<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?>
<!-- DFIN ActiveDisclosure(SM) XBRL Linkbase Document - http://www.dfinsolutions.com/ -->
<!-- Creation Date      : 2022-08-07T21:19:13.8187919+00:00 -->
<!-- Version            : 5.0.1.747 -->
<!-- Package ID         : 658bcb3dbfe94e868f4f8532a7589b76 -->
<!-- Copyright (c) 2022 Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc. All Rights Reserved. -->
<link:linkbase xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd">
  <link:arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" />
  <link: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" />
  <link: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" />
  <link: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" />
  <link: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" />
  <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#TemplateLink" roleURI="http://www.uhsinc.com/20220630/role/TemplateLink" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uhsinc.com/20220630/taxonomy/role/DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#Role_DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uhsinc.com/20220630/taxonomy/role/DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_DocumentTransitionReport" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_DocumentTransitionReport" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_Security12bTitle" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_Security12bTitle" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_SecurityExchangeName" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_SecurityExchangeName" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_LocalPhoneNumber" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_LocalPhoneNumber" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_CityAreaCode" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_CityAreaCode" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityAddressAddressLine2" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressAddressLine2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityFileNumber" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityFileNumber" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityShellCompany" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityShellCompany" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntitySmallBusiness" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntitySmallBusiness" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityFilerCategory" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityRegistrantName" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_TradingSymbol" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_TradingSymbol" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_AmendmentFlag" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_DocumentType" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_DocumentType" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_CommonClassDMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_CommonClassDMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassCMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonClassCMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_DocumentInformationTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_DocumentInformationTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentInformationTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonClassCMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="uhs_CommonClassDMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentType" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_AmendmentFlag" order="10200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" order="10220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" order="10240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" order="10260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_TradingSymbol" order="10280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityRegistrantName" order="10300.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" order="10320.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityFilerCategory" order="10360.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntitySmallBusiness" order="10380.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" order="10400.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" order="10420.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" order="10500.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityShellCompany" order="10520.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityFileNumber" order="10540.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" order="10560.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber" order="10580.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1" order="10600.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityAddressAddressLine2" order="10620.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown" order="10640.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince" order="10660.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode" order="10680.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_CityAreaCode" order="10700.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_LocalPhoneNumber" order="10720.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent" order="10740.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_SecurityExchangeName" order="10760.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_Security12bTitle" order="10780.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport" order="10800.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentTransitionReport" order="10820.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uhsinc.com/20220630/taxonomy/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInEquity" xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#Role_StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInEquity" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uhsinc.com/20220630/taxonomy/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInEquity">
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToRedeemableNonControllingInterest" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToRedeemableNonControllingInterest" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxExcludingPortionAttributableToRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxExcludingPortionAttributableToRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_NetIncomeExcludingRedeemableNoncontrollingInterests" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_NetIncomeExcludingRedeemableNoncontrollingInterests" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_PurchaseSaleOfOwnershipInterestsByFromMinorityMembers" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_PurchaseSaleOfOwnershipInterestsByFromMinorityMembers" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseDecreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseDecreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_StockOptionExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_StockOptionExpense" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_Dividends" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_Dividends" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_RestrictedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_RestrictedShareBasedCompensationExpense" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromExerciseOfStockOptions" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromExerciseOfStockOptions" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_CommonStockAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_CommonStockAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_CommonClassDMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_CommonClassDMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassCMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonClassCMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_RedeemableInterestMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_RedeemableInterestMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ParentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ParentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAppropriatedMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAppropriatedMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsUnappropriatedMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsUnappropriatedMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsUnappropriatedMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAppropriatedMember" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ParentMember" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" order="10300.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="uhs_RedeemableInterestMember" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonClassAMember" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonClassBMember" order="10390.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonClassCMember" order="10410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="uhs_CommonClassDMember" order="10430.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" order="10820.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount" order="10840.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_CommonStockAbstract" order="11060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromExerciseOfStockOptions" order="11540.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue" order="11780.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_RestrictedShareBasedCompensationExpense" order="12020.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Dividends" order="12260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_StockOptionExpense" order="12500.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders" order="12740.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseDecreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance" order="12980.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_PurchaseSaleOfOwnershipInterestsByFromMinorityMembers" order="13220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract" order="13460.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract" xlink:to="uhs_NetIncomeExcludingRedeemableNoncontrollingInterests" order="13940.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" order="14180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract" xlink:to="uhs_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxExcludingPortionAttributableToRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest" order="14420.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAbstract" xlink:to="uhs_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToRedeemableNonControllingInterest" order="14440.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uhsinc.com/20220630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureGeneralAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#Role_DisclosureGeneralAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uhsinc.com/20220630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureGeneralAdditionalInformationDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_MedicareAcceleratedPaymentsReceived" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_MedicareAcceleratedPaymentsReceived" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_ReturnOfFundsByCARESActToGovernment" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_ReturnOfFundsByCARESActToGovernment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_AdditionalFundsReceivedFromGovernmentByCARESAct" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_AdditionalFundsReceivedFromGovernmentByCARESAct" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_MedicareAcceleratedAndAdvancePaymentProgramMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_MedicareAcceleratedAndAdvancePaymentProgramMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_DisclosureOfGeneralInformationTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_DisclosureOfGeneralInformationTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_DisclosureOfGeneralInformationLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_DisclosureOfGeneralInformationLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="uhs_DisclosureOfGeneralInformationLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_DisclosureOfGeneralInformationTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="uhs_DisclosureOfGeneralInformationTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain" xlink:to="uhs_MedicareAcceleratedAndAdvancePaymentProgramMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="uhs_DisclosureOfGeneralInformationLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_AdditionalFundsReceivedFromGovernmentByCARESAct" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="uhs_DisclosureOfGeneralInformationLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_ReturnOfFundsByCARESActToGovernment" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="uhs_DisclosureOfGeneralInformationLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_MedicareAcceleratedPaymentsReceived" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uhsinc.com/20220630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRelationshipWithUniversalHealthRealtyIncomeTrustAndOtherRelatedPartyTransactionsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#Role_DisclosureRelationshipWithUniversalHealthRealtyIncomeTrustAndOtherRelatedPartyTransactionsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uhsinc.com/20220630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRelationshipWithUniversalHealthRealtyIncomeTrustAndOtherRelatedPartyTransactionsAdditionalInformationDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeDividend" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeDividend" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriodEndYear" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriodEndYear" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriodStartYear" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriodStartYear" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireLifeInsurancePolicies" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireLifeInsurancePolicies" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_EstimatedProceedsFromLifeInsurancePolicies" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_EstimatedProceedsFromLifeInsurancePolicies" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_EstimatedPaymentsToAcquireLifeInsurancePolicies" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_EstimatedPaymentsToAcquireLifeInsurancePolicies" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_PercentageOfMasterLeaseRentableSquareFeetOfMedicalOfficeBuilding" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_PercentageOfMasterLeaseRentableSquareFeetOfMedicalOfficeBuilding" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_NumberOfBedsAvailableInAcuteCareHospital" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_NumberOfBedsAvailableInAcuteCareHospital" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_NumberOfSquareFeetToBeConstructedInMedicalOfficeBuilding" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_NumberOfSquareFeetToBeConstructedInMedicalOfficeBuilding" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_NumberOfFreestandingEmergencyDepartmentsToBeAcquiredInBusinessAcquisition" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_NumberOfFreestandingEmergencyDepartmentsToBeAcquiredInBusinessAcquisition" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_NumberOfBedsAvailableInBehavioralHealthCareFacility" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_NumberOfBedsAvailableInBehavioralHealthCareFacility" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_PeriodOfRightsOfRefusalToLeasedFacilities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_PeriodOfRightsOfRefusalToLeasedFacilities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_NoticePeriodOnRenewalOfLease" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_NoticePeriodOnRenewalOfLease" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_NumberOfHospitalFacilities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_NumberOfHospitalFacilities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_FinancialLiabilityFromFairValueOfRealEstateAssetsExchanged" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_FinancialLiabilityFromFairValueOfRealEstateAssetsExchanged" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_NumberOfFacilitiesLeased" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_NumberOfFacilitiesLeased" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLeaseIncome" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLeaseIncome" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_LeaseRentReceivable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_LeaseRentReceivable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRealEstate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRealEstate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_FairMarketValueOfRealEstateAssetsSold" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_FairMarketValueOfRealEstateAssetsSold" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_FairMarketValueOfRealEstateAssetsReceived" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_FairMarketValueOfRealEstateAssetsReceived" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentQuotedMarketValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentQuotedMarketValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromDividendsReceived" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromDividendsReceived" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionOtherRevenuesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionOtherRevenuesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_PercentageOfAdvisoryFeeOnAverageInvestedRealEstateAssets" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_PercentageOfAdvisoryFeeOnAverageInvestedRealEstateAssets" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_GroupPurchasingOrganizationAgreementMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_GroupPurchasingOrganizationAgreementMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_PremierIncMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_PremierIncMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ScenarioForecastMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ScenarioForecastMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_TrustOwnedByChiefExecutiveOfficerMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_TrustOwnedByChiefExecutiveOfficerMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ChiefExecutiveOfficerMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ChiefExecutiveOfficerMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_LimitedLiabilityCompaniesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_LimitedLiabilityCompaniesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_OwnershipDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_OwnershipDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_OwnershipAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_OwnershipAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_BehavioralHealthCareFacilityMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_BehavioralHealthCareFacilityMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_CliveIowaMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_CliveIowaMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_BonusRentalMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_BonusRentalMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseContractualTermDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeaseContractualTermDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseContractualTermDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeaseContractualTermDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseContractualTermAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeaseContractualTermAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_TempleTexasMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_TempleTexasMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_AikenSouthCarolinaMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_AikenSouthCarolinaMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_WildomarCaliforniaMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_WildomarCaliforniaMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_AikenRegionalMedicalCenterAndCanyonCreekBehavioralHealthMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_AikenRegionalMedicalCenterAndCanyonCreekBehavioralHealthMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_CanyonCreekBehavioralHealthMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_CanyonCreekBehavioralHealthMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_AikenRegionalMedicalCenterMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_AikenRegionalMedicalCenterMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_InlandValleyCampusOfSouthwestHealthcareSystemMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_InlandValleyCampusOfSouthwestHealthcareSystemMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_SubsidiariesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_SubsidiariesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_AssetPurchaseAndSaleAgreementMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_AssetPurchaseAndSaleAgreementMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentAdviceMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentAdviceMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_UniversalHealthRealtyIncomeTrustMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_UniversalHealthRealtyIncomeTrustMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="uhs_UniversalHealthRealtyIncomeTrustMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:to="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_2" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentAdviceMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" order="10320.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_2" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="uhs_AssetPurchaseAndSaleAgreementMember" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" order="10640.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_2" order="10650.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" order="10670.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:to="srt_SubsidiariesMember" order="10690.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:to="srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis" order="10800.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis" xlink:to="srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain_2" order="10810.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis" xlink:to="srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain" order="10830.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain" xlink:to="uhs_InlandValleyCampusOfSouthwestHealthcareSystemMember" order="10850.