<?xml version="1.0" encoding="US-ASCII"?>
<!-- DFS Xcelerate Taxonomy Definition Linkbase - http://www.dfsco.com/financial-services/ -->
<!-- Version: 6.23.6 -->
<!-- Round: 6 -->
<!-- Creation date: 2018-05-03T20:47:22Z -->
<!-- Copyright (c) 2017 Donnelley Financial, LLC. All Rights Reserved. -->
<linkbase xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase"
  xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"
  xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"
  xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt"
  xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd">
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#DocumentandEntityInformation" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DocumentandEntityInformation"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#Role_StatementOfFinancialPositionUnclassified-RealEstateOperations" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfFinancialPositionUnclassified-RealEstateOperations"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#Role_StatementOfFinancialPositionUnclassified-RealEstateOperationsParen" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfFinancialPositionUnclassified-RealEstateOperationsParenthetical"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#Role_StatementOfIncomeAlternative" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfIncomeAlternative"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#Role_StatementOfCashFlowsIndirect" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfCashFlowsIndirect"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAdditionalInformation" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAdditionalInformation"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#DisclosureRevenuesRevenuesDisaggregatedByMajorSource" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRevenuesRevenuesDisaggregatedByMajorSource"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#DisclosureRevenuesHospitalitySegmentRevenuesDisaggregatedByLocation" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRevenuesHospitalitySegmentRevenuesDisaggregatedByLocation"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#DisclosureRevenuesAdditionalInformation" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRevenuesAdditionalInformation"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#DisclosureIncomePerShareWeightedAverageNumberOfCommonSharesOutstanding" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomePerShareWeightedAverageNumberOfCommonSharesOutstanding"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#DisclosureAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossSummaryOfChangesInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossByComponent" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossSummaryOfChangesInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossByComponent"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentPropertyAndEquipment" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentPropertyAndEquipment"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#DisclosureNotesReceivableAdditionalInformation" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNotesReceivableAdditionalInformation"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#DisclosureDebtSummaryOfDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDebtSummaryOfDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#DisclosureDebtSummaryOfDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsParenthetical" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDebtSummaryOfDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsParenthetical"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#DisclosureDebtAdditionalInformation" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDebtAdditionalInformation"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#DisclosureDeferredManagementRightsProceedsAdditionalInformation" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDeferredManagementRightsProceedsAdditionalInformation"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#DisclosureStockPlansAdditionalInformation" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureStockPlansAdditionalInformation"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#DisclosurePensionPlansNetPeriodicPensionIncomeExpense" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePensionPlansNetPeriodicPensionIncomeExpense"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#DisclosurePostretirementBenefitsOtherThanPensionNetPeriodicPensionAndPostretirementBenefitIncomeExpense" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePostretirementBenefitsOtherThanPensionNetPeriodicPensionAndPostretirementBenefitIncomeExpense"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#DisclosureIncomeTaxesAdditionalInformation" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesAdditionalInformation"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformation" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformation"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#DisclosureStockholdersEquityAdditionalInformation" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityAdditionalInformation"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsAssetsMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasis" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsAssetsMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasis"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#DisclosureFinancialReportingByBusinessSegmentsAdditionalInformation" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFinancialReportingByBusinessSegmentsAdditionalInformation"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#DisclosureFinancialReportingByBusinessSegmentsSegmentsInternalFinancialReports" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFinancialReportingByBusinessSegmentsSegmentsInternalFinancialReports"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#DisclosureInformationConcerningGuarantorAndNonGuarantorSubsidiariesAdditionalInformation" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInformationConcerningGuarantorAndNonGuarantorSubsidiariesAdditionalInformation"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#DisclosureInformationConcerningGuarantorAndNonGuarantorSubsidiariesCondensedConsolidatingBalanceSheet" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInformationConcerningGuarantorAndNonGuarantorSubsidiariesCondensedConsolidatingBalanceSheet"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#DisclosureInformationConcerningGuarantorAndNonGuarantorSubsidiariesCondensedConsolidatingStatementOfOperationsAndComprehensiveIncome" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInformationConcerningGuarantorAndNonGuarantorSubsidiariesCondensedConsolidatingStatementOfOperationsAndComprehensiveIncome"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#DisclosureInformationConcerningGuarantorAndNonGuarantorSubsidiariesCondensedConsolidatingStatementOfCashFlows" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInformationConcerningGuarantorAndNonGuarantorSubsidiariesCondensedConsolidatingStatementOfCashFlows"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsOrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsOrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsOrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlockPolicies" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsOrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlockPolicies"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsRevenueFromContractWithCustomerTextBlock" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsRevenueFromContractWithCustomerTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsRevenueFromContractWithCustomerTextBlockTables" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsRevenueFromContractWithCustomerTextBlockTables"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsEarningsPerShareTextBlock" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsEarningsPerShareTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsEarningsPerShareTextBlockTables" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsEarningsPerShareTextBlockTables"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsComprehensiveIncomeNoteTextBlock" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsComprehensiveIncomeNoteTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsComprehensiveIncomeNoteTextBlockTables" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsComprehensiveIncomeNoteTextBlockTables"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlockTables" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlockTables"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsLoansNotesTradeAndOtherReceivablesDisclosureTextBlock" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsLoansNotesTradeAndOtherReceivablesDisclosureTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsDebtDisclosureTextBlock" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsDebtDisclosureTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsDebtDisclosureTextBlockTables" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsDebtDisclosureTextBlockTables"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsDeferredRevenueDisclosureTextBlock" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsDeferredRevenueDisclosureTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsDisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsDisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsDisclosureTextBlock" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsDisclosureTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsDisclosureTextBlockTables" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsDisclosureTextBlockTables"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsIncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsIncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsCommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsCommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsStockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsStockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsFairValueDisclosuresTextBlock" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsFairValueDisclosuresTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsFairValueDisclosuresTextBlockTables" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsFairValueDisclosuresTextBlockTables"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsSegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsSegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsSegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlockTables" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsSegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlockTables"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsCondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsCondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsCondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlockTables" roleURI="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsCondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlockTables"/>
  <arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all"/>
  <arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default"/>
  <arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain"/>
  <arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member"/>
  <arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension"/>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DocumentandEntityInformation">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfFinancialPositionUnclassified-RealEstateOperations">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfFinancialPositionUnclassified-RealEstateOperationsParenthetical">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfIncomeAlternative">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfCashFlowsIndirect">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAdditionalInformation">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:label="rhp_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentageToBePurchased" xlink:label="rhp_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentageToBePurchased"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_GaylordRockiesResortAndConventionCenterMember" xlink:label="rhp_GaylordRockiesResortAndConventionCenterMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleCumulativeEffectOfChangeOnEquityOrNetAssets1" xlink:label="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleCumulativeEffectOfChangeOnEquityOrNetAssets1"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_OpryCityStageMember" xlink:label="rhp_OpryCityStageMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTable" xlink:label="rhp_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_PercentOwnedSubsidiaries" xlink:label="rhp_PercentOwnedSubsidiaries"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_2"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="rhp_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="rhp_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="rhp_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="rhp_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="rhp_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentageToBePurchased" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="rhp_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="rhp_PercentOwnedSubsidiaries" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="rhp_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleCumulativeEffectOfChangeOnEquityOrNetAssets1" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:to="rhp_GaylordRockiesResortAndConventionCenterMember" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:to="rhp_OpryCityStageMember" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="rhp_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="rhp_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" order="2.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="rhp_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" order="3.