconsolidatedRealEstateAndOtherJointVentures" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentsUnconsolidatedRealEstateAndOtherJointVentures_A0BF0E2D50D12AC1FA2FF384171EC7DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bkd_ScheduleOfInvestmentInUnconsolidatedJointVenturesLineItems_41B74E5323288B7903B6F3417070DE36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentsUnconsolidatedRealEstateAndOtherJointVentures_A0BF0E2D50D12AC1FA2FF384171EC7DD" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/InvestmentInUnconsolidatedVenturesEquityMethodInvestmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/InvestmentInUnconsolidatedVenturesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/InvestmentInUnconsolidatedVenturesVariableInterestEntitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_52E98B08FF297C371519F34170821F92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_FD0D315515DA146FD38DF34170813C5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_52E98B08FF297C371519F34170821F92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_FD0D315515DA146FD38DF34170813C5D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_281173EE11832D4D9068F378CD9C3907" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_FD0D315515DA146FD38DF34170813C5D" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_281173EE11832D4D9068F378CD9C3907" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_D4D8DF20F5FCE9739605F378CDA73176_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_281173EE11832D4D9068F378CD9C3907" xlink:to="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_D4D8DF20F5FCE9739605F378CDA73176_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_D4D8DF20F5FCE9739605F378CDA73176" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_281173EE11832D4D9068F378CD9C3907" xlink:to="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_D4D8DF20F5FCE9739605F378CDA73176" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_CCRCVenturesLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_CCRCVenturesLLCMember_C52DA326022E82C0DAECF378CE6E6BD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_D4D8DF20F5FCE9739605F378CDA73176" xlink:to="loc_bkd_CCRCVenturesLLCMember_C52DA326022E82C0DAECF378CE6E6BD5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_22B24007DCBCCB7C96AFF34170816B02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_FD0D315515DA146FD38DF34170813C5D" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_22B24007DCBCCB7C96AFF34170816B02" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B40C9D56FE4605989A56F3417081E7AD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_22B24007DCBCCB7C96AFF34170816B02" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B40C9D56FE4605989A56F3417081E7AD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B40C9D56FE4605989A56F3417081E7AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_22B24007DCBCCB7C96AFF34170816B02" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B40C9D56FE4605989A56F3417081E7AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_HCPInc.Member" xlink:label="loc_bkd_HCPInc.Member_0D74363F685D38EB5B8BF341708249E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B40C9D56FE4605989A56F3417081E7AD" xlink:to="loc_bkd_HCPInc.Member_0D74363F685D38EB5B8BF341708249E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_0F39F9BF8F287C8888DBF3417082A5EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_FD0D315515DA146FD38DF34170813C5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_0F39F9BF8F287C8888DBF3417082A5EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_6B2FBDA07EBC097961F6F34170824375_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_0F39F9BF8F287C8888DBF3417082A5EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_6B2FBDA07EBC097961F6F34170824375_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_6B2FBDA07EBC097961F6F34170824375" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_0F39F9BF8F287C8888DBF3417082A5EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_6B2FBDA07EBC097961F6F34170824375" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryOperatingCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryOperatingCompanyMember_B39B246AC3B1AC9F5471F34170821281" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_6B2FBDA07EBC097961F6F34170824375" xlink:to="loc_bkd_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryOperatingCompanyMember_B39B246AC3B1AC9F5471F34170821281" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_231BAC63530861666CE5F3417083B97D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_52E98B08FF297C371519F34170821F92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_231BAC63530861666CE5F3417083B97D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/Leases" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/LeasesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_71F032A6D6D0AD756880F26AC4B8F9F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_E6664D105189EA97CC5DF26AC4B7D493" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_71F032A6D6D0AD756880F26AC4B8F9F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_E6664D105189EA97CC5DF26AC4B7D493" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_F3867EF41300627FFE2FF26AC5053926" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_E6664D105189EA97CC5DF26AC4B7D493" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_F3867EF41300627FFE2FF26AC5053926" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_A0C21322431C0D682734F26AC506CD36_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_F3867EF41300627FFE2FF26AC5053926" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_A0C21322431C0D682734F26AC506CD36_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_A0C21322431C0D682734F26AC506CD36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_F3867EF41300627FFE2FF26AC5053926" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_A0C21322431C0D682734F26AC506CD36" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_43A0776CDA0BFFE5419BF26AC51C78E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_A0C21322431C0D682734F26AC506CD36" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_43A0776CDA0BFFE5419BF26AC51C78E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_778AF76C6356DCC0D095F26AC52CB896" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_A0C21322431C0D682734F26AC506CD36" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_778AF76C6356DCC0D095F26AC52CB896" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_OperatingandFinancingLeasesNumberOfCommunities" xlink:label="loc_bkd_OperatingandFinancingLeasesNumberOfCommunities_1479649D6BC1EA024C7FF26AC4C49279" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_71F032A6D6D0AD756880F26AC4B8F9F8" xlink:to="loc_bkd_OperatingandFinancingLeasesNumberOfCommunities_1479649D6BC1EA024C7FF26AC4C49279" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_OperatingLeasesNumberOfCommunities" xlink:label="loc_bkd_OperatingLeasesNumberOfCommunities_9B930A2CB00AFD4E0F92F26AC4D0B285" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_71F032A6D6D0AD756880F26AC4B8F9F8" xlink:to="loc_bkd_OperatingLeasesNumberOfCommunities_9B930A2CB00AFD4E0F92F26AC4D0B285" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_FinancingLeasesNumberOfCommunities" xlink:label="loc_bkd_FinancingLeasesNumberOfCommunities_3BFBFC3FFF3FFEEE1590F26AC4D97123" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_71F032A6D6D0AD756880F26AC4B8F9F8" xlink:to="loc_bkd_FinancingLeasesNumberOfCommunities_3BFBFC3FFF3FFEEE1590F26AC4D97123" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1_58AC98C601D2646F9A1CF26AC4E3A437" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_71F032A6D6D0AD756880F26AC4B8F9F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1_58AC98C601D2646F9A1CF26AC4E3A437" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1_9732700EEFE01F4C0A82F26AC4EE6EB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_71F032A6D6D0AD756880F26AC4B8F9F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1_9732700EEFE01F4C0A82F26AC4EE6EB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_LesseeFinanceandOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm" xlink:label="loc_bkd_LesseeFinanceandOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm_2A7EAC4430CDC70FC61EF26AC4F9B222" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_71F032A6D6D0AD756880F26AC4B8F9F8" xlink:to="loc_bkd_LesseeFinanceandOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm_2A7EAC4430CDC70FC61EF26AC4F9B222" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent_49ABB2E8F7D953661BFAF2794462E2E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_71F032A6D6D0AD756880F26AC4B8F9F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent_49ABB2E8F7D953661BFAF2794462E2E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent_50FF36B8F0958E468C73F2794597797F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_71F032A6D6D0AD756880F26AC4B8F9F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent_50FF36B8F0958E468C73F2794597797F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/LeasesFacilityLeaseExpenseDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/LeasesLeaseCostDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/LeasesMaturityAsc840Details" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/LeasesMaturityAsc842Details" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/LeasesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndLeaseholdIntangiblesNet" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndLeaseholdIntangiblesNetPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_4008512E150B2E72194EF40195EA9C89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_8E59DDE8AE66E1F43744F40195E8E4A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_4008512E150B2E72194EF40195EA9C89" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_8E59DDE8AE66E1F43744F40195E8E4A6" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_0EB94E9AB89187ECB90AF40195E8C0A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_8E59DDE8AE66E1F43744F40195E8E4A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_0EB94E9AB89187ECB90AF40195E8C0A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_63943BD32F84F33FB8C5F40195E869E8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_0EB94E9AB89187ECB90AF40195E8C0A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_63943BD32F84F33FB8C5F40195E869E8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_63943BD32F84F33FB8C5F40195E869E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_0EB94E9AB89187ECB90AF40195E8C0A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_63943BD32F84F33FB8C5F40195E869E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LandMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LandMember_39C4C5B6565CED0D2DADF40195E9934A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_63943BD32F84F33FB8C5F40195E869E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LandMember_39C4C5B6565CED0D2DADF40195E9934A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember_1933E62F9D588025346EF40195E9B160" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_63943BD32F84F33FB8C5F40195E869E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember_1933E62F9D588025346EF40195E9B160" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember_4C4F7042E53940EEEDFBF40195E9F139" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_63943BD32F84F33FB8C5F40195E869E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember_4C4F7042E53940EEEDFBF40195E9F139" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_ResidentAndLeaseholdOperatingIntangiblesMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_ResidentAndLeaseholdOperatingIntangiblesMember_9FD2AB5D08840F1EFF15F40195E9CD79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_63943BD32F84F33FB8C5F40195E869E8" xlink:to="loc_bkd_ResidentAndLeaseholdOperatingIntangiblesMember_9FD2AB5D08840F1EFF15F40195E9CD79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember_4D5F20012E6F8A6ABDE1F40195E99CF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_63943BD32F84F33FB8C5F40195E869E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember_4D5F20012E6F8A6ABDE1F40195E99CF5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_AssetsUnderFinancingLeasesandLeaseholdIntangiblesMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_AssetsUnderFinancingLeasesandLeaseholdIntangiblesMember_22949789A5E6E0D66BC9F40195EAB914" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_63943BD32F84F33FB8C5F40195E869E8" xlink:to="loc_bkd_AssetsUnderFinancingLeasesandLeaseholdIntangiblesMember_22949789A5E6E0D66BC9F40195EAB914" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_bkd_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_AC6F1402232783A381AEF41092D19CAE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_4008512E150B2E72194EF40195EA9C89" xlink:to="loc_bkd_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_AC6F1402232783A381AEF41092D19CAE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_bkd_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_1A6289E6C2968C9615C0F4115768DF64" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_4008512E150B2E72194EF40195EA9C89" xlink:to="loc_bkd_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_1A6289E6C2968C9615C0F4115768DF64" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_bkd_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_BADB5EAD6061F180568BF4121F579D32" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_4008512E150B2E72194EF40195EA9C89" xlink:to="loc_bkd_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_BADB5EAD6061F180568BF4121