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain" xlink:to="uhs_AikenRegionalMedicalCenterMember" order="10870.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain" xlink:to="uhs_CanyonCreekBehavioralHealthMember" order="10890.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNamePropertyTypeDomain" xlink:to="uhs_AikenRegionalMedicalCenterAndCanyonCreekBehavioralHealthMember" order="10910.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:to="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" order="10940.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_2" order="10950.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" order="10970.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="uhs_WildomarCaliforniaMember" order="10990.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="uhs_AikenSouthCarolinaMember" order="11010.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="uhs_TempleTexasMember" order="11030.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LeaseContractualTermAxis" order="11260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeaseContractualTermAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LeaseContractualTermDomain_2" order="11270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeaseContractualTermAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LeaseContractualTermDomain" order="11290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeaseContractualTermDomain" xlink:to="uhs_BonusRentalMember" order="11310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="uhs_CliveIowaMember" order="11650.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" order="11720.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2" order="11730.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link: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="11750.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="uhs_BehavioralHealthCareFacilityMember" order="11770.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" order="11840.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember_2" order="11850.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" order="11870.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" order="11890.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" order="11910.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:to="srt_OwnershipAxis" order="12020.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_OwnershipAxis" xlink:to="srt_OwnershipDomain_2" order="12030.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_OwnershipAxis" xlink:to="srt_OwnershipDomain" order="12050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:to="uhs_LimitedLiabilityCompaniesMember" order="12070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:to="srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" order="12300.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:to="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_2" order="12310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:to="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" order="12330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:to="srt_ChiefExecutiveOfficerMember" order="12350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="12360.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain_2" order="12370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="12390.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="uhs_TrustOwnedByChiefExecutiveOfficerMember" order="12410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:to="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" order="12420.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_2" order="12430.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="12450.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="srt_ScenarioForecastMember" order="12470.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="uhs_PremierIncMember" order="12610.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" order="12720.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_2" order="12730.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" order="12750.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseMember" order="12770.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="uhs_GroupPurchasingOrganizationAgreementMember" order="12830.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" order="12900.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2" order="12910.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" order="12930.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" order="12950.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" order="13040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" order="13140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_PercentageOfAdvisoryFeeOnAverageInvestedRealEstateAssets" order="13240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionOtherRevenuesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty" order="13370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromDividendsReceived" order="13470.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" order="13570.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentQuotedMarketValue" order="13670.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_FairMarketValueOfRealEstateAssetsReceived" order="13800.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_FairMarketValueOfRealEstateAssetsSold" order="13820.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfRealEstate" order="13900.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_LeaseRentReceivable" order="13950.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLeaseIncome" order="14010.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_NumberOfFacilitiesLeased" order="14070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_FinancialLiabilityFromFairValueOfRealEstateAssetsExchanged" order="14160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense" order="14210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_NumberOfHospitalFacilities" order="14290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_NoticePeriodOnRenewalOfLease" order="14400.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_PeriodOfRightsOfRefusalToLeasedFacilities" order="14480.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_NumberOfBedsAvailableInBehavioralHealthCareFacility" order="14560.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_NumberOfFreestandingEmergencyDepartmentsToBeAcquiredInBusinessAcquisition" order="14910.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent" order="14930.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_NumberOfSquareFeetToBeConstructedInMedicalOfficeBuilding" order="15000.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_NumberOfBedsAvailableInAcuteCareHospital" order="15020.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_PercentageOfMasterLeaseRentableSquareFeetOfMedicalOfficeBuilding" order="15040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_EstimatedPaymentsToAcquireLifeInsurancePolicies" order="15110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_EstimatedProceedsFromLifeInsurancePolicies" order="15270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireLifeInsurancePolicies" order="15350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" order="15460.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriodStartYear" order="15580.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriodEndYear" order="15700.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" order="15820.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeDividend" order="15940.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uhsinc.com/20220630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfDetailsOfHospitalsLeasedFromTrustDetail" xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#Role_DisclosureSummaryOfDetailsOfHospitalsLeasedFromTrustDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uhsinc.com/20220630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfDetailsOfHospitalsLeasedFromTrustDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_LeaseExpirationPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_LeaseExpirationPeriod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_LeaseExpirationMonthAndYear" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_LeaseExpirationMonthAndYear" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_CliveBehavioralHealthHospitalMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_CliveBehavioralHealthHospitalMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_CanyonCreekBehavioralHealthMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_CanyonCreekBehavioralHealthMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_AikenRegionalMedicalCenterAuroraPavilionBehavioralHealthServicesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_AikenRegionalMedicalCenterAuroraPavilionBehavioralHealthServicesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_WellingtonRegionalMedicalCenterMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_WellingtonRegionalMedicalCenterMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_McAllenMedicalCenterMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_McAllenMedicalCenterMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_MajorPropertyClassDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MajorPropertyClassDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_MajorPropertyClassDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MajorPropertyClassDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_MajorPropertyClassAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MajorPropertyClassAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseByMajorPropertyClassTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseByMajorPropertyClassTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseByMajorPropertyClassTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseByMajorPropertyClassTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_MajorPropertyClassAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorPropertyClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_MajorPropertyClassDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorPropertyClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_MajorPropertyClassDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorPropertyClassDomain" xlink:to="uhs_McAllenMedicalCenterMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorPropertyClassDomain" xlink:to="uhs_WellingtonRegionalMedicalCenterMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorPropertyClassDomain" xlink:to="uhs_AikenRegionalMedicalCenterAuroraPavilionBehavioralHealthServicesMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorPropertyClassDomain" xlink:to="uhs_CanyonCreekBehavioralHealthMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorPropertyClassDomain" xlink:to="uhs_CliveBehavioralHealthHospitalMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense" order="10200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_LeaseExpirationMonthAndYear" order="10320.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_LeaseExpirationPeriod" order="10440.