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRevenuesRevenuesDisaggregatedByMajorSource">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_EntertainmentAdmissionsAndTicketingMember" xlink:label="rhp_EntertainmentAdmissionsAndTicketingMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_EntertainmentFoodAndBeverageMember" xlink:label="rhp_EntertainmentFoodAndBeverageMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_EntertainmentRetailAndOtherMember" xlink:label="rhp_EntertainmentRetailAndOtherMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_HotelFoodAndBeverageBanquetsMember" xlink:label="rhp_HotelFoodAndBeverageBanquetsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_HotelFoodAndBeverageOutletsMember" xlink:label="rhp_HotelFoodAndBeverageOutletsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_HotelGroupRoomsMember" xlink:label="rhp_HotelGroupRoomsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_HotelTransientRoomsMember" xlink:label="rhp_HotelTransientRoomsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_OtherHotelMember" xlink:label="rhp_OtherHotelMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="us-gaap_Revenues"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Revenues" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="rhp_HotelGroupRoomsMember" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="rhp_HotelTransientRoomsMember" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="rhp_HotelFoodAndBeverageBanquetsMember" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="rhp_HotelFoodAndBeverageOutletsMember" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="rhp_OtherHotelMember" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="rhp_EntertainmentAdmissionsAndTicketingMember" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="rhp_EntertainmentFoodAndBeverageMember" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="rhp_EntertainmentRetailAndOtherMember" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRevenuesHospitalitySegmentRevenuesDisaggregatedByLocation">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_AcHotelMember" xlink:label="rhp_AcHotelMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_GaylordNationalMember" xlink:label="rhp_GaylordNationalMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_GaylordOprylandMember" xlink:label="rhp_GaylordOprylandMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_GaylordPalmsMember" xlink:label="rhp_GaylordPalmsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_GaylordTexanMember" xlink:label="rhp_GaylordTexanMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_HospitalityMember" xlink:label="rhp_HospitalityMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_InnAtOprylandMember" xlink:label="rhp_InnAtOprylandMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="us-gaap_Revenues"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Revenues" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis" order="2.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" order="3.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain" xlink:to="rhp_GaylordOprylandMember" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain" xlink:to="rhp_GaylordPalmsMember" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain" xlink:to="rhp_GaylordTexanMember" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain" xlink:to="rhp_GaylordNationalMember" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain" xlink:to="rhp_AcHotelMember" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationNameOfPropertyDomain" xlink:to="rhp_InnAtOprylandMember" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="rhp_HospitalityMember" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRevenuesAdditionalInformation">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomePerShareWeightedAverageNumberOfCommonSharesOutstanding">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossSummaryOfChangesInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossByComponent">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsBeforeTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansBeforeTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsBeforeTax" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansBeforeTax" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTax" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentMember" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentPropertyAndEquipment">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BuildingMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_BuildingMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LandAndLandImprovementsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_LandAndLandImprovementsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_LandAndLandImprovementsMember" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_BuildingMember" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNotesReceivableAdditionalInformation">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivablesByIndustryOfCounterpartyTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivablesByIndustryOfCounterpartyTypeAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_BondSeriesThreeMember" xlink:label="rhp_BondSeriesThreeMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_BondSeriesTwoMember" xlink:label="rhp_BondSeriesTwoMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndustryOfCounterpartyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_IndustryOfCounterpartyDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndustryOfCounterpartyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_IndustryOfCounterpartyDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_NationalBondsMember" xlink:label="rhp_NationalBondsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromCollectionOfNotesReceivable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromCollectionOfNotesReceivable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivableWithImputedInterestDueDates" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReceivableWithImputedInterestDueDates"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReceivableWithImputedInterestDueDates" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromCollectionOfNotesReceivable" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivablesByIndustryOfCounterpartyTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IndustryOfCounterpartyDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivablesByIndustryOfCounterpartyTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IndustryOfCounterpartyDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IndustryOfCounterpartyDomain" xlink:to="rhp_BondSeriesTwoMember" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IndustryOfCounterpartyDomain" xlink:to="rhp_BondSeriesThreeMember" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:to="rhp_NationalBondsMember" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivablesByIndustryOfCounterpartyTypeAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" order="2.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDebtSummaryOfDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_FiveHundredMillionTermLoanBMember" xlink:label="rhp_FiveHundredMillionTermLoanBMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_FourHundredMillionFivePercentSeniorNoteMember" xlink:label="rhp_FourHundredMillionFivePercentSeniorNoteMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_ThreeHundredAndFiftyMillionSeniorNotesAtFivePercentMember" xlink:label="rhp_ThreeHundredAndFiftyMillionSeniorNotesAtFivePercentMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_TwoHundredMillionTermLoanAMember" xlink:label="rhp_TwoHundredMillionTermLoanAMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="rhp_TwoHundredMillionTermLoanAMember" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="rhp_FiveHundredMillionTermLoanBMember" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="rhp_ThreeHundredAndFiftyMillionSeniorNotesAtFivePercentMember" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="rhp_FourHundredMillionFivePercentSeniorNoteMember" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" order="2.