F579D32" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset_0EDED38834D6E8FDBF7DF40195EB3C69" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_4008512E150B2E72194EF40195EA9C89" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset_0EDED38834D6E8FDBF7DF40195EB3C69" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_DepreciationAndAmortizationExpenseForPlantAndEquipmentAndLeaseholdIntangibles" xlink:label="loc_bkd_DepreciationAndAmortizationExpenseForPlantAndEquipmentAndLeaseholdIntangibles_CA5CA72B5CF4009A160BF40195EB0944" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_4008512E150B2E72194EF40195EA9C89" xlink:to="loc_bkd_DepreciationAndAmortizationExpenseForPlantAndEquipmentAndLeaseholdIntangibles_CA5CA72B5CF4009A160BF40195EB0944" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndLeaseholdIntangiblesNetTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/QuarterlyResultsOfOperationsUnaudited" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/QuarterlyResultsOfOperationsUnauditedDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/QuarterlyResultsOfOperationsUnauditedTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/RetirementPlans" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/RetirementPlansDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/Revenue" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/RevenueAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_EE5DD482927387867095EEF41F874003" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_B5CE41ACCDF2A4D2ACFFEEF41F87DBC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_EE5DD482927387867095EEF41F874003" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_B5CE41ACCDF2A4D2ACFFEEF41F87DBC4" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_43534BDB770EC28B12F0EEF41F87E61E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_B5CE41ACCDF2A4D2ACFFEEF41F87DBC4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_43534BDB770EC28B12F0EEF41F87E61E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_9C77CAB283126131E7B8EEF41F87A64D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_43534BDB770EC28B12F0EEF41F87E61E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_9C77CAB283126131E7B8EEF41F87A64D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_9C77CAB283126131E7B8EEF41F87A64D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_43534BDB770EC28B12F0EEF41F87E61E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_9C77CAB283126131E7B8EEF41F87A64D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_DeferredRevenueAndCreditsMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_DeferredRevenueAndCreditsMember_1E0F261541DEE6BC3234EEF41F87342C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_9C77CAB283126131E7B8EEF41F87A64D" xlink:to="loc_bkd_DeferredRevenueAndCreditsMember_1E0F261541DEE6BC3234EEF41F87342C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiability_035FA106A7B585E1D49DEEF41F8B38BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_EE5DD482927387867095EEF41F874003" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiability_035FA106A7B585E1D49DEEF41F8B38BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityDeferredRevenueMonthlyResidentFees" xlink:label="loc_bkd_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityDeferredRevenueMonthlyResidentFees_F5E10DE000926BD081CDEEF41F8B71FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_EE5DD482927387867095EEF41F874003" xlink:to="loc_bkd_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityDeferredRevenueMonthlyResidentFees_F5E10DE000926BD081CDEEF41F8B71FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized_B2982AD7C365B95E3572EEF41F8B0D97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_EE5DD482927387867095EEF41F874003" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized_B2982AD7C365B95E3572EEF41F8B0D97" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivablePeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivablePeriodIncreaseDecrease_CBEB634494B1348C53FEEEF41F8B4A86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_EE5DD482927387867095EEF41F874003" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivablePeriodIncreaseDecrease_CBEB634494B1348C53FEEEF41F8B4A86" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/RevenueDisaggregationOfRevenueDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_9500E6E2505E3F377A16EEF41FA909A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_E5491556600A22EF4D1BEEF41F9FF178" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_9500E6E2505E3F377A16EEF41FA909A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_E5491556600A22EF4D1BEEF41F9FF178" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_C57A4655D883E0257C44EEF41F9F10AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_E5491556600A22EF4D1BEEF41F9FF178" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_C57A4655D883E0257C44EEF41F9F10AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_BB3AD0F3D93A508A450BEEF41FA30CDE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_C57A4655D883E0257C44EEF41F9F10AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_BB3AD0F3D93A508A450BEEF41FA30CDE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_BB3AD0F3D93A508A450BEEF41FA30CDE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_C57A4655D883E0257C44EEF41F9F10AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_BB3AD0F3D93A508A450BEEF41FA30CDE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_IndependentLivingMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_IndependentLivingMember_3DCC4E1CA84FD0179B05EEF41FA35704" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_BB3AD0F3D93A508A450BEEF41FA30CDE" xlink:to="loc_bkd_IndependentLivingMember_3DCC4E1CA84FD0179B05EEF41FA35704" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_AssistedLivingAndMemoryCareMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_AssistedLivingAndMemoryCareMember_450A9D8FDB8EDA2FE074EEF41FA32CC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_BB3AD0F3D93A508A450BEEF41FA30CDE" xlink:to="loc_bkd_AssistedLivingAndMemoryCareMember_450A9D8FDB8EDA2FE074EEF41FA32CC1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_CcrcsRentalMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_CcrcsRentalMember_37271AD773330765E379EEF41FA3DE89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_BB3AD0F3D93A508A450BEEF41FA30CDE" xlink:to="loc_bkd_CcrcsRentalMember_37271AD773330765E379EEF41FA3DE89" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_HealthCareServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_HealthCareServicesMember_1723C922AF1F0F368BA4EEF41FA3FDC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_BB3AD0F3D93A508A450BEEF41FA30CDE" xlink:to="loc_bkd_HealthCareServicesMember_1723C922AF1F0F368BA4EEF41FA3FDC1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HealthCareOrganizationRevenueSourcesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HealthCareOrganizationRevenueSourcesAxis_543970D7F9EE63FC19C6EEF41FA37EFC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_E5491556600A22EF4D1BEEF41F9FF178" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HealthCareOrganizationRevenueSourcesAxis_543970D7F9EE63FC19C6EEF41FA37EFC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HealthCareOrganizationRevenueSourcesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HealthCareOrganizationRevenueSourcesDomain_E7FB5A0287962CD88F90EEF41FA36D40_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HealthCareOrganizationRevenueSourcesAxis_543970D7F9EE63FC19C6EEF41FA37EFC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HealthCareOrganizationRevenueSourcesDomain_E7FB5A0287962CD88F90EEF41FA36D40_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HealthCareOrganizationRevenueSourcesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HealthCareOrganizationRevenueSourcesDomain_E7FB5A0287962CD88F90EEF41FA36D40" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HealthCareOrganizationRevenueSourcesAxis_543970D7F9EE63FC19C6EEF41FA37EFC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HealthCareOrganizationRevenueSourcesDomain_E7FB5A0287962CD88F90EEF41FA36D40" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SelfPayMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SelfPayMember_735A803B744B0D030256EEF41FA3D162" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HealthCareOrganizationRevenueSourcesDomain_E7FB5A0287962CD88F90EEF41FA36D40" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SelfPayMember_735A803B744B0D030256EEF41FA3D162" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_GovernmentReimbursementMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_GovernmentReimbursementMember_D5DD96539028CD7AF2A9EEF41FA3E486" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HealthCareOrganizationRevenueSourcesDomain_E7FB5A0287962CD88F90EEF41FA36D40" xlink:to="loc_bkd_GovernmentReimbursementMember_D5DD96539028CD7AF2A9EEF41FA3E486" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ThirdPartyPayorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ThirdPartyPayorMember_914E24CC78F57C689E0DEEF41FA3D063" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HealthCareOrganizationRevenueSourcesDomain_E7FB5A0287962CD88F90EEF41FA36D40" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ThirdPartyPayorMember_914E24CC78F57C689E0DEEF41FA3D063" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HealthCareResidentServiceMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HealthCareResidentServiceMember_E4DDD15103C650516B3BEF384B20F038" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HealthCareOrganizationRevenueSourcesDomain_E7FB5A0287962CD88F90EEF41FA36D40" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HealthCareResidentServiceMember_E4DDD15103C650516B3BEF384B20F038" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_7534EFBE7677CA37EE11EEF41FA9A2D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_9500E6E2505E3F377A16EEF41FA909A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_7534EFBE7677CA37EE11EEF41FA9A2D1" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/RevenueTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/SegmentInformation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/SegmentInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_FB7372D3BC29ADF9EEA0F2322DCD31E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_B1F154189A606C10F763F2322DCA3377" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_FB7372D3BC29ADF9EEA0F2322DCD31E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_B1F154189A606C10F763F2322DCA3377" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_13EEF45F92E99AE412D1F2322DCAAC4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_B1F154189A606C10F763F2322DCA3377" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_13EEF45F92E99AE412D1F2322DCAAC4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_63E71B9050282AB2297AF2322DCBCF8A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_13EEF45F92E99AE412D1F2322DCAAC4F" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_63E71B9050282AB2297AF2322DCBCF8A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_63E71B9050282AB2297AF2322DCBCF8A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis_13EEF45F92E99AE412D1F2322DCAAC4F" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_63E71B9050282AB2297AF2322DCBCF8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_8443D73FDACD39E911D4F2322DCB8A64" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_63E71B9050282AB2297AF2322DCBCF8A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_8443D73FDACD39E911D4F2322DCB8A64" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_B8D5E66665D2BE2DED35F2322DCBEFBD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_B1F154189A606C10F763F2322DCA3377" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_B8D5E66665D2BE2DED35F2322DCBEFBD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_DCDD5A44B6F058F562ECF2322DCB9F44_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_B8D5E66665D2BE2DED35F2322DCBEFBD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_DCDD5A44B6F058F562ECF2322DCB9F44_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_DCDD5A44B6F058F562ECF2322DCB9F44" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_B8D5E66665D2BE2DED35F2322DCBEFBD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_DCDD5A44B6F058F562ECF2322DCB9F44" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_IndependentLivingMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_IndependentLivingMember_7A22C999F78029A706E3F2322DCBBDC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_DCDD5A44B6F058F562ECF2322DCB9F44" xlink:to="loc_bkd_IndependentLivingMember_7A22C999F78029A706E3F2322DCBBDC3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_AssistedLivingAndMemoryCareMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_AssistedLivingAndMemoryCareMember_BBD1544C64D01654A6A1F2322DCC4373" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_DCDD5A44B6F058F562ECF2322DCB9F44" xlink:to="loc_bkd_AssistedLivingAndMemoryCareMember_BBD1544C64D01654A6A1F2322DCC4373" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_CcrcsRentalMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_CcrcsRentalMember_37EAA4C84C7ED1E6D0B9F2322DCC6DC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_DCDD5A44B6F058F562ECF2322DCB9F44" xlink:to="loc_bkd_CcrcsRentalMember_37EAA4C84C7ED1E6D0B9F2322DCC6DC8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_HealthCareServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_HealthCareServicesMember_F284B7EA12A9AB306705F2322DCC4B4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