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uhsinc.com/20220630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfDetailsOfHospitalsLeasedFromTrustParentheticalDetail" xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#Role_DisclosureSummaryOfDetailsOfHospitalsLeasedFromTrustParentheticalDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uhsinc.com/20220630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfDetailsOfHospitalsLeasedFromTrustParentheticalDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_NumberOfLeaseRenewalOptionExercised" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_NumberOfLeaseRenewalOptionExercised" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_OperatingLeasesAdditionalRenewalOptionsAtFairMarketValueLeaseRatesExpirationYear" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_OperatingLeasesAdditionalRenewalOptionsAtFairMarketValueLeaseRatesExpirationYear" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_OperatingLeasesAdditionalRenewalOptionsTermAtFairMarketValueLeaseRates" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_OperatingLeasesAdditionalRenewalOptionsTermAtFairMarketValueLeaseRates" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_OperatingLeasesAdditionalNumberOfRenewalOptionsAtFairMarketValueLeaseRates" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_OperatingLeasesAdditionalNumberOfRenewalOptionsAtFairMarketValueLeaseRates" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_PercentageOfAnnualRentalIncreaseOnCumulativeAndCompoundBasis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_PercentageOfAnnualRentalIncreaseOnCumulativeAndCompoundBasis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_LeaseRentReceivable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_LeaseRentReceivable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseExpirationDate1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeaseExpirationDate1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_OperatingLeasesRenewalOptionsAtFairMarketValueLeaseRatesExpirationYear" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_OperatingLeasesRenewalOptionsAtFairMarketValueLeaseRatesExpirationYear" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_OperatingLeasesRenewalOptionsTermAtFairMarketValueLeaseRates" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_OperatingLeasesRenewalOptionsTermAtFairMarketValueLeaseRates" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_OperatingLeasesNumberOfRenewalOptionsAtFairMarketValueLeaseRates" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_OperatingLeasesNumberOfRenewalOptionsAtFairMarketValueLeaseRates" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_OperatingLeasesRenewalOptionsAtExistingLeaseRatesExpirationYear" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_OperatingLeasesRenewalOptionsAtExistingLeaseRatesExpirationYear" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_OperatingLeasesRenewalOptionsTermAtExistingLeaseRates" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_OperatingLeasesRenewalOptionsTermAtExistingLeaseRates" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_OperatingLeasesNumberOfRenewalOptionsAtExistingLeaseRates" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_OperatingLeasesNumberOfRenewalOptionsAtExistingLeaseRates" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_CliveBehavioralHealthHospitalMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_CliveBehavioralHealthHospitalMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_CanyonCreekBehavioralHealthMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_CanyonCreekBehavioralHealthMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_AikenRegionalMedicalCenterAuroraPavilionBehavioralHealthServicesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_AikenRegionalMedicalCenterAuroraPavilionBehavioralHealthServicesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_WellingtonRegionalMedicalCenterMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_WellingtonRegionalMedicalCenterMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_McAllenMedicalCenterMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_McAllenMedicalCenterMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_MajorPropertyClassDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MajorPropertyClassDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_MajorPropertyClassAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MajorPropertyClassAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseByMajorPropertyClassTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseByMajorPropertyClassTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseByMajorPropertyClassTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseByMajorPropertyClassTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_MajorPropertyClassAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorPropertyClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_MajorPropertyClassDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorPropertyClassDomain" xlink:to="uhs_McAllenMedicalCenterMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorPropertyClassDomain" xlink:to="uhs_WellingtonRegionalMedicalCenterMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorPropertyClassDomain" xlink:to="uhs_AikenRegionalMedicalCenterAuroraPavilionBehavioralHealthServicesMember" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorPropertyClassDomain" xlink:to="uhs_CanyonCreekBehavioralHealthMember" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MajorPropertyClassDomain" xlink:to="uhs_CliveBehavioralHealthHospitalMember" order="10450.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseByMajorPropertyClassTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" order="10640.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" order="10670.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" order="10690.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" order="10730.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_OperatingLeasesNumberOfRenewalOptionsAtExistingLeaseRates" order="10900.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_OperatingLeasesRenewalOptionsTermAtExistingLeaseRates" order="10920.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_OperatingLeasesRenewalOptionsAtExistingLeaseRatesExpirationYear" order="10940.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_OperatingLeasesNumberOfRenewalOptionsAtFairMarketValueLeaseRates" order="10960.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_OperatingLeasesRenewalOptionsTermAtFairMarketValueLeaseRates" order="10980.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_OperatingLeasesRenewalOptionsAtFairMarketValueLeaseRatesExpirationYear" order="11000.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm" order="11020.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LeaseExpirationDate1" order="11040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_LeaseRentReceivable" order="11060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_PercentageOfAnnualRentalIncreaseOnCumulativeAndCompoundBasis" order="11080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_OperatingLeasesAdditionalNumberOfRenewalOptionsAtFairMarketValueLeaseRates" order="11340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_OperatingLeasesAdditionalRenewalOptionsTermAtFairMarketValueLeaseRates" order="11360.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_OperatingLeasesAdditionalRenewalOptionsAtFairMarketValueLeaseRatesExpirationYear" order="11380.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_NumberOfLeaseRenewalOptionExercised" order="11420.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uhsinc.com/20220630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesAndRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#Role_DisclosureOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesAndRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uhsinc.com/20220630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesAndRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsAdditionalInformationDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestInJointVentures" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinorityInterestInJointVentures" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByNoncontrollingOwners" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByNoncontrollingOwners" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_BehavioralHealthCareFacilitiesOutsideOwnersHoldingNoncontrollingMinorityInterest" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_BehavioralHealthCareFacilitiesOutsideOwnersHoldingNoncontrollingMinorityInterest" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2022/stpr-2022.xsd#stpr_MI" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="stpr_MI" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2022/stpr-2022.xsd#stpr_IA" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="stpr_IA" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2022/stpr-2022.xsd#stpr_MO" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="stpr_MO" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2022/stpr-2022.xsd#stpr_WA" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="stpr_WA" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2022/stpr-2022.xsd#stpr_NV" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="stpr_NV" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2022/stpr-2022.xsd#stpr_OH" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="stpr_OH" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2022/stpr-2022.xsd#stpr_PA" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="stpr_PA" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2022/country-2022.xsd#country_AZ" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="country_AZ" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2022/stpr-2022.xsd#stpr_TX" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="stpr_TX" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2022/stpr-2022.xsd#stpr_DC" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="stpr_DC" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_BehavioralHealthCareFacilityMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_BehavioralHealthCareFacilityMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_AcuteCareFacilityMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_AcuteCareFacilityMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_OutsideOwnersMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_OutsideOwnersMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_OwnershipDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_OwnershipAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_OwnershipAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinorityInterestTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinorityInterestLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_MinorityInterestLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinorityInterestTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_MinorityInterestTable" xlink:to="srt_OwnershipAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_OwnershipAxis" xlink:to="srt_OwnershipDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:to="uhs_OutsideOwnersMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_MinorityInterestTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" order="10280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link: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="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="uhs_AcuteCareFacilityMember" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="uhs_BehavioralHealthCareFacilityMember" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_MinorityInterestTable" xlink:to="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" order="10520.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" order="10550.