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" order="3.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsMember" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDebtSummaryOfDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsParenthetical">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_FiveHundredMillionTermLoanBMember" xlink:label="rhp_FiveHundredMillionTermLoanBMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_FourHundredMillionFivePercentSeniorNoteMember" xlink:label="rhp_FourHundredMillionFivePercentSeniorNoteMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_ThreeHundredAndFiftyMillionSeniorNotesAtFivePercentMember" xlink:label="rhp_ThreeHundredAndFiftyMillionSeniorNotesAtFivePercentMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_TwoHundredMillionTermLoanAMember" xlink:label="rhp_TwoHundredMillionTermLoanAMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" order="1.1000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" order="1.1100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" order="1.1200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="rhp_TwoHundredMillionTermLoanAMember" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="rhp_FiveHundredMillionTermLoanBMember" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="rhp_ThreeHundredAndFiftyMillionSeniorNotesAtFivePercentMember" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="rhp_FourHundredMillionFivePercentSeniorNoteMember" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" order="2.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDebtAdditionalInformation">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_FiveHundredMillionTermLoanBMember" xlink:label="rhp_FiveHundredMillionTermLoanBMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_PercentageOfAmortizationOfPrincipalAmountOfTermLoanFacility" xlink:label="rhp_PercentageOfAmortizationOfPrincipalAmountOfTermLoanFacility"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="rhp_PercentageOfAmortizationOfPrincipalAmountOfTermLoanFacility" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="rhp_FiveHundredMillionTermLoanBMember" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDeferredManagementRightsProceedsAdditionalInformation">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureStockPlansAdditionalInformation">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePensionPlansNetPeriodicPensionIncomeExpense">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePostretirementBenefitsOtherThanPensionNetPeriodicPensionAndPostretirementBenefitIncomeExpense">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesAdditionalInformation">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_IncomeTaxDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="rhp_IncomeTaxDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_IncomeTaxDisclosureTable" xlink:label="rhp_IncomeTaxDisclosureTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioPlanMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioPlanMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="rhp_IncomeTaxDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="rhp_IncomeTaxDisclosureTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="rhp_IncomeTaxDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="rhp_IncomeTaxDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="rhp_IncomeTaxDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="rhp_IncomeTaxDisclosureTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioPlanMember" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformation">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConstructionLoan" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConstructionLoan"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_ContingenciesAndCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:label="rhp_ContingenciesAndCommitmentsLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_ContingenciesAndCommitmentsTable" xlink:label="rhp_ContingenciesAndCommitmentsTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_EstimatedGuaranteeObligationsExposureUnderInterestAccrual" xlink:label="rhp_EstimatedGuaranteeObligationsExposureUnderInterestAccrual"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_GaylordRockiesResortAndConventionCenterMember" xlink:label="rhp_GaylordRockiesResortAndConventionCenterMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsCurrentCarryingValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsCurrentCarryingValue"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_GuaranteeObligationsExposureOnFinalMilestone" xlink:label="rhp_GuaranteeObligationsExposureOnFinalMilestone"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_GuaranteeObligationsExposureOnFirstMilestone" xlink:label="rhp_GuaranteeObligationsExposureOnFirstMilestone"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_GuaranteeObligationsExposureUnderMezzanine" xlink:label="rhp_GuaranteeObligationsExposureUnderMezzanine"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure" xlink:label="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="rhp_ContingenciesAndCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:to="rhp_ContingenciesAndCommitmentsTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="rhp_ContingenciesAndCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="rhp_ContingenciesAndCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="rhp_ContingenciesAndCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConstructionLoan" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="rhp_ContingenciesAndCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:to="rhp_GuaranteeObligationsExposureOnFirstMilestone" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="rhp_ContingenciesAndCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:to="rhp_GuaranteeObligationsExposureOnFinalMilestone" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="rhp_ContingenciesAndCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:to="rhp_EstimatedGuaranteeObligationsExposureUnderInterestAccrual" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="rhp_ContingenciesAndCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:to="rhp_GuaranteeObligationsExposureUnderMezzanine" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="rhp_ContingenciesAndCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsCurrentCarryingValue" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="rhp_ContingenciesAndCommitmentsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:to="rhp_GaylordRockiesResortAndConventionCenterMember" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityAdditionalInformation">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsAssetsMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasis">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationPlanAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredCompensationPlanAssets"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredCompensationPlanAssets" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFinancialReportingByBusinessSegmentsAdditionalInformation">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFinancialReportingByBusinessSegmentsSegmentsInternalFinancialReports">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_EntertainmentMember" xlink:label="rhp_EntertainmentMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_HospitalityMember" xlink:label="rhp_HospitalityMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpense"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreOpeningCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreOpeningCosts"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="us-gaap_Revenues"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" order="1.1000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" order="1.1100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" order="2.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="rhp_HospitalityMember" order="1.1200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="rhp_EntertainmentMember" order="1.1300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Revenues" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreOpeningCosts" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestExpense" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInformationConcerningGuarantorAndNonGuarantorSubsidiariesAdditionalInformation">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_CompanyOwnershipPercentageOfSubsidiary" xlink:label="rhp_CompanyOwnershipPercentageOfSubsidiary"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_FourHundredMillionFivePercentSeniorNoteMember" xlink:label="rhp_FourHundredMillionFivePercentSeniorNoteMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_NumberOfWhollyOwnedSubsidiaries" xlink:label="rhp_NumberOfWhollyOwnedSubsidiaries"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_ThreeHundredAndFiftyMillionSeniorNotesAtFivePercentMember" xlink:label="rhp_ThreeHundredAndFiftyMillionSeniorNotesAtFivePercentMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="rhp_NumberOfWhollyOwnedSubsidiaries" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="rhp_CompanyOwnershipPercentageOfSubsidiary" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="rhp_ThreeHundredAndFiftyMillionSeniorNotesAtFivePercentMember" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="rhp_FourHundredMillionFivePercentSeniorNoteMember" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInformationConcerningGuarantorAndNonGuarantorSubsidiariesCondensedConsolidatingBalanceSheet">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNet"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="us-gaap_Assets"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockValue"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredGainOnSaleOfProperty" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredGainOnSaleOfProperty"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_DividendsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueFromAffiliates" xlink:label="us-gaap_DueFromAffiliates"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_InvestmentInAffiliatedCompanies" xlink:label="rhp_InvestmentInAffiliatedCompanies"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesReceivableNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_NotesReceivableNet"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLiabilities"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockValue"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentsJointVentures" xlink:label="us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentsJointVentures"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents" order="1.1000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NotesReceivableNet" order="1.1100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentsJointVentures" order="1.1200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNet" order="1.1300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet" order="1.1400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets" order="1.1500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DueFromAffiliates" order="1.1600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="rhp_InvestmentInAffiliatedCompanies" order="1.1700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_Assets" order="1.1800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" order="1.1900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" order="1.2000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DividendsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent" order="1.2100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredGainOnSaleOfProperty" order="1.2200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherLiabilities" order="1.2300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" order="1.2400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" order="1.2500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract" order="1.2600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" order="1.2700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" order="2.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" order="1.2800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockValue" order="1.2900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital" order="1.3000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue" order="1.3100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" order="1.3200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" order="1.3300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNumberOfSharesParValueAndOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" order="1.3400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInformationConcerningGuarantorAndNonGuarantorSubsidiariesCondensedConsolidatingStatementOfOperationsAndComprehensiveIncome">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_CorporateOverheadAllocation" xlink:label="rhp_CorporateOverheadAllocation"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DirectCostsOfHotels" xlink:label="us-gaap_DirectCostsOfHotels"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_EntertainmentExpenses" xlink:label="rhp_EntertainmentExpenses"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="rhp-20180331.xsd#rhp_EntertainmentRevenue" xlink:label="rhp_EntertainmentRevenue"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FoodAndBeverageCostOfSales" xlink:label="us-gaap_FoodAndBeverageCostOfSales"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FoodAndBeverageRevenue" xlink:label="us-gaap_FoodAndBeverageRevenue"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromSubsidiariesNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromSubsidiariesNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpense"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OccupancyCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_OccupancyCosts"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OccupancyRevenue" xlink:label="us-gaap_OccupancyRevenue"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherDirectCostsOfHotels" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherDirectCostsOfHotels"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherHotelOperatingRevenue" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherHotelOperatingRevenue"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OwnedPropertyManagementCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_OwnedPropertyManagementCosts"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreOpeningCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreOpeningCosts"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="us-gaap_Revenues"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" order="1.2600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" order="1.2700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" order="1.2800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" order="1.2900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember" order="1.3000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" order="1.3100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember" order="1.3200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember" order="1.3300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OccupancyCosts" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FoodAndBeverageCostOfSales" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherDirectCostsOfHotels" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OwnedPropertyManagementCosts" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DirectCostsOfHotels" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="rhp_EntertainmentExpenses" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreOpeningCosts" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="rhp_CorporateOverheadAllocation" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" order="1.1000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" order="1.1100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" order="1.1200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestExpense" order="1.1300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest" order="1.1400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" order="1.1500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" order="1.1600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" order="1.1700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" order="1.1800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromSubsidiariesNetOfTax" order="1.1900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" order="1.2000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OccupancyRevenue" order="1.2100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FoodAndBeverageRevenue" order="1.2200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherHotelOperatingRevenue" order="1.2300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="rhp_EntertainmentRevenue" order="1.2400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_Revenues" order="1.2500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" order="2.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInformationConcerningGuarantorAndNonGuarantorSubsidiariesCondensedConsolidatingStatementOfCashFlows">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForCapitalImprovements" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsForCapitalImprovements"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInterestInJointVenture" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInterestInJointVenture"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherInvestments" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherInvestments"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfFirstMortgageBond" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfFirstMortgageBond"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfSecuredDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfSecuredDebt"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsForCapitalImprovements" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInterestInJointVenture" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherInvestments" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfFirstMortgageBond" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfSecuredDebt" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" order="1.1000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities" order="1.1100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" order="1.1200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect" order="1.1300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" order="1.1400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" order="1.1600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember" order="1.1700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" order="1.1800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember" order="1.1900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsOrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsOrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlockPolicies">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsRevenueFromContractWithCustomerTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsRevenueFromContractWithCustomerTextBlockTables">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsEarningsPerShareTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsEarningsPerShareTextBlockTables">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsComprehensiveIncomeNoteTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsComprehensiveIncomeNoteTextBlockTables">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlockTables">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsLoansNotesTradeAndOtherReceivablesDisclosureTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsDebtDisclosureTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsDebtDisclosureTextBlockTables">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsDeferredRevenueDisclosureTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsDisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsDisclosureTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsDisclosureTextBlockTables">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfNetBenefitCostsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfNetBenefitCostsTableTextBlock"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfNetBenefitCostsTableTextBlock" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsIncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsCommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsStockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsFairValueDisclosuresTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsFairValueDisclosuresTextBlockTables">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsSegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsSegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlockTables">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsCondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.rymanhp.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsCondensedFinancialStatementsTextBlockTables">
  </definitionLink>
</linkbase>