_DCDD5A44B6F058F562ECF2322DCB9F44" xlink:to="loc_bkd_HealthCareServicesMember_F284B7EA12A9AB306705F2322DCC4B4C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_ManagementServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_ManagementServicesMember_2E055FA0DA012F69C228F2322DCC0D3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_DCDD5A44B6F058F562ECF2322DCB9F44" xlink:to="loc_bkd_ManagementServicesMember_2E055FA0DA012F69C228F2322DCC0D3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments_FC86FC1DD4B9016ECD8DF2322DCDD76E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_FB7372D3BC29ADF9EEA0F2322DCD31E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments_FC86FC1DD4B9016ECD8DF2322DCDD76E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_8B4E0E4C842E1FC76FD7F2322DCDF0F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_FB7372D3BC29ADF9EEA0F2322DCD31E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_8B4E0E4C842E1FC76FD7F2322DCDF0F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GrossProfit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GrossProfit_62238E5D957CA61B4747F2322DCD1444" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_FB7372D3BC29ADF9EEA0F2322DCD31E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GrossProfit_62238E5D957CA61B4747F2322DCD1444" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_4FFB37763DE3F36AD04BF2322DCD6B50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_FB7372D3BC29ADF9EEA0F2322DCD31E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_4FFB37763DE3F36AD04BF2322DCD6B50" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense_B80447B4CFD2949D3353F2322DCDCE26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_FB7372D3BC29ADF9EEA0F2322DCD31E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense_B80447B4CFD2949D3353F2322DCDCE26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization_F3589F0F6B9676CC7CC1F2322DCEFF5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_FB7372D3BC29ADF9EEA0F2322DCD31E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization_F3589F0F6B9676CC7CC1F2322DCEFF5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_7E5D29C212AE7A7A220EF2322DCE0D89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_FB7372D3BC29ADF9EEA0F2322DCD31E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_7E5D29C212AE7A7A220EF2322DCE0D89" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnTerminationOfLease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnTerminationOfLease_1372B537B314D2816F90F2322DCEC417" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_FB7372D3BC29ADF9EEA0F2322DCD31E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnTerminationOfLease_1372B537B314D2816F90F2322DCEC417" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_C6D0081C5968E114BBF4F2322DCEED82" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_FB7372D3BC29ADF9EEA0F2322DCD31E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_C6D0081C5968E114BBF4F2322DCEED82" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_209E85BC0E9EADDEB8B8F2322DCE0B7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_FB7372D3BC29ADF9EEA0F2322DCD31E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_209E85BC0E9EADDEB8B8F2322DCE0B7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions_AF1934F6773096951CBEF2322DCE31D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_FB7372D3BC29ADF9EEA0F2322DCD31E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions_AF1934F6773096951CBEF2322DCE31D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_5E283E88EDBC5A79A63BF2322DCF112E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_FB7372D3BC29ADF9EEA0F2322DCD31E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_5E283E88EDBC5A79A63BF2322DCF112E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/SegmentInformationTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/SelfInsurance" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/SelfInsuranceDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/ShareRepurchaseProgram" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/ShareRepurchaseProgramDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems_615F46BE2AF2AE084E18F4187ACBD76E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfTreasuryStockTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfTreasuryStockTable_A1F50A0141C999D4FABBF4187AC93C7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems_615F46BE2AF2AE084E18F4187ACBD76E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfTreasuryStockTable_A1F50A0141C999D4FABBF4187AC93C7C" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis_FF298C4AD38CE9A6F96EF4187ACA8553" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfTreasuryStockTable_A1F50A0141C999D4FABBF4187AC93C7C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis_FF298C4AD38CE9A6F96EF4187ACA8553" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_DC2AD887B3067BCE9E0EF4187ACA139D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis_FF298C4AD38CE9A6F96EF4187ACA8553" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_DC2AD887B3067BCE9E0EF4187ACA139D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_DC2AD887B3067BCE9E0EF4187ACA139D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis_FF298C4AD38CE9A6F96EF4187ACA8553" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_DC2AD887B3067BCE9E0EF4187ACA139D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_A2016RepurchaseProgramMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_A2016RepurchaseProgramMember_A6577639DD59744F4E36F4187ACAEB9D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_DC2AD887B3067BCE9E0EF4187ACA139D" xlink:to="loc_bkd_A2016RepurchaseProgramMember_A6577639DD59744F4E36F4187ACAEB9D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1_A4AAFE9EFBDBCE3A9651F4187ACBDE63" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems_615F46BE2AF2AE084E18F4187ACBD76E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1_A4AAFE9EFBDBCE3A9651F4187ACBDE63" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired_BEC58775C93296C0DC6DF4187ACB9999" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems_615F46BE2AF2AE084E18F4187ACBD76E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired_BEC58775C93296C0DC6DF4187ACB9999" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare_25BF96222A43B0EC5833F4187ACB252E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems_615F46BE2AF2AE084E18F4187ACBD76E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare_25BF96222A43B0EC5833F4187ACB252E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod_F541E2A1950F4AC61C87F4187ACBB8E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems_615F46BE2AF2AE084E18F4187ACBD76E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod_F541E2A1950F4AC61C87F4187ACBB8E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1_9C9D611CD5CD631D11D1F4187ACB8452" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems_615F46BE2AF2AE084E18F4187ACBD76E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1_9C9D611CD5CD631D11D1F4187ACB8452" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/StockBasedCompensation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/StockBasedCompensationAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1F01463FDF75F44F7BC5F01ABE67E1E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_9399BB9DEA11E7277C1DF01ABE66C6C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1F01463FDF75F44F7BC5F01ABE67E1E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_9399BB9DEA11E7277C1DF01ABE66C6C8" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_0FE0CB0DBC6725E462D0F01ABE66C0B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_9399BB9DEA11E7277C1DF01ABE66C6C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_0FE0CB0DBC6725E462D0F01ABE66C0B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_333814032859AC7F36EFF01ABE6710E7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_0FE0CB0DBC6725E462D0F01ABE66C0B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_333814032859AC7F36EFF01ABE6710E7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_333814032859AC7F36EFF01ABE6710E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_0FE0CB0DBC6725E462D0F01ABE66C0B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_333814032859AC7F36EFF01ABE6710E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanMember_1CCD721101A004A07329F01ABE670E4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_333814032859AC7F36EFF01ABE6710E7" xlink:to="loc_bkd_EmployeeStockPurchasePlanMember_1CCD721101A004A07329F01ABE670E4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_30E023EF3C6414BD244DF01ABE67586A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1F01463FDF75F44F7BC5F01ABE67E1E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_30E023EF3C6414BD244DF01ABE67586A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_E3EA0AB9013FCBB39BBFF01ABE68CFEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1F01463FDF75F44F7BC5F01ABE67E1E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_E3EA0AB9013FCBB39BBFF01ABE68CFEA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_EligibleEmployeeMaximumQuarterlyContributionPercentageAllowed" xlink:label="loc_bkd_EligibleEmployeeMaximumQuarterlyContributionPercentageAllowed_F6878979717430105D74F01ABE688830" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1F01463FDF75F44F7BC5F01ABE67E1E8" xlink:to="loc_bkd_EligibleEmployeeMaximumQuarterlyContributionPercentageAllowed_F6878979717430105D74F01ABE688830" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerEmployee" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerEmployee_5EB9B3C3F8835EF18D96F01ABE68921A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1F01463FDF75F44F7BC5F01ABE67E1E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerEmployee_5EB9B3C3F8835EF18D96F01ABE68921A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_PercentageOfCommonStockClosingMarketPriceToPurchaseWholeShares" xlink:label="loc_bkd_PercentageOfCommonStockClosingMarketPriceToPurchaseWholeShares_0A2AB6CEF0FA04D5EEF8F01ABE6831AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1F01463FDF75F44F7BC5F01ABE67E1E8" xlink:to="loc_bkd_PercentageOfCommonStockClosingMarketPriceToPurchaseWholeShares_0A2AB6CEF0FA04D5EEF8F01ABE6831AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_SharesHeldInEmployeeStockPurchasePlanReserved" xlink:label="loc_bkd_SharesHeldInEmployeeStockPurchasePlanReserved_B142987C3EF91CAE3E80F01ABE68C82C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_1F01463FDF75F44F7BC5F01ABE67E1E8" xlink:to="loc_bkd_SharesHeldInEmployeeStockPurchasePlanReserved_B142987C3EF91CAE3E80F01ABE68C82C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/StockBasedCompensationRestrictedStockActivityDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/StockBasedCompensationRestrictedStockGrantsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_4C5DEA40C7925441B555591261A3E722" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_96EEB122FE615D6AAAFFE450F9196F17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_4C5DEA40C7925441B555591261A3E722" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_96EEB122FE615D6AAAFFE450F9196F17" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_AAF04AD0A272577B86D85CD5EDFBD4FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_96EEB122FE615D6AAAFFE450F9196F17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_AAF04AD0A272577B86D85CD5EDFBD4FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_71EFE9B5E58AFAFA343126F2052BBE68_5E3990826EA354D1B7BD00660D25AC25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_AAF04AD0A272577B86D85CD5EDFBD4FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_71EFE9B5E58AFAFA343126F2052BBE68_5E3990826EA354D1B7BD00660D25AC25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_DAD9EBB768825332B23C754C7F774229" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_AAF04AD0A272577B86D85CD5EDFBD4FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_DAD9EBB768825332B23C754C7F774229" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_31C29413F22154208E8A49A7C8D75D87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_DAD9EBB768825332B23C754C7F774229" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_31C29413F22154208E8A49A7C8D75D87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_3A7900C2AB8E51409979C71E639532F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_4C5DEA40C7925441B555591261A3E722" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_3A7900C2AB8E51409979C71E639532F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_ShareBasedCompensationSharesValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_bkd_ShareBasedCompensationSharesValuePerShare_47FFFB44D68758CEB57970B8F5D9F030" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_4C5DEA40C7925441B555591261A3E722" xlink:to="loc_bkd_ShareBasedCompensationSharesValuePerShare_47FFFB44D68758CEB57970B8F5D9F030" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensationGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensationGross_167C301EC8055E218380243CC54F7334" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_4C5DEA40C7925441B555591261A3E722" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensationGross_167C301EC8055E218380243CC54F7334" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/StockBasedCompensationTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_9C73AC5C67E556E685EF3FD246760DBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_F58FE8AC2E9C049C57513FD2466CE1D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_9C73AC5C67E556E685EF3FD246760DBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