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="stpr_DC" order="10570.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="stpr_TX" order="10590.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="country_AZ" order="10610.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="stpr_PA" order="10630.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="stpr_OH" order="10650.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="stpr_NV" order="10670.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="stpr_WA" order="10690.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="stpr_MO" order="10710.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="stpr_IA" order="10730.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="stpr_MI" order="10750.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MinorityInterestLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_BehavioralHealthCareFacilitiesOutsideOwnersHoldingNoncontrollingMinorityInterest" order="10780.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MinorityInterestLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByNoncontrollingOwners" order="10800.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MinorityInterestLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinorityInterestInJointVentures" order="11000.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MinorityInterestLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount" order="11020.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uhsinc.com/20220630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureTreasuryAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#Role_DisclosureTreasuryAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uhsinc.com/20220630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureTreasuryAdditionalInformationDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CashFlowHedgesDerivativeInstrumentsAtFairValueNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashFlowHedgesDerivativeInstrumentsAtFairValueNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebt" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialServicesLiabilities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancialServicesLiabilities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_NumberOfDaysToCompleteExchangeOffer" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_NumberOfDaysToCompleteExchangeOffer" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_DebtInstrumentYieldPercentage" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_DebtInstrumentYieldPercentage" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_DebtInstrumentPrincipalAmountIssuancePercentage" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_DebtInstrumentPrincipalAmountIssuancePercentage" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPrice" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPrice" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchaseAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchaseAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PrincipalAmountOutstandingOnLoansSecuritized" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PrincipalAmountOutstandingOnLoansSecuritized" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_SecuritizedExtendedMaturityDate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_SecuritizedExtendedMaturityDate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_SecuritizedBorrowingsCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_SecuritizedBorrowingsCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_SecuritizedBorrowingsCreditFacilityBorrowingCapacity" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_SecuritizedBorrowingsCreditFacilityBorrowingCapacity" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_InterestRateMarginAdjustmentPercentage" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_InterestRateMarginAdjustmentPercentage" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_ConsolidatedLeverageRatio" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_ConsolidatedLeverageRatio" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_RateAdjustmentToOneMonthEurodollarRateOnCreditFacilityBorrowings" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_RateAdjustmentToOneMonthEurodollarRateOnCreditFacilityBorrowings" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_RateAdjustmentToFederalFundsRateWeightedAverage" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_RateAdjustmentToFederalFundsRateWeightedAverage" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPaymentTerms" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPaymentTerms" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentPrincipal" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentPrincipal" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCredit" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCredit" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityIncreaseDecreaseForPeriodNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityIncreaseDecreaseForPeriodNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInitiationDate1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInitiationDate1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_FivePointZeroZeroPercentSeniorSecuredNotesDueTwoThousandTwentySixMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_FivePointZeroZeroPercentSeniorSecuredNotesDueTwoThousandTwentySixMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_FourPointSevenFiveZeroPercentSeniorSecuredNotesDueTwoThousandTwentyTwoMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_FourPointSevenFiveZeroPercentSeniorSecuredNotesDueTwoThousandTwentyTwoMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_TwoPointSixFivePercentSeniorSecuredNotesDueTwoThousandThirtyMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_TwoPointSixFivePercentSeniorSecuredNotesDueTwoThousandThirtyMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_TwoPointSixFivePercentSeniorSecuredNotesDueTwoThousandThirtyTwoMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_TwoPointSixFivePercentSeniorSecuredNotesDueTwoThousandThirtyTwoMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_OnePointSixFivePercentSeniorSecuredNotesDueTwoThousandTwentySixMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_OnePointSixFivePercentSeniorSecuredNotesDueTwoThousandTwentySixMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_OneThreeSixMonthSOFRRatePlusIndexBasedLoansMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_OneThreeSixMonthSOFRRatePlusIndexBasedLoansMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_OneMonthSOFRRatePlusIndexBasedLoansMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_OneMonthSOFRRatePlusIndexBasedLoansMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_OneThreeSixMonthLIBORRatePlusIndexBasedLoansMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_OneThreeSixMonthLIBORRatePlusIndexBasedLoansMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_GroupEightMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_GroupEightMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_GroupSevenMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_GroupSevenMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_ABRBasedLoansMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_ABRBasedLoansMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_OneTwoThreeSixMonthLIBORRatePlusIndexBasedLoansMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_OneTwoThreeSixMonthLIBORRatePlusIndexBasedLoansMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_OneMonthLIBORRatePlusIndexBasedLoansMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_OneMonthLIBORRatePlusIndexBasedLoansMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_FivePointZeroZeroPercentSeniorSecuredNotesDueJuneTwoThousandTwentySixMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_FivePointZeroZeroPercentSeniorSecuredNotesDueJuneTwoThousandTwentySixMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_TermLoanAFacilityMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_TermLoanAFacilityMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_NewSeniorSecuredCreditFacilityMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_NewSeniorSecuredCreditFacilityMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_TrancheBTermLoanMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_TrancheBTermLoanMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_TrancheATermLoanMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_TrancheATermLoanMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfTreasuryStockTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfTreasuryStockTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfTreasuryStockTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfTreasuryStockTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link: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="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="uhs_TrancheATermLoanMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfTreasuryStockTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link: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="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="uhs_TrancheBTermLoanMember" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="uhs_NewSeniorSecuredCreditFacilityMember" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="uhs_TermLoanAFacilityMember" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfTreasuryStockTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain_2" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" order="10390.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfTreasuryStockTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" order="10400.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_2" order="10410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link: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="10430.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="uhs_TrancheBTermLoanMember" order="10450.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="uhs_FivePointZeroZeroPercentSeniorSecuredNotesDueJuneTwoThousandTwentySixMember" order="10470.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfTreasuryStockTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" order="10480.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_2" order="10490.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" order="10510.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:to="uhs_OneMonthLIBORRatePlusIndexBasedLoansMember" order="10530.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:to="uhs_OneTwoThreeSixMonthLIBORRatePlusIndexBasedLoansMember" order="10550.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:to="uhs_ABRBasedLoansMember" order="10570.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="uhs_GroupSevenMember" order="11190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="uhs_GroupEightMember" order="11230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:to="uhs_OneThreeSixMonthLIBORRatePlusIndexBasedLoansMember" order="11790.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:to="uhs_OneMonthSOFRRatePlusIndexBasedLoansMember" order="12430.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:to="uhs_OneThreeSixMonthSOFRRatePlusIndexBasedLoansMember" order="12470.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="uhs_OnePointSixFivePercentSeniorSecuredNotesDueTwoThousandTwentySixMember" order="12770.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="uhs_TwoPointSixFivePercentSeniorSecuredNotesDueTwoThousandThirtyTwoMember" order="12790.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="uhs_TwoPointSixFivePercentSeniorSecuredNotesDueTwoThousandThirtyMember" order="13410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="uhs_FourPointSevenFiveZeroPercentSeniorSecuredNotesDueTwoThousandTwentyTwoMember" order="13750.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="uhs_FivePointZeroZeroPercentSeniorSecuredNotesDueTwoThousandTwentySixMember" order="13910.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfTreasuryStockTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" order="14060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_2" order="14070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" order="14090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtMember" order="14110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfTreasuryStockTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" order="14120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_2" order="14130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" order="14150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember" order="14170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" order="14200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" order="14220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInitiationDate1" order="14270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityIncreaseDecreaseForPeriodNet" order="14400.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCredit" order="14480.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" order="14520.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" order="14560.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentPrincipal" order="14890.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPaymentTerms" order="14910.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_RateAdjustmentToFederalFundsRateWeightedAverage" order="15000.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_RateAdjustmentToOneMonthEurodollarRateOnCreditFacilityBorrowings" order="15080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_ConsolidatedLeverageRatio" order="15160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_InterestRateMarginAdjustmentPercentage" order="15480.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" order="17140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" order="17180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_SecuritizedBorrowingsCreditFacilityBorrowingCapacity" order="17290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_SecuritizedBorrowingsCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" order="17330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_SecuritizedExtendedMaturityDate" order="17370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PrincipalAmountOutstandingOnLoansSecuritized" order="17410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchaseAmount" order="17480.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentage" order="17520.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPrice" order="17540.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_DebtInstrumentPrincipalAmountIssuancePercentage" order="17680.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_DebtInstrumentYieldPercentage" order="17700.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_NumberOfDaysToCompleteExchangeOffer" order="18050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancialServicesLiabilities" order="18100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebt" order="18170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue" order="18210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashFlowHedgesDerivativeInstrumentsAtFairValueNet" order="18280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital" order="18350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uhsinc.com/20220630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfEffectsOfForeignCurrencyForeignExchangeContractsOnResultOfOperationsDetail" xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#Role_DisclosureSummaryOfEffectsOfForeignCurrencyForeignExchangeContractsOnResultOfOperationsDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uhsinc.com/20220630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfEffectsOfForeignCurrencyForeignExchangeContractsOnResultOfOperationsDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossBeforeReclassificationAndTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossBeforeReclassificationAndTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NetInvestmentHedgingMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetInvestmentHedgingMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_2" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetInvestmentHedgingMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossBeforeReclassificationAndTax" order="10240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/eedm/ExtensibleEnumerationLists" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-roles-2022.xsd#eedm" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/eedm/ExtensibleEnumerationLists">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uhsinc.com/20220630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesRecordedAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetail" xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#Role_DisclosureSummaryOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesRecordedAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uhsinc.com/20220630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesRecordedAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CertificatesOfDepositMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CertificatesOfDepositMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_DeferredCompensationLiabilityMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_DeferredCompensationLiabilityMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_DeferredCompensationAssetsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_DeferredCompensationAssetsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link: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="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link: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="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" order="10280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="uhs_DeferredCompensationAssetsMember" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="uhs_DeferredCompensationLiabilityMember" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" order="10440.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_2" order="10450.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" order="10470.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember" order="10490.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CertificatesOfDepositMember" order="10510.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember" order="10530.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" order="10600.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_2" order="10610.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" order="10630.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember" order="10650.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember" order="10730.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember" order="10750.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract" order="10900.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" order="11140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract" order="11860.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" order="12100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uhsinc.com/20220630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#Role_DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uhsinc.com/20220630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_AmountClaimedFromOverPaymentsOfLegalSettlementsDueToChangeInCalculations" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_AmountClaimedFromOverPaymentsOfLegalSettlementsDueToChangeInCalculations" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_AmountClaimedFromOverPaymentsOfLegalSettlements" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_AmountClaimedFromOverPaymentsOfLegalSettlements" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForLegalSettlements" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsForLegalSettlements" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_NumberOfBehavioralHealthCareHospitals" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_NumberOfBehavioralHealthCareHospitals" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_PurchaseOfMinorityOwnershipInterestPercentage" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_PurchaseOfMinorityOwnershipInterestPercentage" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalInformationForPropertyCasualtyInsuranceUnderwritersEarnedPremiums" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SupplementalInformationForPropertyCasualtyInsuranceUnderwritersEarnedPremiums" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_PercentageOfInsuranceDeductible" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_PercentageOfInsuranceDeductible" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_MaximumInsuranceDeductible" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_MaximumInsuranceDeductible" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForCatastropheClaimsCarryingAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilityForCatastropheClaimsCarryingAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationLiabilityCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredCompensationLiabilityCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_IncreaseDecreaseOfRevenues" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_IncreaseDecreaseOfRevenues" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SelfInsuranceReserveCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SelfInsuranceReserveCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_SelfInsuredAmountPerOccurrenceExcessClaims" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_SelfInsuredAmountPerOccurrenceExcessClaims" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_SelfInsuredAmountPerOccurrence" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_SelfInsuredAmountPerOccurrence" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SelfInsuranceReserve" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SelfInsuranceReserve" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2022/stpr-2022.xsd#stpr_PA" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="stpr_PA" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_DepartmentOfHumanServicesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_DepartmentOfHumanServicesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_GWHospitalMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_GWHospitalMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2022/dei-2022.