_F58FE8AC2E9C049C57513FD2466CE1D9" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_5133D3DF653EFE2132653FD2466D09C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_F58FE8AC2E9C049C57513FD2466CE1D9" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_5133D3DF653EFE2132653FD2466D09C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_58BF1BA1173043946F883FD2466D96CF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_5133D3DF653EFE2132653FD2466D09C1" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_58BF1BA1173043946F883FD2466D96CF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_58BF1BA1173043946F883FD2466D96CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_5133D3DF653EFE2132653FD2466D09C1" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_58BF1BA1173043946F883FD2466D96CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_3EB8D223BE640D21774C3FD2466DFB9A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_58BF1BA1173043946F883FD2466D96CF" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_3EB8D223BE640D21774C3FD2466DFB9A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_5DC1C61FDF41C42D44973FD2466E997B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_58BF1BA1173043946F883FD2466D96CF" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_5DC1C61FDF41C42D44973FD2466E997B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_BC0937B271AC5DE3E6F53FD2466E1B18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_F58FE8AC2E9C049C57513FD2466CE1D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_BC0937B271AC5DE3E6F53FD2466E1B18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_5C802FD78638651CB3883FD2466E7E77_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_BC0937B271AC5DE3E6F53FD2466E1B18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_5C802FD78638651CB3883FD2466E7E77_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_5C802FD78638651CB3883FD2466E7E77" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_BC0937B271AC5DE3E6F53FD2466E1B18" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_5C802FD78638651CB3883FD2466E7E77" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member_3859ECD9AEF1C3A810613FD2466E206B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_5C802FD78638651CB3883FD2466E7E77" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member_3859ECD9AEF1C3A810613FD2466E206B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member_D75940BFE65FB7E9827F3FD2466FBA72" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_5C802FD78638651CB3883FD2466E7E77" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member_D75940BFE65FB7E9827F3FD2466FBA72" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602ImpairmentLossMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602ImpairmentLossMember_C9EDD494D6488F8EBBA23FD2466F6DE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_5C802FD78638651CB3883FD2466E7E77" xlink:to="loc_bkd_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602ImpairmentLossMember_C9EDD494D6488F8EBBA23FD2466F6DE1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_34DF7CB87D2D0B9E8D2E3FD2466F3DC2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_F58FE8AC2E9C049C57513FD2466CE1D9" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_34DF7CB87D2D0B9E8D2E3FD2466F3DC2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_9555330FD9FEB7A467443FD2466F9CE3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_34DF7CB87D2D0B9E8D2E3FD2466F3DC2" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_9555330FD9FEB7A467443FD2466F9CE3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_9555330FD9FEB7A467443FD2466F9CE3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_34DF7CB87D2D0B9E8D2E3FD2466F3DC2" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_9555330FD9FEB7A467443FD2466F9CE3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HealthCareResidentServiceMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HealthCareResidentServiceMember_25E3EDD4D5A014FD41693FD2466F68E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_9555330FD9FEB7A467443FD2466F9CE3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HealthCareResidentServiceMember_25E3EDD4D5A014FD41693FD2466F68E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateMember_55E295B0EC0C96898F6A3FD2467005F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_9555330FD9FEB7A467443FD2466F9CE3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateMember_55E295B0EC0C96898F6A3FD2467005F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_ReimbursementCostsManagedCommunitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_ReimbursementCostsManagedCommunitiesMember_5AEC42281A06A5A9A7E43FD24670DE2E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_9555330FD9FEB7A467443FD2466F9CE3" xlink:to="loc_bkd_ReimbursementCostsManagedCommunitiesMember_5AEC42281A06A5A9A7E43FD24670DE2E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProspectiveAdoptionOfNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProspectiveAdoptionOfNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_ECFB29906DF10DDC38D03FD24670DAF7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_F58FE8AC2E9C049C57513FD2466CE1D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProspectiveAdoptionOfNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_ECFB29906DF10DDC38D03FD24670DAF7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingGuidanceMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingGuidanceMember_D2555F64862CD496A02F3FD246708AEB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProspectiveAdoptionOfNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_ECFB29906DF10DDC38D03FD24670DAF7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountingGuidanceMember_D2555F64862CD496A02F3FD246708AEB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingGuidanceMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingGuidanceMember_D2555F64862CD496A02F3FD246708AEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProspectiveAdoptionOfNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_ECFB29906DF10DDC38D03FD24670DAF7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountingGuidanceMember_D2555F64862CD496A02F3FD246708AEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201618Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201618Member_395A31E42D671788676B3FD246704CB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingGuidanceMember_D2555F64862CD496A02F3FD246708AEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201618Member_395A31E42D671788676B3FD246704CB8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201615Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201615Member_036116450437232CE8933FD2467116F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingGuidanceMember_D2555F64862CD496A02F3FD246708AEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201615Member_036116450437232CE8933FD2467116F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CompensationRelatedCostsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CompensationRelatedCostsAbstract_E0E0FE52955F5EDBD7A03FD24676F3A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_9C73AC5C67E556E685EF3FD246760DBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CompensationRelatedCostsAbstract_E0E0FE52955F5EDBD7A03FD24676F3A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_A2095BE95019C3A0D01B3FD246760EE3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CompensationRelatedCostsAbstract_E0E0FE52955F5EDBD7A03FD24676F3A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_A2095BE95019C3A0D01B3FD246760EE3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage_7D14D1BDF71AFDF6A82E3FD24677899D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CompensationRelatedCostsAbstract_E0E0FE52955F5EDBD7A03FD24676F3A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage_7D14D1BDF71AFDF6A82E3FD24677899D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsFairValueAssumptionsPercentage" xlink:label="loc_bkd_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsFairValueAssumptionsPercentage_E3DF647E559EF714CCD03FD24677FF58" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CompensationRelatedCostsAbstract_E0E0FE52955F5EDBD7A03FD24676F3A5" xlink:to="loc_bkd_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsFairValueAssumptionsPercentage_E3DF647E559EF714CCD03FD24677FF58" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsWeightedAverageVolatilityRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsWeightedAverageVolatilityRate_AA2EF1A11983E2A5AD113FD24677FDD3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CompensationRelatedCostsAbstract_E0E0FE52955F5EDBD7A03FD24676F3A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsWeightedAverageVolatilityRate_AA2EF1A11983E2A5AD113FD24677FDD3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_BB0F79184A72653214193FD24677FBFC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CompensationRelatedCostsAbstract_E0E0FE52955F5EDBD7A03FD24676F3A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_BB0F79184A72653214193FD24677FBFC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionAbstract_B2CF53D8A9A5190CA11D3FD246772A9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_9C73AC5C67E556E685EF3FD246760DBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionAbstract_B2CF53D8A9A5190CA11D3FD246772A9C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_TermOfResidencyAgreementsMinimum" xlink:label="loc_bkd_TermOfResidencyAgreementsMinimum_C6688A44EF7A8A4047603FD24678351F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionAbstract_B2CF53D8A9A5190CA11D3FD246772A9C" xlink:to="loc_bkd_TermOfResidencyAgreementsMinimum_C6688A44EF7A8A4047603FD24678351F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_TermOfResidencyAgreementsMaximum" xlink:label="loc_bkd_TermOfResidencyAgreementsMaximum_3C9B98FE2EFFFB3CEAC83FD24678F6B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionAbstract_B2CF53D8A9A5190CA11D3FD246772A9C" xlink:to="loc_bkd_TermOfResidencyAgreementsMaximum_3C9B98FE2EFFFB3CEAC83FD24678F6B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetAbstract_99DF8A3ADBC6921D209F3FD24678FA65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_9C73AC5C67E556E685EF3FD246760DBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetAbstract_99DF8A3ADBC6921D209F3FD24678FA65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent_688576D40C9A2297B0B53FD246784DD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetAbstract_99DF8A3ADBC6921D209F3FD24678FA65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent_688576D40C9A2297B0B53FD246784DD1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HealthCareOrganizationAccountsReceivableDueFromThirdPartyPayorRetroactiveAdjustment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HealthCareOrganizationAccountsReceivableDueFromThirdPartyPayorRetroactiveAdjustment_20FE771B075ADFAC0F2E3FD24678B0F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetAbstract_99DF8A3ADBC6921D209F3FD24678FA65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HealthCareOrganizationAccountsReceivableDueFromThirdPartyPayorRetroactiveAdjustment_20FE771B075ADFAC0F2E3FD24678B0F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract_1FF922AB487A728AD1AF3FD2467971F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_9C73AC5C67E556E685EF3FD246760DBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract_1FF922AB487A728AD1AF3FD2467971F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_F5E64343D8E0A0DB69AD3FD24679B26C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract_1FF922AB487A728AD1AF3FD2467971F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_F5E64343D8E0A0DB69AD3FD24679B26C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_5E2D46B311905C5181D03FD24679A49F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract_1FF922AB487A728AD1AF3FD2467971F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_5E2D46B311905C5181D03FD24679A49F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_OperatingLeaseAssetsLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_bkd_OperatingLeaseAssetsLiabilities_75FC25ABD10853C2B8343FD24679EC92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract_1FF922AB487A728AD1AF3FD2467971F0" xlink:to="loc_bkd_OperatingLeaseAssetsLiabilities_75FC25ABD10853C2B8343FD24679EC92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption_05EFF109086DCFA3468C3FD246799052" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract_1FF922AB487A728AD1AF3FD2467971F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption_05EFF109086DCFA3468C3FD246799052" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_990E9FC765F93B6206DE3FD24679AF7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract_1FF922AB487A728AD1AF3FD2467971F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_990E9FC765F93B6206DE3FD24679AF7A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross_7BC78A47CCA998A8CA323FD2467AC7FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract_1FF922AB487A728AD1AF3FD2467971F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross_7BC78A47CCA998A8CA323FD2467AC7FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_776B09A179EB6B4D756C3FD2467A8DFC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract_1FF922AB487A728AD1AF3FD2467971F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_776B09A179EB6B4D756C3FD2467A8DFC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_FB3CE345607CB5E422723FD2467A9F1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract_1FF922AB487A728AD1AF3FD2467971F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_FB3CE345607CB5E422723FD2467A9F1