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2022/stpr-2022.xsd#stpr_TX" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="stpr_TX" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_OtherStatesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_OtherStatesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2022/country-2022.xsd#country_PR" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="country_PR" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_FaultyZonesOfUSMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_FaultyZonesOfUSMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2022/stpr-2022.xsd#stpr_CA" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="stpr_CA" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FloodMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FloodMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EarthquakeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarthquakeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_WindStormsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_WindStormsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CatastrophicEventDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CatastrophicEventDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CatastrophicEventDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CatastrophicEventDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForCatastropheClaimsByCatastrophicEventAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilityForCatastropheClaimsByCatastrophicEventAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_GeneralAndProfessionalLiabilityMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_GeneralAndProfessionalLiabilityMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_CygnetHealthCareLimitedMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_CygnetHealthCareLimitedMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_GeneralAndProfessionalLiabilityInsurancePoliciesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_GeneralAndProfessionalLiabilityInsurancePoliciesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralLiabilityMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_GeneralLiabilityMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProfessionalMalpracticeLiabilityMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProfessionalMalpracticeLiabilityMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_TypeAndTierIdentifierDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeAndTierIdentifierDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_TypeAndTierIdentifierDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeAndTierIdentifierDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfMalpracticeInsuranceTypeAndTierIdentifierAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfMalpracticeInsuranceTypeAndTierIdentifierAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_SubsidiariesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_SubsidiariesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="uhs_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="uhs_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTable" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:to="srt_SubsidiariesMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="uhs_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfMalpracticeInsuranceTypeAndTierIdentifierAxis" order="10400.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfMalpracticeInsuranceTypeAndTierIdentifierAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeAndTierIdentifierDomain_2" order="10410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfMalpracticeInsuranceTypeAndTierIdentifierAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeAndTierIdentifierDomain" order="10430.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeAndTierIdentifierDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProfessionalMalpracticeLiabilityMember" order="10450.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeAndTierIdentifierDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_GeneralLiabilityMember" order="10490.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="uhs_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" order="10760.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" order="10790.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" order="10810.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" order="11090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeAndTierIdentifierDomain" xlink:to="uhs_GeneralAndProfessionalLiabilityInsurancePoliciesMember" order="11410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="uhs_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" order="11860.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2" order="11870.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" order="11890.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="uhs_CygnetHealthCareLimitedMember" order="11910.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeAndTierIdentifierDomain" xlink:to="uhs_GeneralAndProfessionalLiabilityMember" order="11990.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="uhs_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilityForCatastropheClaimsByCatastrophicEventAxis" order="12420.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilityForCatastropheClaimsByCatastrophicEventAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CatastrophicEventDomain_2" order="12430.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilityForCatastropheClaimsByCatastrophicEventAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CatastrophicEventDomain" order="12450.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CatastrophicEventDomain" xlink:to="uhs_WindStormsMember" order="12470.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CatastrophicEventDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarthquakeMember" order="12550.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CatastrophicEventDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FloodMember" order="12630.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="uhs_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTable" xlink:to="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" order="12680.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" order="12710.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="stpr_CA" order="12730.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="uhs_FaultyZonesOfUSMember" order="12750.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="country_PR" order="12770.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="uhs_OtherStatesMember" order="12790.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="stpr_TX" order="12810.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="uhs_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="12840.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="12870.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="uhs_GWHospitalMember" order="12890.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="uhs_DepartmentOfHumanServicesMember" order="12950.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="stpr_PA" order="13070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="uhs_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SelfInsuranceReserve" order="13100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="uhs_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_SelfInsuredAmountPerOccurrence" order="13340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="uhs_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_SelfInsuredAmountPerOccurrenceExcessClaims" order="13380.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="uhs_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SelfInsuranceReserveCurrent" order="14280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="uhs_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_IncreaseDecreaseOfRevenues" order="14350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="uhs_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense" order="14540.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="uhs_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredCompensationLiabilityCurrent" order="14580.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="uhs_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilityForCatastropheClaimsCarryingAmount" order="14650.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="uhs_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_MaximumInsuranceDeductible" order="14690.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="uhs_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_PercentageOfInsuranceDeductible" order="14730.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="uhs_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SupplementalInformationForPropertyCasualtyInsuranceUnderwritersEarnedPremiums" order="15090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="uhs_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_PurchaseOfMinorityOwnershipInterestPercentage" order="15160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="uhs_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_NumberOfBehavioralHealthCareHospitals" order="15210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="uhs_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsForLegalSettlements" order="15310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="uhs_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_AmountClaimedFromOverPaymentsOfLegalSettlements" order="15410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="uhs_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_AmountClaimedFromOverPaymentsOfLegalSettlementsDueToChangeInCalculations" order="15510.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uhsinc.com/20220630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingDetail" xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#Role_DisclosureSegmentReportingDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uhsinc.com/20220630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_Assets" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_OverheadAllocationsAdjustment" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_OverheadAllocationsAdjustment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeAllocationOfCorporateOverheadAndIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeAllocationOfCorporateOverheadAndIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_GrossOutpatientRevenues" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_GrossOutpatientRevenues" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_GrossInpatientRevenues" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_GrossInpatientRevenues" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_BehavioralHealthServicesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_BehavioralHealthServicesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_AcuteCareHospitalServicesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_AcuteCareHospitalServicesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" order="10030.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link: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="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link: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="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="uhs_AcuteCareHospitalServicesMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="uhs_BehavioralHealthServicesMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_GrossInpatientRevenues" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_GrossOutpatientRevenues" order="10280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" order="10380.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeAllocationOfCorporateOverheadAndIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" order="10480.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_OverheadAllocationsAdjustment" order="10580.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link: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="10680.