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_0957A64809C0EB14C4793FD2467A9DB3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract_1FF922AB487A728AD1AF3FD2467971F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_0957A64809C0EB14C4793FD2467A9DB3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_7FCFF6B047F8EB3E0D8D3FD2467AC62E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract_1FF922AB487A728AD1AF3FD2467971F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_7FCFF6B047F8EB3E0D8D3FD2467AC62E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_1252468D61F6DB83DBF33FD2467A24DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract_1FF922AB487A728AD1AF3FD2467971F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_1252468D61F6DB83DBF33FD2467A24DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold_F5960D4460F831C755A23FD2467B3599" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract_1FF922AB487A728AD1AF3FD2467971F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold_F5960D4460F831C755A23FD2467B3599" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_IncreaseDecreaseInResidentFeeRevenueNetOfFacilityOperatingExpense" xlink:label="loc_bkd_IncreaseDecreaseInResidentFeeRevenueNetOfFacilityOperatingExpense_84AFEE6A87B93E0E78153FD2467B366B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract_1FF922AB487A728AD1AF3FD2467971F0" xlink:to="loc_bkd_IncreaseDecreaseInResidentFeeRevenueNetOfFacilityOperatingExpense_84AFEE6A87B93E0E78153FD2467B366B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_IncreaseDecreaseInFacilityOperatingExpense" xlink:label="loc_bkd_IncreaseDecreaseInFacilityOperatingExpense_5B15EE10C50B50001CA93FD2467B6154" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract_1FF922AB487A728AD1AF3FD2467971F0" xlink:to="loc_bkd_IncreaseDecreaseInFacilityOperatingExpense_5B15EE10C50B50001CA93FD2467B6154" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesBalanceSheetAdoptionEffectDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_1FD25863DCDADAA8A3C5F4187CCB47C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_BB34B48C25D7CEB64DB6F4187CCA91F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_1FD25863DCDADAA8A3C5F4187CCB47C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_BB34B48C25D7CEB64DB6F4187CCA91F7" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_33D6BAB7EFF50E12B11CF4187CCA5B85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_BB34B48C25D7CEB64DB6F4187CCA91F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_33D6BAB7EFF50E12B11CF4187CCA5B85" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_DA4DAF1FE5D599125920F4187CCA45E2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_33D6BAB7EFF50E12B11CF4187CCA5B85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_DA4DAF1FE5D599125920F4187CCA45E2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_DA4DAF1FE5D599125920F4187CCA45E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_33D6BAB7EFF50E12B11CF4187CCA5B85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_DA4DAF1FE5D599125920F4187CCA45E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member_6A52AACAB8BC7DD633F9F4187CCBFD55" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_DA4DAF1FE5D599125920F4187CCA45E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member_6A52AACAB8BC7DD633F9F4187CCBFD55" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_084981A2A1D5D39B016CF4187CCB283B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_1FD25863DCDADAA8A3C5F4187CCB47C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_084981A2A1D5D39B016CF4187CCB283B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_bkd_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_4E45D176E9E59BAF9C7CF4187CCC1F12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_1FD25863DCDADAA8A3C5F4187CCB47C3" xlink:to="loc_bkd_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_4E45D176E9E59BAF9C7CF4187CCC1F12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_767F8C772EC268B80AAEF4187CCC5414" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_1FD25863DCDADAA8A3C5F4187CCB47C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_767F8C772EC268B80AAEF4187CCC5414" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_20EBBF82A28FAB025188F4187CCC9E54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_1FD25863DCDADAA8A3C5F4187CCB47C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures_20EBBF82A28FAB025188F4187CCC9E54" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsNet_BD02EA2D7994C70E56A5F4187CCC689C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_1FD25863DCDADAA8A3C5F4187CCB47C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsNet_BD02EA2D7994C70E56A5F4187CCC689C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_FFD2BA440635A7241EFBF4187CCCC9F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_1FD25863DCDADAA8A3C5F4187CCB47C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_FFD2BA440635A7241EFBF4187CCCC9F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_3A783CE6405D40B1B0B5F4187CCC9800" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_1FD25863DCDADAA8A3C5F4187CCB47C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_3A783CE6405D40B1B0B5F4187CCC9800" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_RefundableFeesAndDeferredRevenueCurrent" xlink:label="loc_bkd_RefundableFeesAndDeferredRevenueCurrent_F1ABDAD00E90FA68947BF4187CCD9185" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_1FD25863DCDADAA8A3C5F4187CCB47C3" xlink:to="loc_bkd_RefundableFeesAndDeferredRevenueCurrent_F1ABDAD00E90FA68947BF4187CCD9185" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_D1F346E2D3FA4F4C7587F4187CCDAE76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_1FD25863DCDADAA8A3C5F4187CCB47C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_D1F346E2D3FA4F4C7587F4187CCDAE76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCreditsAndOtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCreditsAndOtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_E7E1CF6C4130AD2B6B96F4187CCD928F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_1FD25863DCDADAA8A3C5F4187CCB47C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCreditsAndOtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_E7E1CF6C4130AD2B6B96F4187CCD928F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_7A3FA8B810D192C97639F4187CCDEA99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_1FD25863DCDADAA8A3C5F4187CCB47C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_7A3FA8B810D192C97639F4187CCDEA99" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_0BD93024CC48765BEF97F4187CCD32F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_1FD25863DCDADAA8A3C5F4187CCB47C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_0BD93024CC48765BEF97F4187CCD32F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_B44EB7163277C9C90CC8F4187CCD3B75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_1FD25863DCDADAA8A3C5F4187CCB47C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_B44EB7163277C9C90CC8F4187CCD3B75" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_A330D6E0C9CF19158B33F4187CCEC7C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_1FD25863DCDADAA8A3C5F4187CCB47C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_A330D6E0C9CF19158B33F4187CCEC7C4" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesCashAndEscrowDepositsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsItemsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsItemsLineItems_25B82821D92718806CF0ABAA396C730D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsTable_36F990B63A7BFFA6EE82ABAA396C3B7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsItemsLineItems_25B82821D92718806CF0ABAA396C730D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsTable_36F990B63A7BFFA6EE82ABAA396C3B7D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsAxis_1E648E19E1E97ECDB67AABAA396C3D5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsTable_36F990B63A7BFFA6EE82ABAA396C3B7D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsAxis_1E648E19E1E97ECDB67AABAA396C3D5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_E7B08D66A5128E269256ABAA396C34D1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsAxis_1E648E19E1E97ECDB67AABAA396C3D5A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_E7B08D66A5128E269256ABAA396C34D1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_E7B08D66A5128E269256ABAA396C34D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsAxis_1E648E19E1E97ECDB67AABAA396C3D5A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_E7B08D66A5128E269256ABAA396C34D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_RealEstateTaxesInEscrowMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_RealEstateTaxesInEscrowMember_5B85BD2C4121ECDEB657ABAA396C6846" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_E7B08D66A5128E269256ABAA396C34D1" xlink:to="loc_bkd_RealEstateTaxesInEscrowMember_5B85BD2C4121ECDEB657ABAA396C6846" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_ReplacementReserveAndOtherMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_ReplacementReserveAndOtherMember_9F986834CE0FA37AD5D8ABAA396C03CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_E7B08D66A5128E269256ABAA396C34D1" xlink:to="loc_bkd_ReplacementReserveAndOtherMember_9F986834CE0FA37AD5D8ABAA396C03CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_TenantSecurityDepositsMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_TenantSecurityDepositsMember_7EFC8526C977AEBC6368ABAA396C94E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_E7B08D66A5128E269256ABAA396C34D1" xlink:to="loc_bkd_TenantSecurityDepositsMember_7EFC8526C977AEBC6368ABAA396C94E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_OtherRestrictedCashMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_OtherRestrictedCashMember_F13DCF0EBC449F5CE6A4ABAA396C38D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_E7B08D66A5128E269256ABAA396C34D1" xlink:to="loc_bkd_OtherRestrictedCashMember_F13DCF0EBC449F5CE6A4ABAA396C38D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_InsuranceReservesMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_InsuranceReservesMember_D8149750C07AC3D99A30ABAA396C4325" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_E7B08D66A5128E269256ABAA396C34D1" xlink:to="loc_bkd_InsuranceReservesMember_D8149750C07AC3D99A30ABAA396C4325" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_EntranceFeesMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_EntranceFeesMember_AE95EE939D58883C56DEABAA396CEA50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_E7B08D66A5128E269256ABAA396C34D1" xlink:to="loc_bkd_EntranceFeesMember_AE95EE939D58883C56DEABAA396CEA50" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_DebtServiceAndOtherDepositsMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_DebtServiceAndOtherDepositsMember_F3A2EB71AB9007984DD6ABAA396C351C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_E7B08D66A5128E269256ABAA396C34D1" xlink:to="loc_bkd_DebtServiceAndOtherDepositsMember_F3A2EB71AB9007984DD6ABAA396C351C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsCurrent_7DE58D7B53285430DA13ABAA396C8F36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsItemsLineItems_25B82821D92718806CF0ABAA396C730D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsCurrent_7DE58D7B53285430DA13ABAA396C8F36" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsNoncurrent_CF3A6C48D8EE7C8DCD01ABAA396CCFEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsItemsLineItems_25B82821D92718806CF0ABAA396C730D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsNoncurrent_CF3A6C48D8EE7C8DCD01ABAA396CCFEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_8853AD7F7A3414A8A963ABAA396C61AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsItemsLineItems_25B82821D92718806CF0ABAA396C730D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_8853AD7F7A3414A8A963ABAA396C61AA" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_3452D94AA0E1593A9C7EC713F4CB4BC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_94C0F4D7F7CF5B96B53E8EA46D33BADF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_3452D94AA0E1593A9C7EC713F4CB4BC3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_94C0F4D7F7CF5B96B53E8EA46D33BADF" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_A5D6A170128E5D65B6ED5DBA9AE65805" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_94C0F4D7F7CF5B96B53E8EA46D33BADF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_A5D6A170128E5D65B6ED5DBA9AE65805" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_B25ACB47A2C4B0F1A33726F20379E3EE_5E3990826EA354D1B7BD00660D25AC25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_A5D6A170128E5D65B6ED5DBA9AE65805" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_B25ACB47A2C4B0F1A33726F20379E3EE_5E3990826EA354D1B7BD00660D25AC25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_EBA2FCD8419F5EF5A389FBB21F69045E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_A5D6A170128E5D65B6ED5DBA9AE65805" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_EBA2FCD8419F5EF5A389FBB21F69045E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember_5E120A179ED95FBEA0CC80F16E63214B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_EBA2FCD8419F5EF5A389FBB21F69045E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember_5E120A179ED95FBEA0CC80F16E63214B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember_E5C263A7F28A5D76818CFC81414D1FA7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_EBA2FCD8419F5EF5A389FBB21F69045E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember_E5C263A7F28A5D76818CFC81414D1FA7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_ResidentLeaseIntangiblesMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_ResidentLeaseIntangiblesMember_B5ABCEFB483351CE9608EA489B98DDDB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_EBA2FCD8419F5EF5A389FBB21F69045E" xlink:to="loc_bkd_ResidentLeaseIntangiblesMember_B5ABCEFB483351CE9608EA489B98DDDB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_8A770172BB685236932C5D3543D6202D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_94C0F4D7F7CF5B96B53E8EA46D33BADF" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_8A770172BB685236932C5D3543D6202D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_7759777CBB6C46844ECD26F2037B95F4_5E3990826EA354D1B7BD00660D25AC25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_8A770172BB685236932C5D3543D6202D" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_7759777CBB6C46844ECD26F2037B95F4_5E3990826EA354D1B7BD00660D25AC25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_EC3DDF9996805DF59D15FC075906EB9F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_8A770172BB685236932C5D3543D6202D" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_EC3DDF9996805DF59D15FC075906EB9F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_6EF3FF22EBD95157B77F02D11C76CB59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_EC3DDF9996805DF59D15FC075906EB9F" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_6EF3FF22EBD95157B77F02D11C76CB59" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_675ABEA6DB6052D78724D45EB81D49FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_EC3DDF9996805DF59D15FC075906EB9F" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_675ABEA6DB6052D78724D45EB81D49FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_649AA74F80045C4EBA6DCFFC1FAA351E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_3452D94AA0E1593A9C7EC713F4CB4BC3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_649AA74F80045C4EBA6DCFFC1FAA351E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/SupplementalDisclosureOfCashFlowInformation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/SupplementalDisclosureOfCashFlowInformationAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_15EE39539D6DAF41D01A30F31FB0FF44" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_E33CE0EC63B6F4DA27B630F31FAFCD2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_15EE39539D6DAF41D01A30F31FB0FF44" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_E33CE0EC63B6F4DA27B630F31FAFCD2A" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsByUniqueDescriptionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsByUniqueDescriptionAxis_68E4C9A66E189F20E6C330F633912201" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_E33CE0EC63B6F4DA27B630F31FAFCD2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsByUniqueDescriptionAxis_68E4C9A66E189F20E6C330F633912201" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNameDomain_53E490E2819D187985DD30F6339B86C4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsByUniqueDescriptionAxis_68E4C9A66E189F20E6C330F633912201" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNameDomain_53E490E2819D187985DD30F6339B86C4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNameDomain_53E490E2819D187985DD30F6339B86C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsByUniqueDescriptionAxis_68E4C9A66E189F20E6C330F633912201" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNameDomain_53E490E2819D187985DD30F6339B86C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_LeaseTerminationAndModificationNetMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_LeaseTerminationAndModificationNetMember_666932149CC1EF80D1DE30F634835DD8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNameDomain_53E490E2819D187985DD30F6339B86C4" xlink:to="loc_bkd_LeaseTerminationAndModificationNetMember_666932149CC1EF80D1DE30F634835DD8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_E5C4DD89C0A19326549530F31FAF09A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_E33CE0EC63B6F4DA27B630F31FAFCD2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_E5C4DD89C0A19326549530F31FAF09A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_9F9F0223847A5C55A5F930F31FAFE96C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_E5C4DD89C0A19326549530F31FAF09A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_9F9F0223847A5C55A5F930F31FAFE96C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_9F9F0223847A5C55A5F930F31FAFE96C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableByReceivableTypeAxis_E5C4DD89C0A19326549530F31FAF09A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_9F9F0223847A5C55A5F930F31FAFE96C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_PromissoryNoteMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_PromissoryNoteMember_EA937BF7835A94FAC47C30F31FAFF89E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReceivableTypeDomain_9F9F0223847A5C55A5F930F31FAFE96C" xlink:to="loc_bkd_PromissoryNoteMember_EA937BF7835A94FAC47C30F31FAFF89E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis_57DD88A015EB6D47876930F31FB09D85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_E33CE0EC63B6F4DA27B630F31FAFCD2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis_57DD88A015EB6D47876930F31FB09D85" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_531A4C201052DB7AA7BB30F31FB026AB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis_57DD88A015EB6D47876930F31FB09D85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_531A4C201052DB7AA7BB30F31FB026AB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_531A4C201052DB7AA7BB30F31FB026AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis_57DD88A015EB6D47876930F31FB09D85" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_531A4C201052DB7AA7BB30F31FB026AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_JointVentureMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_JointVentureMember_710D25FE50BE92CF654C30F31FB0D416" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_531A4C201052DB7AA7BB30F31FB026AB" xlink:to="loc_bkd_JointVentureMember_710D25FE50BE92CF654C30F31FB0D416" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_PaymentsProceedsForTerminationOfOperatingLeases" xlink:label="loc_bkd_PaymentsProceedsForTerminationOfOperatingLeases_B10F0C0C8C9BFCE5732C30F31FB13324" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_15EE39539D6DAF41D01A30F31FB0FF44" xlink:to="loc_bkd_PaymentsProceedsForTerminationOfOperatingLeases_B10F0C0C8C9BFCE5732C30F31FB13324" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_PaymentsProceedsForTerminationOfCapitalAndFinancingLeasesFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_bkd_PaymentsProceedsForTerminationOfCapitalAndFinancingLeasesFinancingActivities_644C4F061D4DFDE9D03330F31FB10ABD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_15EE39539D6DAF41D01A30F31FB0FF44" xlink:to="loc_bkd_PaymentsProceedsForTerminationOfCapitalAndFinancingLeasesFinancingActivities_644C4F061D4DFDE9D03330F31FB10ABD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInterestInJointVenture" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInterestInJointVenture_7AF169C6EBC2668A9F7D30F31FB17954" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_15EE39539D6DAF41D01A30F31FB0FF44" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInterestInJointVenture_7AF169C6EBC2668A9F7D30F31FB17954" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesOwned" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesOwned_132EDD9AD464D80EDDDA30F31FB17EFD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_15EE39539D6DAF41D01A30F31FB0FF44" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NumberOfCommunitiesOwned_132EDD9AD464D80EDDDA30F31FB17EFD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesReceivableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableFairValueDisclosure_B3DA6F4B7F5B12682EC230F31FB1105C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_15EE39539D6DAF41D01A30F31FB0FF44" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableFairValueDisclosure_B3DA6F4B7F5B12682EC230F31FB1105C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_CB689BCFEADB4F2E05ED30F31FB11FD3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_15EE39539D6DAF41D01A30F31FB0FF44" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_CB689BCFEADB4F2E05ED30F31FB11FD3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromDistributionsReceivedFromRealEstatePartnerships" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDistributionsReceivedFromRealEstatePartnerships_691B2FD8200E2517334E30F31FB21EA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_15EE39539D6DAF41D01A30F31FB0FF44" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDistributionsReceivedFromRealEstatePartnerships_691B2FD8200E2517334E30F31FB21EA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromCollectionOfNotesReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromCollectionOfNotesReceivable_D493671866412FC2400E30F31FB2D108" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_15EE39539D6DAF41D01A30F31FB0FF44" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromCollectionOfNotesReceivable_D493671866412FC2400E30F31FB2D108" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/SupplementalDisclosureOfCashFlowInformationCashAndRestrictedCashDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/SupplementalDisclosureOfCashFlowInformationSupplementalDisclosureOfCashFlowInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_23C904B940A2803F61643FD266A37248" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsTable_391CD0E3F66BC220A3AE3FD266A00A99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_23C904B940A2803F61643FD266A37248" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsTable_391CD0E3F66BC220A3AE3FD266A00A99" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_CapitalExpenditureTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_bkd_CapitalExpenditureTypeAxis_A9464ADD704072B4654C3FD266A1DECB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsTable_391CD0E3F66BC220A3AE3FD266A00A99" xlink:to="loc_bkd_CapitalExpenditureTypeAxis_A9464ADD704072B4654C3FD266A1DECB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_CapitalExpenditureTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_bkd_CapitalExpenditureTypeDomain_A294D6B7FD6C4E718A713FD266A1FD6A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_bkd_CapitalExpenditureTypeAxis_A9464ADD704072B4654C3FD266A1DECB" xlink:to="loc_bkd_CapitalExpenditureTypeDomain_A294D6B7FD6C4E718A713FD266A1FD6A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_CapitalExpenditureTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_bkd_CapitalExpenditureTypeDomain_A294D6B7FD6C4E718A713FD266A1FD6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_bkd_CapitalExpenditureTypeAxis_A9464ADD704072B4654C3FD266A1DECB" xlink:to="loc_bkd_CapitalExpenditureTypeDomain_A294D6B7FD6C4E718A713FD266A1FD6A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NonDevelopmentMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NonDevelopmentMember_9C827233A1E11E3B0E203FD266A17288" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bkd_CapitalExpenditureTypeDomain_A294D6B7FD6C4E718A713FD266A1FD6A" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NonDevelopmentMember_9C827233A1E11E3B0E203FD266A17288" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_DevelopmentMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_DevelopmentMember_5234CF0F1B57CC879EAF3FD266A27BA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bkd_CapitalExpenditureTypeDomain_A294D6B7FD6C4E718A713FD266A1FD6A" xlink:to="loc_bkd_DevelopmentMember_5234CF0F1B57CC879EAF3FD266A27BA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NondevelopmentReimbursableMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NondevelopmentReimbursableMember_42CC4F5A304734BF3D143FD266A246DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bkd_CapitalExpenditureTypeDomain_A294D6B7FD6C4E718A713FD266A1FD6A" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NondevelopmentReimbursableMember_42CC4F5A304734BF3D143FD266A246DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_DevelopmentReimbursableMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_DevelopmentReimbursableMember_C488B9ABE4EE0F1BCDDC3FD266A2FEE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_bkd_CapitalExpenditureTypeDomain_A294D6B7FD6C4E718A713FD266A1FD6A" xlink:to="loc_bkd_DevelopmentReimbursableMember_C488B9ABE4EE0F1BCDDC3FD266A2FEE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsByUniqueDescriptionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsByUniqueDescriptionAxis_1AE04655A7072AE2DAFA3FD266A29926" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsTable_391CD0E3F66BC220A3AE3FD266A00A99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsByUniqueDescriptionAxis_1AE04655A7072AE2DAFA3FD266A29926" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNameDomain_78ECF5BC8E5B999AFCFD3FD266A27FC8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsByUniqueDescriptionAxis_1AE04655A7072AE2DAFA3FD266A29926" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNameDomain_78ECF5BC8E5B999AFCFD3FD266A27FC8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNameDomain_78ECF5BC8E5B999AFCFD3FD266A27FC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsByUniqueDescriptionAxis_1AE04655A7072AE2DAFA3FD266A29926" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNameDomain_78ECF5BC8E5B999AFCFD3FD266A27FC8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_AdditionsToPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndLeaseholdImprovementsMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_AdditionsToPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndLeaseholdImprovementsMember_4B21B703FA330F06ACC53FD266A25E11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNameDomain_78ECF5BC8E5B999AFCFD3FD266A27FC8" xlink:to="loc_bkd_AdditionsToPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndLeaseholdImprovementsMember_4B21B703FA330F06ACC53FD266A25E11" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesOfIndividuallyImmaterialBusinessAcquisitionsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesOfIndividuallyImmaterialBusinessAcquisitionsMember_5DA81D3401D4EE1B31993FD266A3E9DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNameDomain_78ECF5BC8E5B999AFCFD3FD266A27FC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesOfIndividuallyImmaterialBusinessAcquisitionsMember_5DA81D3401D4EE1B31993FD266A3E9DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_ProceedsFromSaleOfAssetsNetMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_ProceedsFromSaleOfAssetsNetMember_87605CF3FEE4016DCAC93FD266A3C555" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNameDomain_78ECF5BC8E5B999AFCFD3FD266A27FC8" xlink:to="loc_bkd_ProceedsFromSaleOfAssetsNetMember_87605CF3FEE4016DCAC93FD266A3C555" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_LeaseTerminationAndModificationNetMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_LeaseTerminationAndModificationNetMember_538C82980F3630389C5B3FD266A37AF1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNameDomain_78ECF5BC8E5B999AFCFD3FD266A27FC8" xlink:to="loc_bkd_LeaseTerminationAndModificationNetMember_538C82980F3630389C5B3FD266A37AF1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_FormationofBlackstoneJointVentureMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_FormationofBlackstoneJointVentureMember_BA069FC71127514522243FD266A30E3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNameDomain_78ECF5BC8E5B999AFCFD3FD266A27FC8" xlink:to="loc_bkd_FormationofBlackstoneJointVentureMember_BA069FC71127514522243FD266A30E3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_4C3D70787596DD2A7ABA3FD266A4D683" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_23C904B940A2803F61643FD266A37248" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_4C3D70787596DD2A7ABA3FD266A4D683" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_94933F73014889EBC1903FD266A4DD52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_4C3D70787596DD2A7ABA3FD266A4D683" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_94933F73014889EBC1903FD266A4DD52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet_3A62BAC89EC485D50D813FD266A45158" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_4C3D70787596DD2A7ABA3FD266A4D683" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet_3A62BAC89EC485D50D813FD266A45158" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_44D6F50318C34C7255B83FD266A4316D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_23C904B940A2803F61643FD266A37248" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_44D6F50318C34C7255B83FD266A4316D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableTrade" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableTrade_159174DA1F2A32EAA89F3FD266A40372" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_23C904B940A2803F61643FD266A37248" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableTrade_159174DA1F2A32EAA89F3FD266A40372" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndLeaseholdIntangiblesNet" xlink:label="loc_bkd_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndLeaseholdIntangiblesNet_A3630F8B00C3DFF56A973FD266A5E24F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_23C904B940A2803F61643FD266A37248" xlink:to="loc_bkd_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndLeaseholdIntangiblesNet_A3630F8B00C3DFF56A973FD266A5E24F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NoncashorPartNoncashAcquisitionIntangibleAssetsAcquiredNet" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NoncashorPartNoncashAcquisitionIntangibleAssetsAcquiredNet_C12DE8EEC1C2D32188533FD266A5219D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_23C904B940A2803F61643FD266A37248" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NoncashorPartNoncashAcquisitionIntangibleAssetsAcquiredNet_C12DE8EEC1C2D32188533FD266A5219D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_IncreaseDecreaseInFinancingLeaseObligations" xlink:label="loc_bkd_IncreaseDecreaseInFinancingLeaseObligations_63D824F3F5F089A0212E3FD266A5FE2B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_23C904B940A2803F61643FD266A37248" xlink:to="loc_bkd_IncreaseDecreaseInFinancingLeaseObligations_63D824F3F5F089A0212E3FD266A5FE2B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionOtherLiabilitiesAssumed1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionOtherLiabilitiesAssumed1_EBD0463112960640D3613FD266A5FD86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_23C904B940A2803F61643FD266A37248" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionOtherLiabilitiesAssumed1_EBD0463112960640D3613FD266A5FD86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_E76BD1E8945F381FD6A63FD266A53666" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_23C904B940A2803F61643FD266A37248" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_E76BD1E8945F381FD6A63FD266A53666" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets_E4BF475884FFAE7F07163FD266A5A0FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_23C904B940A2803F61643FD266A37248" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets_E4BF475884FFAE7F07163FD266A5A0FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAssetsHeldForSale" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAssetsHeldForSale_25C647DE767E379812CA3FD266A591F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_23C904B940A2803F61643FD266A37248" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAssetsHeldForSale_25C647DE767E379812CA3FD266A591F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_IncreaseDecreaseInPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndLeaseholdIntangiblesNet" xlink:label="loc_bkd_IncreaseDecreaseInPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndLeaseholdIntangiblesNet_FB2BC78D4B673FFD53DE3FD266A6A101" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_23C904B940A2803F61643FD266A37248" xlink:to="loc_bkd_IncreaseDecreaseInPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndLeaseholdIntangiblesNet_FB2BC78D4B673FFD53DE3FD266A6A101" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromBusinessesAndInterestInAffiliates" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromBusinessesAndInterestInAffiliates_37FE48E98C1D479DA7B93FD266A68A22" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_23C904B940A2803F61643FD266A37248" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromBusinessesAndInterestInAffiliates_37FE48E98C1D479DA7B93FD266A68A22" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_IncreaseDecreaseInLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_bkd_IncreaseDecreaseInLongTermDebt_E0353AEBCFD40BF271883FD266A6A143" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_23C904B940A2803F61643FD266A37248" xlink:to="loc_bkd_IncreaseDecreaseInLongTermDebt_E0353AEBCFD40BF271883FD266A6A143" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_IncreaseDecreaseInRefundableEntranceFeesAndDeferredRevenue" xlink:label="loc_bkd_IncreaseDecreaseInRefundableEntranceFeesAndDeferredRevenue_DC75CFD4AAA0F1FC6FE03FD266A6FC32" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_23C904B940A2803F61643FD266A37248" xlink:to="loc_bkd_IncreaseDecreaseInRefundableEntranceFeesAndDeferredRevenue_DC75CFD4AAA0F1FC6FE03FD266A6FC32" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_bkd_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherLiabilities_0105A56C7FB47BBA80BC3FD266A6DB76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_23C904B940A2803F61643FD266A37248" xlink:to="loc_bkd_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherLiabilities_0105A56C7FB47BBA80BC3FD266A6DB76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1_82354539B422D627225D3FD266A6DB87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_23C904B940A2803F61643FD266A37248" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1_82354539B422D627225D3FD266A6DB87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnTerminationOfLease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnTerminationOfLease_22B6569059A6C6B0F4303FD266A7A5E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_23C904B940A2803F61643FD266A37248" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnTerminationOfLease_22B6569059A6C6B0F4303FD266A7A5E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_ProceedsRepaymentsfromSaleofPropertyPlantandEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_bkd_ProceedsRepaymentsfromSaleofPropertyPlantandEquipmentNet_4EAD2D0BE6843CD049823FD266A7B2B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_23C904B940A2803F61643FD266A37248" xlink:to="loc_bkd_ProceedsRepaymentsfromSaleofPropertyPlantandEquipmentNet_4EAD2D0BE6843CD049823FD266A7B2B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsIncurred" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsIncurred_90B10414F7BADA7828CD3FD266A73BFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_23C904B940A2803F61643FD266A37248" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsIncurred_90B10414F7BADA7828CD3FD266A73BFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredLiabilities_F579BBD19EDF0031C85A3FD266A769B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_23C904B940A2803F61643FD266A37248" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredLiabilities_F579BBD19EDF0031C85A3FD266A769B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_PaymentsProceedsForLeaseTermination" xlink:label="loc_bkd_PaymentsProceedsForLeaseTermination_CD568BDC60942751478F3FD266A75447" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_23C904B940A2803F61643FD266A37248" xlink:to="loc_bkd_PaymentsProceedsForLeaseTermination_CD568BDC60942751478F3FD266A75447" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNetNonmonetaryAssetsAcquiredLiabilitiesAssumed1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNetNonmonetaryAssetsAcquiredLiabilitiesAssumed1_7E2A98DB8D61C94E78583FD266A7EEDF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_23C904B940A2803F61643FD266A37248" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNetNonmonetaryAssetsAcquiredLiabilitiesAssumed1_7E2A98DB8D61C94E78583FD266A7EEDF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_5A20359942AE3FB1E5203FD266A8C8B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_23C904B940A2803F61643FD266A37248" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_5A20359942AE3FB1E5203FD266A8C8B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NoncashorPartNoncashAcquisitionConsiderationToJointVenture" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NoncashorPartNoncashAcquisitionConsiderationToJointVenture_D65BB6A9503A7488AC1B3FD266A86AE3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="24" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_23C904B940A2803F61643FD266A37248" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NoncashorPartNoncashAcquisitionConsiderationToJointVenture_D65BB6A9503A7488AC1B3FD266A86AE3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInterestInJointVenture" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInterestInJointVenture_0FBF7A83262F7CA160AD3FD266A838D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="25" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_23C904B940A2803F61643FD266A37248" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInterestInJointVenture_0FBF7A83262F7CA160AD3FD266A838D5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/SupplementalDisclosureOfCashFlowInformationSupplementalScheduleOfNonCashOperatingInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_665B9858216E4EF6DAA621BA81AD6934" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsTable_37B239F5A3E9A9F3902F21BA81A99EC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_665B9858216E4EF6DAA621BA81AD6934" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsTable_37B239F5A3E9A9F3902F21BA81A99EC1" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsByUniqueDescriptionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsByUniqueDescriptionAxis_A6617A3B8FF62E0E68AA21BA81A95D96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsTable_37B239F5A3E9A9F3902F21BA81A99EC1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsByUniqueDescriptionAxis_A6617A3B8FF62E0E68AA21BA81A95D96" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNameDomain_901828EE6BB98C865D6221BA81A9D59A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsByUniqueDescriptionAxis_A6617A3B8FF62E0E68AA21BA81A95D96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNameDomain_901828EE6BB98C865D6221BA81A9D59A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNameDomain_901828EE6BB98C865D6221BA81A9D59A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsByUniqueDescriptionAxis_A6617A3B8FF62E0E68AA21BA81A95D96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNameDomain_901828EE6BB98C865D6221BA81A9D59A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_PurchaseOfTreasuryStockMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_PurchaseOfTreasuryStockMember_70FF423C8393B848621C21BA81A9C008" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNameDomain_901828EE6BB98C865D6221BA81A9D59A" xlink:to="loc_bkd_PurchaseOfTreasuryStockMember_70FF423C8393B848621C21BA81