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Assets" order="10780.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uhsinc.com/20220630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingParentheticalDetail" xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#Role_DisclosureSegmentReportingParentheticalDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uhsinc.com/20220630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingParentheticalDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_Assets" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2022/country-2022.xsd#country_GB" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="country_GB" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_BehavioralHealthServicesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_BehavioralHealthServicesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link: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="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link: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="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="uhs_BehavioralHealthServicesMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="country_GB" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" order="10220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Assets" order="10300.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uhsinc.com/20220630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareDataEPSAndStockBasedCompensationAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#Role_DisclosureEarningsPerShareDataEPSAndStockBasedCompensationAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uhsinc.com/20220630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareDataEPSAndStockBasedCompensationAdditionalInformationDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_PerformanceBasedRestrictedStockUnitsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_PerformanceBasedRestrictedStockUnitsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_UnvestedStockOptionMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_UnvestedStockOptionMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_RestrictedStockAwardsRestrictedStockUnitsAndPerformanceBasedRestrictedStockUnitsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_RestrictedStockAwardsRestrictedStockUnitsAndPerformanceBasedRestrictedStockUnitsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link: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="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="uhs_RestrictedStockAwardsRestrictedStockUnitsAndPerformanceBasedRestrictedStockUnitsMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="uhs_UnvestedStockOptionMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="uhs_PerformanceBasedRestrictedStockUnitsMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" order="10240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link: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="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" order="10550.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" order="10650.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" order="10750.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" order="10850.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link: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="10950.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link: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="11150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" order="11280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uhsinc.com/20220630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#Role_DisclosureIncomeTaxesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uhsinc.com/20220630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesAdditionalInformationDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_JurisdictionsStatutesOfLimitationsExpirationPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_JurisdictionsStatutesOfLimitationsExpirationPeriod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_StatuteOfLimitationsOnCertainJurisdictions" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_StatuteOfLimitationsOnCertainJurisdictions" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_ForeignAndUnitedStatesAndLocalJurisdictionsStatutesOfLimitations" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_ForeignAndUnitedStatesAndLocalJurisdictionsStatutesOfLimitations" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_TaxCutsAndJobsActOf2017IncompleteAccountingGlobalIntangibleLowTaxedIncomeProvisionsDeferredTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_TaxCutsAndJobsActOf2017IncompleteAccountingGlobalIntangibleLowTaxedIncomeProvisionsDeferredTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_IncomeTaxesTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_IncomeTaxesTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_IncomeTaxesLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="uhs_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_IncomeTaxesTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="uhs_IncomeTaxesTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="uhs_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="uhs_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_TaxCutsAndJobsActOf2017IncompleteAccountingGlobalIntangibleLowTaxedIncomeProvisionsDeferredTax" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="uhs_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits" order="10320.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="uhs_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="uhs_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued" order="10390.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="uhs_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_ForeignAndUnitedStatesAndLocalJurisdictionsStatutesOfLimitations" order="10410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="uhs_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_StatuteOfLimitationsOnCertainJurisdictions" order="10450.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="uhs_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_JurisdictionsStatutesOfLimitationsExpirationPeriod" order="10470.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uhsinc.com/20220630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureScheduleOfDisaggregatesRevenueByMajorSourceDetail" xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#Role_DisclosureScheduleOfDisaggregatesRevenueByMajorSourceDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uhsinc.com/20220630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureScheduleOfDisaggregatesRevenueByMajorSourceDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTaxPercentage" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTaxPercentage" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_OtherNonPatientRevenueMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_OtherNonPatientRevenueMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_OtherPatientRevenueAndAdjustmentsNetMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_OtherPatientRevenueAndAdjustmentsNetMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_UKRevenueMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_UKRevenueMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_ManagedCareMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_ManagedCareMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_ManagedMedicaidMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_ManagedMedicaidMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_MedicaidMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_MedicaidMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_ManagedMedicareMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_ManagedMedicareMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_MedicareMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_MedicareMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_BehavioralHealthServicesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_BehavioralHealthServicesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_AcuteCareHospitalServicesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_AcuteCareHospitalServicesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link: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="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link: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="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="uhs_AcuteCareHospitalServicesMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="uhs_BehavioralHealthServicesMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:to="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="uhs_MedicareMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="uhs_ManagedMedicareMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="uhs_MedicaidMember" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="uhs_ManagedMedicaidMember" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="uhs_ManagedCareMember" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="uhs_UKRevenueMember" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="uhs_OtherPatientRevenueAndAdjustmentsNetMember" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="uhs_OtherNonPatientRevenueMember" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" order="11600.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTaxPercentage" order="17390.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uhsinc.com/20220630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLeaseAccountingAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#Role_DisclosureLeaseAccountingAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uhsinc.com/20220630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLeaseAccountingAdditionalInformationDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_LeaseExpirationTerm" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_LeaseExpirationTerm" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_NumberOfHospitalFacilities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_NumberOfHospitalFacilities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseExistenceOfOptionToExtend" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseExistenceOfOptionToExtend" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_OneHospitalFacilityMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_OneHospitalFacilityMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_AnotherTwoHospitalFacilitiesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_AnotherTwoHospitalFacilitiesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="uhs-20220630.xsd#uhs_TwoHospitalFacilitiesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="uhs_TwoHospitalFacilitiesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2022/elts/srt-2022.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="uhs_TwoHospitalFacilitiesMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="uhs_AnotherTwoHospitalFacilitiesMember" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="uhs_OneHospitalFacilityMember" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract" order="10280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseExistenceOfOptionToExtend" order="10400.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_NumberOfHospitalFacilities" order="10420.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:to="uhs_LeaseExpirationTerm" order="10440.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
</link:linkbase>