A9C008" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupHeldforsaleNotDiscontinuedOperationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupHeldforsaleNotDiscontinuedOperationsMember_9DE2D4F78AA5E8D101A121BA81AD5768" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNameDomain_901828EE6BB98C865D6221BA81A9D59A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupHeldforsaleNotDiscontinuedOperationsMember_9DE2D4F78AA5E8D101A121BA81AD5768" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_NoncashLeaseTerminationAndModificationNetMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_NoncashLeaseTerminationAndModificationNetMember_DB006A36CE5C2161DADB21BA81ADD2F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNameDomain_901828EE6BB98C865D6221BA81A9D59A" xlink:to="loc_bkd_NoncashLeaseTerminationAndModificationNetMember_DB006A36CE5C2161DADB21BA81ADD2F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod_76AB4F3D859E710CC45C21BA81AD5FBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_665B9858216E4EF6DAA621BA81AD6934" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod_76AB4F3D859E710CC45C21BA81AD5FBC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable_554B096FB70DD2E4231C21BA81AD6347" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_665B9858216E4EF6DAA621BA81AD6934" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable_554B096FB70DD2E4231C21BA81AD6347" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets_E89FEBD15C25D721A07B21BA81AD7C4A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_665B9858216E4EF6DAA621BA81AD6934" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets_E89FEBD15C25D721A07B21BA81AD7C4A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAssetsHeldForSale" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAssetsHeldForSale_1ECF0FE561D199BBA36C21BA81AD696B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_665B9858216E4EF6DAA621BA81AD6934" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAssetsHeldForSale_1ECF0FE561D199BBA36C21BA81AD696B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNetNonmonetaryAssetsAcquiredLiabilitiesAssumed1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNetNonmonetaryAssetsAcquiredLiabilitiesAssumed1_DA44EC7FB741E452F5D121BA81ADEA8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_665B9858216E4EF6DAA621BA81AD6934" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionNetNonmonetaryAssetsAcquiredLiabilitiesAssumed1_DA44EC7FB741E452F5D121BA81ADEA8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_IncreaseDecreaseInPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndLeaseholdIntangiblesNet" xlink:label="loc_bkd_IncreaseDecreaseInPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndLeaseholdIntangiblesNet_501D5C968BE5A262B4A321BA81ADCCD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_665B9858216E4EF6DAA621BA81AD6934" xlink:to="loc_bkd_IncreaseDecreaseInPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndLeaseholdIntangiblesNet_501D5C968BE5A262B4A321BA81ADCCD9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsIncurred" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsIncurred_11920FCB7C3DA7DFAB7E21BA81AD7221" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_665B9858216E4EF6DAA621BA81AD6934" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsIncurred_11920FCB7C3DA7DFAB7E21BA81AD7221" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssets" xlink:label="loc_bkd_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssets_822415B78067415EDEB5221AEA0F2B64" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_665B9858216E4EF6DAA621BA81AD6934" xlink:to="loc_bkd_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssets_822415B78067415EDEB5221AEA0F2B64" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_OperatingLeaseObligation" xlink:label="loc_bkd_OperatingLeaseObligation_D8BADD5FCE1A095666D6221AEAC6727E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_665B9858216E4EF6DAA621BA81AD6934" xlink:to="loc_bkd_OperatingLeaseObligation_D8BADD5FCE1A095666D6221AEAC6727E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredLiabilities_B68DE2578D63B3A9E5B921BA81ADA48E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_665B9858216E4EF6DAA621BA81AD6934" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredLiabilities_B68DE2578D63B3A9E5B921BA81ADA48E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_bkd_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherLiabilities_6750D9018B2F849951FF21BA81ADB84E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_665B9858216E4EF6DAA621BA81AD6934" xlink:to="loc_bkd_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherLiabilities_6750D9018B2F849951FF21BA81ADB84E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1_0C5D20370343DC55437421BA81AD334B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_665B9858216E4EF6DAA621BA81AD6934" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1_0C5D20370343DC55437421BA81AD334B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnTerminationOfLease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnTerminationOfLease_8824B0B8D50A6F5705BA21BA81AD21D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_665B9858216E4EF6DAA621BA81AD6934" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnTerminationOfLease_8824B0B8D50A6F5705BA21BA81AD21D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_Net" xlink:label="loc_bkd_Net_0B596BC9874AC408419621BA81B36D1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionsLineItems_665B9858216E4EF6DAA621BA81AD6934" xlink:to="loc_bkd_Net_0B596BC9874AC408419621BA81B36D1F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/SupplementalDisclosureOfCashFlowInformationTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/ValuationAndQualifyingAccounts" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://brookdale.com/role/ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="loc_srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems_B307680330B7F0D801C430F1B954DA05" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable" xlink:label="loc_srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable_57674471F89236AE57DF30F1B9515217" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems_B307680330B7F0D801C430F1B954DA05" xlink:to="loc_srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable_57674471F89236AE57DF30F1B9515217" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_F4DBFFF581C9D4FBD26E30F1B9526D6C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable_57674471F89236AE57DF30F1B9515217" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_F4DBFFF581C9D4FBD26E30F1B9526D6C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_BC7C9F65080938089A0430F1B952E49F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_F4DBFFF581C9D4FBD26E30F1B9526D6C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_BC7C9F65080938089A0430F1B952E49F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_BC7C9F65080938089A0430F1B952E49F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_F4DBFFF581C9D4FBD26E30F1B9526D6C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_BC7C9F65080938089A0430F1B952E49F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member_74D6753DB6C251FF34EF30F3049AA3F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_BC7C9F65080938089A0430F1B952E49F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member_74D6753DB6C251FF34EF30F3049AA3F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member_CAE12B2AC634F5F8DE4D30F1B95268FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_BC7C9F65080938089A0430F1B952E49F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member_CAE12B2AC634F5F8DE4D30F1B95268FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis_2ED7D6E318FAE693B28A30F1B953F70B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable_57674471F89236AE57DF30F1B9515217" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis_2ED7D6E318FAE693B28A30F1B953F70B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_0EF5472A81E32A280FF230F1B9537518_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis_2ED7D6E318FAE693B28A30F1B953F70B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_0EF5472A81E32A280FF230F1B9537518_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_0EF5472A81E32A280FF230F1B9537518" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis_2ED7D6E318FAE693B28A30F1B953F70B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_0EF5472A81E32A280FF230F1B9537518" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForCreditLossMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForCreditLossMember_FB9A9096326DEB9DCB6E30F1B9531FFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_0EF5472A81E32A280FF230F1B9537518" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForCreditLossMember_FB9A9096326DEB9DCB6E30F1B9531FFE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceOfDeferredTaxAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceOfDeferredTaxAssetsMember_A84439448A94EEE7F8E930F1B953D884" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_0EF5472A81E32A280FF230F1B9537518" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceOfDeferredTaxAssetsMember_A84439448A94EEE7F8E930F1B953D884" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_D6398AA8EA8F90DA515A30F1B9544682" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable_57674471F89236AE57DF30F1B9515217" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_D6398AA8EA8F90DA515A30F1B9544682" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_519D853B578F40597E1030F1B9541609_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_D6398AA8EA8F90DA515A30F1B9544682" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_519D853B578F40597E1030F1B9541609_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_519D853B578F40597E1030F1B9541609" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_D6398AA8EA8F90DA515A30F1B9544682" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_519D853B578F40597E1030F1B9541609" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_FederalAndStateMember" xlink:label="loc_bkd_FederalAndStateMember_82C4C277C4A23085E77730F1B95475E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_519D853B578F40597E1030F1B9541609" xlink:to="loc_bkd_FederalAndStateMember_82C4C277C4A23085E77730F1B95475E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward_16FE42A90D0DC23EA10A30F1B954768D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems_B307680330B7F0D801C430F1B954DA05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward_16FE42A90D0DC23EA10A30F1B954768D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance_74EB1E066BC9B62B7B2F30F1B955E32A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward_16FE42A90D0DC23EA10A30F1B954768D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance_74EB1E066BC9B62B7B2F30F1B955E32A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense_1192C0E68492F32A16F930F1B955B838" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward_16FE42A90D0DC23EA10A30F1B954768D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense_1192C0E68492F32A16F930F1B955B838" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToOtherAccounts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToOtherAccounts_D6DE60C8E8E4116D363930F1B955F134" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward_16FE42A90D0DC23EA10A30F1B954768D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToOtherAccounts_D6DE60C8E8E4116D363930F1B955F134" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions_8A66951FBD9093D2368330F1B9552BCC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward_16FE42A90D0DC23EA10A30F1B954768D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions_8A66951FBD9093D2368330F1B9552BCC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HealthCareOrganizationAccountsReceivableDueFromThirdPartyPayorRetroactiveAdjustment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HealthCareOrganizationAccountsReceivableDueFromThirdPartyPayorRetroactiveAdjustment_CF1F1D14E69D8325A27B30F1B9566B56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems_B307680330B7F0D801C430F1B954DA05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HealthCareOrganizationAccountsReceivableDueFromThirdPartyPayorRetroactiveAdjustment_CF1F1D14E69D8325A27B30F1B9566B56" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount_45AE1ABED77254BB569930F1B956C97F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems_B307680330B7F0D801C430F1B954DA05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount_45AE1ABED77254BB569930F1B956C97F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardValuationAllowance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardValuationAllowance_CA9DCEABBB5F8624101030F1B956E2A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems_B307680330B7F0D801C430F1B954DA05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardValuationAllowance_CA9DCEABBB5F8624101030F1B956E2A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="bkd-20191231.xsd#bkd_TaxCutsAndJobsActOf2017IncompleteAccountingChangeInTaxRateDeferredTaxAssetProvisionalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_bkd_TaxCutsAndJobsActOf2017IncompleteAccountingChangeInTaxRateDeferredTaxAssetProvisionalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_EB871B2810E883B0D5FF30F1B956A10D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems_B307680330B7F0D801C430F1B954DA05" xlink:to="loc_bkd_TaxCutsAndJobsActOf2017IncompleteAccountingChangeInTaxRateDeferredTaxAssetProvisionalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_EB871B2810E883B0D5FF30F1B956A10D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
</link:linkbase>


