<?xml version="1.0" encoding="US-ASCII"?>
<!-- DFIN New ActiveDisclosure (SM) XBRL Linkbase Document - http://www.dfinsolutions.com/ -->
<!-- Creation Date :2023-02-21T07:04:06.5502+00:00 -->
<!-- Copyright (c) 2023 Donnelly Financial Solutions, Inc. All Rights Reserved. -->
<link:linkbase xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfEarnings" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfEarnings" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/AcquisitionsTables" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#AcquisitionsTables" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/StockAwardPlansTables" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#StockAwardPlansTables" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/RetirementPlansTables" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#RetirementPlansTables" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesGoodwillAndOtherIntangiblesDetails" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesGoodwillAndOtherIntangiblesDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRevenueRecognitionThroughAccruedInsuranceDetails" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRevenueRecognitionThroughAccruedInsuranceDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAcquisitions2022Details" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#DisclosureAcquisitions2022Details" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAcquisitions2021Details" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#DisclosureAcquisitions2021Details" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/Acquisitions2020Details" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#Acquisitions2020Details" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/RevenuesDetails" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#RevenuesDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/RevenuesRemainingPerformanceObligationDetails" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#RevenuesRemainingPerformanceObligationDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/SegmentDataDetails" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#SegmentDataDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/LongtermDebtCarryingValueAndFairValueOfDebtOutstandingDetails" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#LongtermDebtCarryingValueAndFairValueOfDebtOutstandingDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/LongtermDebtBorrowingsAndPaymentsUnderBankCreditFacilitiesDetails" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#LongtermDebtBorrowingsAndPaymentsUnderBankCreditFacilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLongtermDebtScheduleOfAggregatePaymentsDueOnLongtermDebtDetails" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#DisclosureLongtermDebtScheduleOfAggregatePaymentsDueOnLongtermDebtDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/LongtermDebtDetails" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#LongtermDebtDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/ImpairmentsAndOtherChargesDetails" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#ImpairmentsAndOtherChargesDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/StockAwardPlansEmployeePlanStockOptionActivityDetails" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#StockAwardPlansEmployeePlanStockOptionActivityDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/StockAwardPlansEmployeePlanOutstandingAndExercisableOptionsDetails" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#StockAwardPlansEmployeePlanOutstandingAndExercisableOptionsDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/StockAwardPlansEmployeePlanRestrictedStockAwardActivityDetails" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#StockAwardPlansEmployeePlanRestrictedStockAwardActivityDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/StockAwardPlansEmployeePlanRsuActivityDetails" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#StockAwardPlansEmployeePlanRsuActivityDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/StockAwardPlansDirectorPlanStockOptionActivityDetails" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#StockAwardPlansDirectorPlanStockOptionActivityDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/StockAwardPlansDirectorPlanOutstandingAndExercisableOptionsDetails" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#StockAwardPlansDirectorPlanOutstandingAndExercisableOptionsDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/StockAwardPlansDirectorPlanRestrictedStockAwardActivityDetails" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#StockAwardPlansDirectorPlanRestrictedStockAwardActivityDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/StockAwardPlansAllPlansOptionsAndRestrictedStockAwardActivityDetails" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#StockAwardPlansAllPlansOptionsAndRestrictedStockAwardActivityDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureTaxesOnIncomeEarningsLossBeforeTaxesDetails" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#DisclosureTaxesOnIncomeEarningsLossBeforeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/TaxesOnIncomeScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#TaxesOnIncomeScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/EarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#EarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/RetirementPlansInformationAboutPlanAssetsAndAssetAllocationDetails" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#RetirementPlansInformationAboutPlanAssetsAndAssetAllocationDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/RetirementPlansScheduleOfChangeInBenefitObligationDetails" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#RetirementPlansScheduleOfChangeInBenefitObligationDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/RetirementPlansWeightedaverageAssumptionUsedToDetermineBenefitObligationDetails" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#RetirementPlansWeightedaverageAssumptionUsedToDetermineBenefitObligationDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/RetirementPlansSummaryOfChangeInPlanAssetsDetails" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#RetirementPlansSummaryOfChangeInPlanAssetsDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/RetirementPlansSummaryOfFundedStatusAtEndOfYearDetails" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#RetirementPlansSummaryOfFundedStatusAtEndOfYearDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/RetirementPlansAmountsRecognizedInConsolidatedBalanceSheetsDetails" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#RetirementPlansAmountsRecognizedInConsolidatedBalanceSheetsDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/RetirementPlansAmountsRecognizedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDetails" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#RetirementPlansAmountsRecognizedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/RetirementPlansExpectedEmployerContributionAndBenefitPaymentsDetails" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#RetirementPlansExpectedEmployerContributionAndBenefitPaymentsDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/RetirementPlansComponentsOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostPensionBenefitsDetails" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#RetirementPlansComponentsOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostPensionBenefitsDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/RetirementPlansWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedToDetermineNetPeriodicBenefitCostPensionBenefitsDetails" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#RetirementPlansWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedToDetermineNetPeriodicBenefitCostPensionBenefitsDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/RetirementPlansComponentsOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostOtherPostretirementBenefitsDetails" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#RetirementPlansComponentsOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostOtherPostretirementBenefitsDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/RetirementPlansWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedToDetermineNetPeriodicBenefitCostOtherPostretirementBenefitsDetails" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#RetirementPlansWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedToDetermineNetPeriodicBenefitCostOtherPostretirementBenefitsDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/RetirementPlansMultiemployerPensionPlanAndDefinedContributionPlansDetails" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#RetirementPlansMultiemployerPensionPlanAndDefinedContributionPlansDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/ContingenciesAndCommitmentsDetails" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#ContingenciesAndCommitmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/ContingenciesAndCommitmentsCertainSignificantRisksAndUncertaintiesDetails" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#ContingenciesAndCommitmentsCertainSignificantRisksAndUncertaintiesDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/eedm/ExtensibleEnumerationLists" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-roles-2021-01-31.xsd#eedm" xlink:type="simple"/>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfEarnings">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_CostsOfSalesAndOperatingExpenses" xlink:label="kex_CostsOfSalesAndOperatingExpenses"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_MarineTransportationMember" xlink:label="kex_MarineTransportationMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_DistributionAndServicesMember" xlink:label="kex_DistributionAndServicesMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxesExcludingIncomeAndExciseTaxes" xlink:label="us-gaap_TaxesExcludingIncomeAndExciseTaxes"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncome" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncome"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpense"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProfitLoss"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="kex_CostsOfSalesAndOperatingExpenses" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="kex_MarineTransportationMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="kex_DistributionAndServicesMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_TaxesExcludingIncomeAndExciseTaxes" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncome" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestExpense" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="6" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="6" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="7" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProfitLoss" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="8" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="9" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="10" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" xlink:label="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" xlink:label="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" xlink:label="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember" xlink:label="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201802Member" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201802Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsCapitalizedAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsCapitalizedAmount"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_AmortizationOfUnearnedCompensation" xlink:label="kex_AmortizationOfUnearnedCompensation"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" xlink:to="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" xlink:to="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" xlink:to="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201802Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharesOutstanding" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="6" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="7" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="8" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsCapitalizedAmount" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="9" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="10" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="11" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="12" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="kex_AmortizationOfUnearnedCompensation" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="13" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/AcquisitionsTables">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRecognizedIdentifiedAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRecognizedIdentifiedAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_SavageInlandMarineLLCAndConvoyServicingCompanyAndAgilityFleetServicesLLCMember" xlink:label="kex_SavageInlandMarineLLCAndConvoyServicingCompanyAndAgilityFleetServicesLLCMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_CenacMarineServicesLlcMember" xlink:label="kex_CenacMarineServicesLlcMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_HigmanMarineIncMember" xlink:label="kex_HigmanMarineIncMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRecognizedIdentifiedAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedTableTextBlock" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="kex_SavageInlandMarineLLCAndConvoyServicingCompanyAndAgilityFleetServicesLLCMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="kex_CenacMarineServicesLlcMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="kex_HigmanMarineIncMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/StockAwardPlansTables">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_EmployeePlanMember" xlink:label="kex_EmployeePlanMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCompensationCostForShareBasedPaymentArrangementsAllocationOfShareBasedCompensationCostsByPlanTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCompensationCostForShareBasedPaymentArrangementsAllocationOfShareBasedCompensationCostsByPlanTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_DirectorPlanMember" xlink:label="kex_DirectorPlanMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTextBlock"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsAwardActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsAwardActivityTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfNonvestedRestrictedStockUnitsActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfNonvestedRestrictedStockUnitsActivityTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="kex_EmployeePlanMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCompensationCostForShareBasedPaymentArrangementsAllocationOfShareBasedCompensationCostsByPlanTableTextBlock" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="kex_DirectorPlanMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeTextBlock" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsAwardActivityTableTextBlock" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfNonvestedRestrictedStockUnitsActivityTableTextBlock" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/RetirementPlansTables">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAllocationOfPlanAssetsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAllocationOfPlanAssetsTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfChangesInProjectedBenefitObligationsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfChangesInProjectedBenefitObligationsTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAssumptionsUsedTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAssumptionsUsedTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfChangesInFairValueOfPlanAssetsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfChangesInFairValueOfPlanAssetsTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfNetFundedStatusTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfNetFundedStatusTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheetTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheetTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAmountsInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossToBeRecognizedOverNextFiscalYearTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAmountsInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossToBeRecognizedOverNextFiscalYearTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_ScheduleOfExpectedCashFlowsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="kex_ScheduleOfExpectedCashFlowsTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTextBlock"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAllocationOfPlanAssetsTableTextBlock" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfChangesInProjectedBenefitObligationsTableTextBlock" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAssumptionsUsedTableTextBlock" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfChangesInFairValueOfPlanAssetsTableTextBlock" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfNetFundedStatusTableTextBlock" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheetTableTextBlock" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="6" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAmountsInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossToBeRecognizedOverNextFiscalYearTableTextBlock" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="7" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="kex_ScheduleOfExpectedCashFlowsTableTextBlock" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="8" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTextBlock" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:label="kex_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:label="kex_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_DryDockingAndOceanGoingVesselsAbstract" xlink:label="kex_DryDockingAndOceanGoingVesselsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_PeriodInWhichRecertificationOfOceanGoingVesselsOccurTwice" xlink:label="kex_PeriodInWhichRecertificationOfOceanGoingVesselsOccurTwice"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivablesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReceivablesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnbilledReceivablesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnbilledReceivablesCurrent"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_MarineTransportationEquipmentMember" xlink:label="kex_MarineTransportationEquipmentMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_PeriodOfAmortizationOfShipyardCosts" xlink:label="kex_PeriodOfAmortizationOfShipyardCosts"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_ReceivablesFromInsuranceCompaniesToCoverClaimsInExcessIncludedInAccountsReceivable" xlink:label="kex_ReceivablesFromInsuranceCompaniesToCoverClaimsInExcessIncludedInAccountsReceivable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BuildingMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_BuildingMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_AmortizationOfMajorMaintenanceActivityCosts" xlink:label="kex_AmortizationOfMajorMaintenanceActivityCosts"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherMachineryAndEquipmentMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherMachineryAndEquipmentMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalized" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalized"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="kex_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="kex_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_DryDockingAndOceanGoingVesselsAbstract" xlink:to="kex_PeriodInWhichRecertificationOfOceanGoingVesselsOccurTwice" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReceivablesAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivablesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnbilledReceivablesCurrent" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="kex_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="kex_MarineTransportationEquipmentMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_DryDockingAndOceanGoingVesselsAbstract" xlink:to="kex_PeriodOfAmortizationOfShipyardCosts" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReceivablesAbstract" xlink:to="kex_ReceivablesFromInsuranceCompaniesToCoverClaimsInExcessIncludedInAccountsReceivable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="kex_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_BuildingMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_DryDockingAndOceanGoingVesselsAbstract" xlink:to="kex_AmortizationOfMajorMaintenanceActivityCosts" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="kex_DryDockingAndOceanGoingVesselsAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherMachineryAndEquipmentMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_DryDockingAndOceanGoingVesselsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalized" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesGoodwillAndOtherIntangiblesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:label="kex_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:label="kex_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillGross"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwillAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwillAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesEstimatedAmortizationExpenseFiscalYearMaturityAbstract" xlink:label="kex_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesEstimatedAmortizationExpenseFiscalYearMaturityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="kex_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_ConvoyServicingCompanyAndAgilityFleetServicesLLCMember" xlink:label="kex_ConvoyServicingCompanyAndAgilityFleetServicesLLCMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_MarineTransportationSegmentMember" xlink:label="kex_MarineTransportationSegmentMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesAmortizationExpenseYearTwo" xlink:label="kex_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesAmortizationExpenseYearTwo"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_DistributionAndServicesMember" xlink:label="kex_DistributionAndServicesMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_Goodwill"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesAmortizationExpenseYearThree" xlink:label="kex_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesAmortizationExpenseYearThree"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesGross" xlink:label="kex_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesGross"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesAmortizationExpenseYearFour" xlink:label="kex_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesAmortizationExpenseYearFour"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:label="kex_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesAccumulatedAmortization"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesAmortizationExpenseYearFive" xlink:label="kex_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesAmortizationExpenseYearFive"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesNet" xlink:label="kex_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesNet"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_Finitelivedintangibleassetsandliabilitiesamortizationexpensedueafteryearfive" xlink:label="kex_Finitelivedintangibleassetsandliabilitiesamortizationexpensedueafteryearfive"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_IntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesWeightedAverageAmortizationPeriod" xlink:label="kex_IntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesWeightedAverageAmortizationPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="kex_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="kex_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_GoodwillGross" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwillAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="kex_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesEstimatedAmortizationExpenseFiscalYearMaturityAbstract" xlink:to="kex_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="kex_ConvoyServicingCompanyAndAgilityFleetServicesLLCMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="kex_MarineTransportationSegmentMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwillAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwillAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="kex_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesEstimatedAmortizationExpenseFiscalYearMaturityAbstract" xlink:to="kex_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesAmortizationExpenseYearTwo" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="kex_DistributionAndServicesMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_Goodwill" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwillAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesEstimatedAmortizationExpenseFiscalYearMaturityAbstract" xlink:to="kex_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesAmortizationExpenseYearThree" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwillAbstract" xlink:to="kex_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesGross" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesEstimatedAmortizationExpenseFiscalYearMaturityAbstract" xlink:to="kex_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesAmortizationExpenseYearFour" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwillAbstract" xlink:to="kex_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesAccumulatedAmortization" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesEstimatedAmortizationExpenseFiscalYearMaturityAbstract" xlink:to="kex_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesAmortizationExpenseYearFive" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwillAbstract" xlink:to="kex_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesNet" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesEstimatedAmortizationExpenseFiscalYearMaturityAbstract" xlink:to="kex_Finitelivedintangibleassetsandliabilitiesamortizationexpensedueafteryearfive" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="6" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwillAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="7" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwillAbstract" xlink:to="kex_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesEstimatedAmortizationExpenseFiscalYearMaturityAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="8" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwillAbstract" xlink:to="kex_IntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesWeightedAverageAmortizationPeriod" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRevenueRecognitionThroughAccruedInsuranceDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:label="kex_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:label="kex_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_RevenueDerivedFromTermContractsMaturityPeriod" xlink:label="kex_RevenueDerivedFromTermContractsMaturityPeriod"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InsuranceAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_InsuranceAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedInsuranceCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedInsuranceCurrentAndNoncurrent"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_MarineTransportationSegmentMember" xlink:label="kex_MarineTransportationSegmentMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="kex_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="kex_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionAbstract" xlink:to="kex_RevenueDerivedFromTermContractsMaturityPeriod" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="kex_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_InsuranceAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedInsuranceCurrentAndNoncurrent" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="kex_MarineTransportationSegmentMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InsuranceAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="kex_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAcquisitions2022Details">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_GearboxRepairMember" xlink:label="kex_GearboxRepairMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="kex_GearboxRepairMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAcquisitions2021Details">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_InlandTankBargesMember" xlink:label="kex_InlandTankBargesMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_NumberOfMaritimeVesselsAcquired" xlink:label="kex_NumberOfMaritimeVesselsAcquired"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_EnergyStorageSystemMember" xlink:label="kex_EnergyStorageSystemMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_GearboxRepairMember" xlink:label="kex_GearboxRepairMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="kex_InlandTankBargesMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="kex_NumberOfMaritimeVesselsAcquired" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="kex_EnergyStorageSystemMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="kex_GearboxRepairMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/Acquisitions2020Details">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_InlandPressureTankBargesMember" xlink:label="kex_InlandPressureTankBargesMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_SavageInlandMarineLLCMember" xlink:label="kex_SavageInlandMarineLLCMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_NumberOfMaritimeVesselsAcquired" xlink:label="kex_NumberOfMaritimeVesselsAcquired"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedInventory" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedInventory"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_InlandTankBargesMember" xlink:label="kex_InlandTankBargesMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_ConvoyServicingCompanyAndAgilityFleetServicesLLCMember" xlink:label="kex_ConvoyServicingCompanyAndAgilityFleetServicesLLCMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DistributionRightsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_DistributionRightsMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsPrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsPrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife" xlink:label="us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_InlandTowboatsMember" xlink:label="kex_InlandTowboatsMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_TankBargeBarrelCapacity" xlink:label="kex_TankBargeBarrelCapacity"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssets" xlink:label="kex_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssets"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_Goodwill"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccountsPayable" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccountsPayable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCapitalLeaseObligation" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCapitalLeaseObligation"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="kex_InlandPressureTankBargesMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="kex_SavageInlandMarineLLCMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="kex_NumberOfMaritimeVesselsAcquired" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedInventory" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="kex_InlandTankBargesMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="kex_ConvoyServicingCompanyAndAgilityFleetServicesLLCMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_DistributionRightsMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsPrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="kex_InlandTowboatsMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="kex_TankBargeBarrelCapacity" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract" xlink:to="kex_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssets" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_Goodwill" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="6" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="7" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="8" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccountsPayable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="9" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCapitalLeaseObligation" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="10" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="11" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/RevenuesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_InlandTransportationMember" xlink:label="kex_InlandTransportationMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_MarineTransportationMember" xlink:label="kex_MarineTransportationMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_CoastalTransportationMember" xlink:label="kex_CoastalTransportationMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_DistributionAndServicesMember" xlink:label="kex_DistributionAndServicesMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OilAndGasMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OilAndGasMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" xlink:label="kex_CommercialAndIndustrialMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="kex_InlandTransportationMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="kex_MarineTransportationMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:to="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="kex_CoastalTransportationMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="kex_DistributionAndServicesMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OilAndGasMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="kex_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/RevenuesRemainingPerformanceObligationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetNet"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionStartDateAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionStartDateAxis"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetNet" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionStartDateAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/SegmentDataDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_GeneralCorporateAssets" xlink:label="kex_GeneralCorporateAssets"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_OtherSegmentDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="kex_OtherSegmentDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_GeneralCorporateExpenses" xlink:label="kex_GeneralCorporateExpenses"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments" xlink:label="us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationRevenueAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationRevenueAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_MarineTransportationMember" xlink:label="kex_MarineTransportationMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_DistributionAndServicesMember" xlink:label="kex_DistributionAndServicesMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssets"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="us-gaap_Assets"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpense"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="kex_GeneralCorporateAssets" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_OtherSegmentDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="kex_GeneralCorporateExpenses" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationRevenueAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationRevenueAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="kex_MarineTransportationMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_OtherSegmentDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="kex_OtherSegmentDisclosureAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationRevenueAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="kex_DistributionAndServicesMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssets" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_OtherSegmentDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssetsAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationRevenueAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_Assets" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_OtherSegmentDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestExpense" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationRevenueAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_OtherSegmentDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationRevenueAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/LongtermDebtCarryingValueAndFairValueOfDebtOutstandingDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_SeniorNotesSeriesBDueFebruaryTwentySevenTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember" xlink:label="kex_SeniorNotesSeriesBDueFebruaryTwentySevenTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_DebtInstrumentCarryingValueAndFairValueAbstract" xlink:label="kex_DebtInstrumentCarryingValueAndFairValueAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_SeniorNotesDueMarchOneTwoThousandTwentyEightMember" xlink:label="kex_SeniorNotesDueMarchOneTwoThousandTwentyEightMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_TermLoanFacilityMember" xlink:label="kex_TermLoanFacilityMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_SeniorNotesDueJanuaryNineteenTwoThousandThirtyThreeMember" xlink:label="kex_SeniorNotesDueJanuaryNineteenTwoThousandThirtyThreeMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_BankNotePayableMember" xlink:label="kex_BankNotePayableMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebt"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_TermLoanDueJulyTwentyNineTwoThousandTwentySevenMember" xlink:label="kex_TermLoanDueJulyTwentyNineTwoThousandTwentySevenMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_RevolvingCreditFacilityDueJuneThirtyTwoThousandTwentyOneMember" xlink:label="kex_RevolvingCreditFacilityDueJuneThirtyTwoThousandTwentyOneMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_TermLoanDueMarchTwentySevenTwoThousandTwentyFourMember" xlink:label="kex_TermLoanDueMarchTwentySevenTwoThousandTwentyFourMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_RevolvingCreditFacilityDueJuneThirtyTwoThousandTwentyFourMember" xlink:label="kex_RevolvingCreditFacilityDueJuneThirtyTwoThousandTwentyFourMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumAndDebtIssuanceCostsNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumAndDebtIssuanceCostsNet"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="kex_SeniorNotesSeriesBDueFebruaryTwentySevenTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_DebtInstrumentCarryingValueAndFairValueAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="kex_DebtInstrumentCarryingValueAndFairValueAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="kex_SeniorNotesDueMarchOneTwoThousandTwentyEightMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_DebtInstrumentCarryingValueAndFairValueAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="kex_TermLoanFacilityMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="kex_SeniorNotesDueJanuaryNineteenTwoThousandThirtyThreeMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_DebtInstrumentCarryingValueAndFairValueAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="kex_BankNotePayableMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_DebtInstrumentCarryingValueAndFairValueAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebt" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="kex_TermLoanDueJulyTwentyNineTwoThousandTwentySevenMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="kex_RevolvingCreditFacilityDueJuneThirtyTwoThousandTwentyOneMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_DebtInstrumentCarryingValueAndFairValueAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="kex_TermLoanDueMarchTwentySevenTwoThousandTwentyFourMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="kex_RevolvingCreditFacilityDueJuneThirtyTwoThousandTwentyFourMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_DebtInstrumentCarryingValueAndFairValueAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumAndDebtIssuanceCostsNet" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="6" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_DebtInstrumentCarryingValueAndFairValueAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="7" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_DebtInstrumentCarryingValueAndFairValueAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/LongtermDebtBorrowingsAndPaymentsUnderBankCreditFacilitiesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfDebtAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfDebtAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfDebtAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfDebtAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfDebtAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfDebtAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLongtermDebtScheduleOfAggregatePaymentsDueOnLongtermDebtDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BaseRateMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_BaseRateMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_TermLoanFacilityMember" xlink:label="kex_TermLoanFacilityMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFrequencyOfPeriodicPayment" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFrequencyOfPeriodicPayment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebt"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeeAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeeAmount"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCredit"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_BaseRateMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="kex_TermLoanFacilityMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFrequencyOfPeriodicPayment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebt" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="6" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="6" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeeAmount" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="7" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCredit" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="8" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/LongtermDebtDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="srt_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_SeniorNotesDueMarchOneTwoThousandTwentyEightMember" xlink:label="kex_SeniorNotesDueMarchOneTwoThousandTwentyEightMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSofrOvernightIndexSwapRateMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSofrOvernightIndexSwapRateMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioForecastMember" xlink:label="srt_ScenarioForecastMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_SeniorNotesSeriesDueFebruaryTwentySevenTwoThousandTwentyMember" xlink:label="kex_SeniorNotesSeriesDueFebruaryTwentySevenTwoThousandTwentyMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BaseRateMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_BaseRateMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_TermLoanFacilityMember" xlink:label="kex_TermLoanFacilityMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_SeniorNotesSeriesBDueFebruaryTwentySevenTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember" xlink:label="kex_SeniorNotesSeriesBDueFebruaryTwentySevenTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_ThreePointFourSixSeriesANotesDueJanuaryNineteenTwoThousandThirtyThreeMember" xlink:label="kex_ThreePointFourSixSeriesANotesDueJanuaryNineteenTwoThousandThirtyThreeMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_ThreePointFiveOneSeriesBNotesDueJanuaryNineteenTwoThousandThirtyThreeMember" xlink:label="kex_ThreePointFiveOneSeriesBNotesDueJanuaryNineteenTwoThousandThirtyThreeMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentInterest"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebt"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCredit"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_UnpaidBalance" xlink:label="kex_UnpaidBalance"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeeAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeeAmount"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="kex_SeniorNotesDueMarchOneTwoThousandTwentyEightMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSofrOvernightIndexSwapRateMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="srt_ScenarioForecastMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="kex_SeniorNotesSeriesDueFebruaryTwentySevenTwoThousandTwentyMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_BaseRateMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="kex_TermLoanFacilityMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="kex_SeniorNotesSeriesBDueFebruaryTwentySevenTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="kex_ThreePointFourSixSeriesANotesDueJanuaryNineteenTwoThousandThirtyThreeMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="kex_ThreePointFiveOneSeriesBNotesDueJanuaryNineteenTwoThousandThirtyThreeMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentInterest" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="6" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebt" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="7" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="8" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCredit" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="9" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="10" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="11" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:to="kex_UnpaidBalance" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="12" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="13" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeeAmount" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/ImpairmentsAndOtherChargesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentEffectsOnEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairmentEffectsOnEarningsPerShareLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentEffectsOnEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairmentEffectsOnEarningsPerShareTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_MarineTransportationMember" xlink:label="kex_MarineTransportationMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2021/stpr-2021.xsd#stpr_HI" xlink:label="stpr_HI"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfProductiveAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfProductiveAssets"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_KirbyMarineTransportationKmtsMember" xlink:label="kex_KirbyMarineTransportationKmtsMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsFinitelived" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsFinitelived"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfReportingUnits" xlink:label="us-gaap_NumberOfReportingUnits"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ImpairmentEffectsOnEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairmentEffectsOnEarningsPerShareTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ImpairmentEffectsOnEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:to="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ImpairmentEffectsOnEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="kex_MarineTransportationMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="stpr_HI" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ImpairmentEffectsOnEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ImpairmentEffectsOnEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfProductiveAssets" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="kex_KirbyMarineTransportationKmtsMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ImpairmentEffectsOnEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ImpairmentEffectsOnEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsFinitelived" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ImpairmentEffectsOnEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ImpairmentEffectsOnEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ImpairmentEffectsOnEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NumberOfReportingUnits" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="6" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ImpairmentEffectsOnEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/StockAwardPlansEmployeePlanStockOptionActivityDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_EmployeePlanMember" xlink:label="kex_EmployeePlanMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract" xlink:label="kex_EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardRequisiteServicePeriod1" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardRequisiteServicePeriod1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="kex_EmployeePlanMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardRequisiteServicePeriod1" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="kex_EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/StockAwardPlansEmployeePlanOutstandingAndExercisableOptionsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsAbstract" xlink:label="kex_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfExercisableOptions" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfExercisableOptions"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_EmployeePlanMember" xlink:label="kex_EmployeePlanMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract" xlink:label="kex_OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract" xlink:label="kex_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfOutstandingOptions" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfOutstandingOptions"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_FirstPriceRangeMember" xlink:label="kex_FirstPriceRangeMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePrice1" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePrice1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_SecondPriceRangeMember" xlink:label="kex_SecondPriceRangeMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance1" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_ThirdPriceRangeMember" xlink:label="kex_ThirdPriceRangeMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_FourthPriceRangeMember" xlink:label="kex_FourthPriceRangeMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_TotalExercisePriceRangeMember" xlink:label="kex_TotalExercisePriceRangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfExercisableOptions" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="kex_EmployeePlanMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfOutstandingOptions" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="kex_OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="kex_FirstPriceRangeMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePrice1" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="kex_SecondPriceRangeMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="kex_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance1" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="kex_ThirdPriceRangeMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="kex_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="kex_FourthPriceRangeMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="kex_TotalExercisePriceRangeMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/StockAwardPlansEmployeePlanRestrictedStockAwardActivityDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_RestrictedStockAwardActivityAbstract" xlink:label="kex_RestrictedStockAwardActivityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_EmployeePlanMember" xlink:label="kex_EmployeePlanMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_RestrictedStockAwardActivityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="kex_EmployeePlanMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="kex_RestrictedStockAwardActivityAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_RestrictedStockAwardActivityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/StockAwardPlansEmployeePlanRsuActivityDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="srt_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_RestrictedStockUnitActivityAbstract" xlink:label="kex_RestrictedStockUnitActivityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_EmployeePlanMember" xlink:label="kex_EmployeePlanMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioForecastMember" xlink:label="srt_ScenarioForecastMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_RestrictedStockUnitActivityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="kex_EmployeePlanMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="srt_ScenarioForecastMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="kex_RestrictedStockUnitActivityAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_RestrictedStockUnitActivityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_RestrictedStockUnitActivityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/StockAwardPlansDirectorPlanStockOptionActivityDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_DirectorPlanMember" xlink:label="kex_DirectorPlanMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract" xlink:label="kex_EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardRequisiteServicePeriod1" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardRequisiteServicePeriod1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_StockAndIncentivePlan2005Member" xlink:label="kex_StockAndIncentivePlan2005Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="kex_DirectorPlanMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardRequisiteServicePeriod1" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="kex_EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="kex_StockAndIncentivePlan2005Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/StockAwardPlansDirectorPlanOutstandingAndExercisableOptionsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsAbstract" xlink:label="kex_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfExercisableOptions" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfExercisableOptions"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_DirectorPlanMember" xlink:label="kex_DirectorPlanMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract" xlink:label="kex_OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract" xlink:label="kex_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfOutstandingOptions" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfOutstandingOptions"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_FirstPriceRangeMember" xlink:label="kex_FirstPriceRangeMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePrice1" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePrice1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_SecondPriceRangeMember" xlink:label="kex_SecondPriceRangeMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance1" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_ThirdPriceRangeMember" xlink:label="kex_ThirdPriceRangeMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_TotalExercisePriceRangeMember" xlink:label="kex_TotalExercisePriceRangeMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfExercisableOptions" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="kex_DirectorPlanMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeLowerRangeLimit" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeNumberOfOutstandingOptions" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="kex_OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="kex_FirstPriceRangeMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePrice1" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeUpperRangeLimit" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="kex_SecondPriceRangeMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansByExercisePriceRangeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="kex_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePriceBeginningBalance1" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="kex_ThirdPriceRangeMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_OutstandingAndExercisableStockOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="kex_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeExercisableOptionsAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeOutstandingOptionsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansExercisePriceRangeDomain" xlink:to="kex_TotalExercisePriceRangeMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/StockAwardPlansDirectorPlanRestrictedStockAwardActivityDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_RestrictedStockAwardActivityAbstract" xlink:label="kex_RestrictedStockAwardActivityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_DirectorPlanMember" xlink:label="kex_DirectorPlanMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_RestrictedStockAwardActivityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="kex_DirectorPlanMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="kex_RestrictedStockAwardActivityAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_RestrictedStockAwardActivityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/StockAwardPlansAllPlansOptionsAndRestrictedStockAwardActivityDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_ShareBasedCompensationPlansCombinedDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="kex_ShareBasedCompensationPlansCombinedDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_EmployeePlanMember" xlink:label="kex_EmployeePlanMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxExpenseFromStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxExpenseFromStockOptionsExercised"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAggregateIntrinsicValueVested" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAggregateIntrinsicValueVested"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_TaxBenefitFromRestrictedStockVesting" xlink:label="kex_TaxBenefitFromRestrictedStockVesting"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodFairValue" xlink:label="kex_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodFairValue"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_ShareBasedCompensationPlansCombinedDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="kex_EmployeePlanMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="kex_ShareBasedCompensationPlansCombinedDisclosureAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_ShareBasedCompensationPlansCombinedDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxExpenseFromStockOptionsExercised" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_ShareBasedCompensationPlansCombinedDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAggregateIntrinsicValueVested" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_ShareBasedCompensationPlansCombinedDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="kex_TaxBenefitFromRestrictedStockVesting" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_ShareBasedCompensationPlansCombinedDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_ShareBasedCompensationPlansCombinedDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="6" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_ShareBasedCompensationPlansCombinedDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="7" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_ShareBasedCompensationPlansCombinedDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="8" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_ShareBasedCompensationPlansCombinedDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="kex_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodFairValue" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureTaxesOnIncomeEarningsLossBeforeTaxesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_IncomeTaxDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="kex_IncomeTaxDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_IncomeTaxDisclosureTable" xlink:label="kex_IncomeTaxDisclosureTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_IncomeTaxDescriptionAbstract" xlink:label="kex_IncomeTaxDescriptionAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_NumberOfYearsNetOperatingLossesCarriedBack" xlink:label="kex_NumberOfYearsNetOperatingLossesCarriedBack"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_ProvisionForTaxesOnIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="kex_ProvisionForTaxesOnIncomeAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_FederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_ForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentForeignTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_CurrentForeignTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_ConsolidatedAbstract" xlink:label="kex_ConsolidatedAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NaturalDisastersAndOtherCasualtyEventsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_NaturalDisastersAndOtherCasualtyEventsMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_StateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OpenTaxYear" xlink:label="us-gaap_OpenTaxYear"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignCountryMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ForeignCountryMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredStateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredStateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperations" xlink:label="us-gaap_ForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperations"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperations" xlink:label="us-gaap_FederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperations"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperations" xlink:label="us-gaap_StateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperations"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_CoronavirusAidReliefAndEconomicSecurityActIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="kex_CoronavirusAidReliefAndEconomicSecurityActIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationLiabilityRefundAdjustmentFromSettlementWithTaxingAuthority" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationLiabilityRefundAdjustmentFromSettlementWithTaxingAuthority"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndOtherTaxReceivableCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndOtherTaxReceivableCurrent"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_OneTimeDeferredTaxProvision" xlink:label="kex_OneTimeDeferredTaxProvision"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="kex_IncomeTaxDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="kex_IncomeTaxDisclosureTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_IncomeTaxDescriptionAbstract" xlink:to="kex_NumberOfYearsNetOperatingLossesCarriedBack" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_IncomeTaxDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_ProvisionForTaxesOnIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CurrentForeignTaxExpenseBenefit" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_ConsolidatedAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_NaturalDisastersAndOtherCasualtyEventsMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="kex_IncomeTaxDisclosureTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_IncomeTaxDescriptionAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OpenTaxYear" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_IncomeTaxDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="kex_ProvisionForTaxesOnIncomeAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_ProvisionForTaxesOnIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_StateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_ConsolidatedAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ForeignCountryMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredStateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="kex_IncomeTaxDisclosureTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_IncomeTaxDescriptionAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_IncomeTaxDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="kex_IncomeTaxDescriptionAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_ProvisionForTaxesOnIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperations" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_ConsolidatedAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperations" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_StateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperations" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="kex_IncomeTaxDisclosureTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_IncomeTaxDescriptionAbstract" xlink:to="kex_CoronavirusAidReliefAndEconomicSecurityActIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_ProvisionForTaxesOnIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="kex_ConsolidatedAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="kex_IncomeTaxDisclosureTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_IncomeTaxDescriptionAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_IncomeTaxDescriptionAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationLiabilityRefundAdjustmentFromSettlementWithTaxingAuthority" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="6" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_IncomeTaxDescriptionAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndOtherTaxReceivableCurrent" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="7" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_IncomeTaxDescriptionAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="8" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_IncomeTaxDescriptionAbstract" xlink:to="kex_OneTimeDeferredTaxProvision" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/TaxesOnIncomeScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseReservesAndAccrualsAllowanceForDoubtfulAccounts" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseReservesAndAccrualsAllowanceForDoubtfulAccounts"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_OperatingLossCarryforwardAbstract" xlink:label="kex_OperatingLossCarryforwardAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_OpenTaxYearAbstract" xlink:label="kex_OpenTaxYearAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OpenTaxYear" xlink:label="us-gaap_OpenTaxYear"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsCapitalLossCarryforwards" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsCapitalLossCarryforwards"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignCountryMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ForeignCountryMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipment"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_NonCurrentDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="kex_NonCurrentDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsInventory" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsInventory"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxCreditCarryforwardsForeign" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxCreditCarryforwardsForeign"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalRevenueServiceIRSMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_InternalRevenueServiceIRSMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesStateTaxes" xlink:label="kex_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesStateTaxes"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseReservesAndAccrualsSelfInsurance" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseReservesAndAccrualsSelfInsurance"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsStateTaxes" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsStateTaxes"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGoodwillAndIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGoodwillAndIntangibleAssets"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilities"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefits" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefits"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_ValuationAllowanceForStateDeferredTaxAssets" xlink:label="kex_ValuationAllowanceForStateDeferredTaxAssets"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesOther" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesOther"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseOfNonCurrentUnrealizedLossOnDefinedBenefitPlans" xlink:label="kex_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseOfNonCurrentUnrealizedLossOnDefinedBenefitPlans"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_OperatingLossCarryforwardsNetOfValuationAllowanceFederal" xlink:label="kex_OperatingLossCarryforwardsNetOfValuationAllowanceFederal"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGoodwillAndIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGoodwillAndIntangibleAssets"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsExpirationDate" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsExpirationDate"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefitsPensions" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefitsPensions"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncludingIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterest" xlink:label="kex_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncludingIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterest"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOther" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOther"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseReservesAndAccrualsAllowanceForDoubtfulAccounts" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems" xlink:to="kex_OperatingLossCarryforwardAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_OpenTaxYearAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OpenTaxYear" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_OperatingLossCarryforwardAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsCapitalLossCarryforwards" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ForeignCountryMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_NonCurrentDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="kex_NonCurrentDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsInventory" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems" xlink:to="kex_OpenTaxYearAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_OperatingLossCarryforwardAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxCreditCarryforwardsForeign" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_InternalRevenueServiceIRSMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="kex_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesStateTaxes" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_NonCurrentDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseReservesAndAccrualsSelfInsurance" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_OperatingLossCarryforwardAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsStateTaxes" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGoodwillAndIntangibleAssets" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_NonCurrentDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilities" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefits" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_OperatingLossCarryforwardAbstract" xlink:to="kex_ValuationAllowanceForStateDeferredTaxAssets" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesOther" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="kex_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseOfNonCurrentUnrealizedLossOnDefinedBenefitPlans" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_OperatingLossCarryforwardAbstract" xlink:to="kex_OperatingLossCarryforwardsNetOfValuationAllowanceFederal" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGoodwillAndIntangibleAssets" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_OperatingLossCarryforwardAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="6" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="6" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_OperatingLossCarryforwardAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsExpirationDate" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="7" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefitsPensions" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="7" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_OperatingLossCarryforwardAbstract" xlink:to="kex_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncludingIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterest" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="8" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOther" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="8" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_OperatingLossCarryforwardAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="9" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="10" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="11" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/EarningsPerShareDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicByCommonClassTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicByCommonClassTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_SharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:label="kex_SharesOutstandingAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_WeightedAverageCommonStockIssuedAndOutstanding" xlink:label="kex_WeightedAverageCommonStockIssuedAndOutstanding"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesRestrictedStock" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesRestrictedStock"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsLossAllocatedToParticipatingSecuritiesBasic" xlink:label="us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsLossAllocatedToParticipatingSecuritiesBasic"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsLossAllocatedToParticipatingSecuritiesDiluted" xlink:label="us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsLossAllocatedToParticipatingSecuritiesDiluted"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_UndistributedEarningsReallocatedToRestrictedShares" xlink:label="kex_UndistributedEarningsReallocatedToRestrictedShares"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicByCommonClassTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_SharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:to="kex_WeightedAverageCommonStockIssuedAndOutstanding" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicByCommonClassTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_SharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesRestrictedStock" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsLossAllocatedToParticipatingSecuritiesBasic" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems" xlink:to="kex_SharesOutstandingAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_SharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_SharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsLossAllocatedToParticipatingSecuritiesDiluted" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_SharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAbstract" xlink:to="kex_UndistributedEarningsReallocatedToRestrictedShares" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/RetirementPlansInformationAboutPlanAssetsAndAssetAllocationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEquitySecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEquitySecuritiesUsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEquitySecuritiesUsMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsTargetAllocationsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsTargetAllocationsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssetAllocations" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssetAllocations"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInformationAboutPlanAssetsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInformationAboutPlanAssetsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_EmployeePensionPlanGrandfatheredParticipantsServicePeriod" xlink:label="kex_EmployeePensionPlanGrandfatheredParticipantsServicePeriod"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_Plan2018Member" xlink:label="kex_Plan2018Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_HigmanMarineIncMember" xlink:label="kex_HigmanMarineIncMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEquitySecuritiesNonUsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEquitySecuritiesNonUsMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_CashAndEquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="kex_CashAndEquitySecuritiesMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsTargetAllocationPercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsTargetAllocationPercentage"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_EmployeePensionPlanGrandfatheredParticipantsParticipantAge" xlink:label="kex_EmployeePensionPlanGrandfatheredParticipantsParticipantAge"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_Plan2019Member" xlink:label="kex_Plan2019Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDebtSecurityMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDebtSecurityMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_EmployeePensionPlanGrandfatheredParticipantsParticipantServicePeriodWhoIsFiftyYearsOld" xlink:label="kex_EmployeePensionPlanGrandfatheredParticipantsParticipantServicePeriodWhoIsFiftyYearsOld"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_Plan2020Member" xlink:label="kex_Plan2020Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCashAndCashEquivalentsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCashAndCashEquivalentsMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_Plan2019And2017Member" xlink:label="kex_Plan2019And2017Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_SeafarersPensionTrustMember" xlink:label="kex_SeafarersPensionTrustMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_CentralPensionFundOfTheInternationalUnionOfOperatingMember" xlink:label="kex_CentralPensionFundOfTheInternationalUnionOfOperatingMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_DefinedContributionPlanContributionPercentageAggregateAccumulatedBenefitObligation" xlink:label="kex_DefinedContributionPlanContributionPercentageAggregateAccumulatedBenefitObligation"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_PensionPlanDefinedBenefitPlanCostIncreaseLimitPercentage" xlink:label="kex_PensionPlanDefinedBenefitPlanCostIncreaseLimitPercentage"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEquitySecuritiesUsMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_RealEstateInvestmentMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsTargetAllocationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssetAllocations" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInformationAboutPlanAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="kex_EmployeePensionPlanGrandfatheredParticipantsServicePeriod" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEquitySecuritiesMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="kex_Plan2018Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="kex_HigmanMarineIncMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInformationAboutPlanAssetsAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEquitySecuritiesNonUsMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:to="kex_CashAndEquitySecuritiesMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsTargetAllocationsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsTargetAllocationPercentage" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInformationAboutPlanAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="kex_EmployeePensionPlanGrandfatheredParticipantsParticipantAge" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="kex_Plan2019Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsTargetAllocationsAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDebtSecurityMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInformationAboutPlanAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="kex_EmployeePensionPlanGrandfatheredParticipantsParticipantServicePeriodWhoIsFiftyYearsOld" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="kex_Plan2020Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEquitySecuritiesMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCashAndCashEquivalentsMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInformationAboutPlanAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="kex_Plan2019And2017Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="kex_SeafarersPensionTrustMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInformationAboutPlanAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="kex_CentralPensionFundOfTheInternationalUnionOfOperatingMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInformationAboutPlanAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="6" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInformationAboutPlanAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="6" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="7" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInformationAboutPlanAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="kex_DefinedContributionPlanContributionPercentageAggregateAccumulatedBenefitObligation" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="8" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInformationAboutPlanAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="kex_PensionPlanDefinedBenefitPlanCostIncreaseLimitPercentage" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="9" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInformationAboutPlanAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/RetirementPlansScheduleOfChangeInBenefitObligationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligationBenefitsPaid" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligationBenefitsPaid"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsBenefitObligation" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsBenefitObligation"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedBenefitObligation" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedBenefitObligation"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligationBenefitsPaid" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsBenefitObligation" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="7" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedBenefitObligation" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/RetirementPlansWeightedaverageAssumptionUsedToDetermineBenefitObligationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingBenefitObligationAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingBenefitObligationAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_HigmanMarineIncMember" xlink:label="kex_HigmanMarineIncMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumedHealthCareCostTrendRatesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumedHealthCareCostTrendRatesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_DefinedBenefitPlanInitialHealthCareCostTrendRate" xlink:label="kex_DefinedBenefitPlanInitialHealthCareCostTrendRate"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationRateOfCompensationIncrease" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationRateOfCompensationIncrease"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanUltimateHealthCareCostTrendRate1" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanUltimateHealthCareCostTrendRate1"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanYearHealthCareCostTrendRateReachesUltimateTrendRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanYearHealthCareCostTrendRateReachesUltimateTrendRate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingBenefitObligationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="kex_HigmanMarineIncMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumedHealthCareCostTrendRatesAbstract" xlink:to="kex_DefinedBenefitPlanInitialHealthCareCostTrendRate" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingBenefitObligationAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingBenefitObligationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationRateOfCompensationIncrease" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumedHealthCareCostTrendRatesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanUltimateHealthCareCostTrendRate1" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumedHealthCareCostTrendRatesAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumedHealthCareCostTrendRatesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanYearHealthCareCostTrendRateReachesUltimateTrendRate" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/RetirementPlansSummaryOfChangeInPlanAssetsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsBenefitsPaid" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsBenefitsPaid"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsPlanAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsPlanAssets"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsBenefitsPaid" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsPlanAssets" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/RetirementPlansSummaryOfFundedStatusAtEndOfYearDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlanAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlanAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlanAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlanAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlanAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlanAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/RetirementPlansAmountsRecognizedInConsolidatedBalanceSheetsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheetAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheetAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsNoncurrent"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsNoncurrent" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheetAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/RetirementPlansAmountsRecognizedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/RetirementPlansExpectedEmployerContributionAndBenefitPaymentsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsNextTwelveMonths"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureEmployerContributionsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureEmployerContributionsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureEmployerContributionsRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureEmployerContributionsRemainderOfFiscalYear"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearTwo" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearTwo"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearThree" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearThree"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFour" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFour"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFive" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFive"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsFiveFiscalYearsThereafter" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsFiveFiscalYearsThereafter"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsNextTwelveMonths" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureEmployerContributionsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureEmployerContributionsRemainderOfFiscalYear" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureEmployerContributionsAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearTwo" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearThree" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFour" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFive" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsFiveFiscalYearsThereafter" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/RetirementPlansComponentsOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostPensionBenefitsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossBeforeTax"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostCreditInterestCostStatementOfIncomeOrComprehensiveIncomeExtensibleList" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostCreditInterestCostStatementOfIncomeOrComprehensiveIncomeExtensibleList"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTax"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmountRecognizedInNetPeriodicBenefitCostAndOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_AmountRecognizedInNetPeriodicBenefitCostAndOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTax"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostCreditExpectedReturnLossStatementOfIncomeOrComprehensiveIncomeExtensibleList" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostCreditExpectedReturnLossStatementOfIncomeOrComprehensiveIncomeExtensibleList"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostCreditAmortizationOfGainLossStatementOfIncomeOrComprehensiveIncomeExtensibleList" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostCreditAmortizationOfGainLossStatementOfIncomeOrComprehensiveIncomeExtensibleList"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossBeforeTax" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostCreditInterestCostStatementOfIncomeOrComprehensiveIncomeExtensibleList" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTax" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AmountRecognizedInNetPeriodicBenefitCostAndOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTax" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostCreditExpectedReturnLossStatementOfIncomeOrComprehensiveIncomeExtensibleList" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="6" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostCreditAmortizationOfGainLossStatementOfIncomeOrComprehensiveIncomeExtensibleList" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="7" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/RetirementPlansWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedToDetermineNetPeriodicBenefitCostPensionBenefitsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_HigmanMarineIncMember" xlink:label="kex_HigmanMarineIncMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostRateOfCompensationIncrease" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostRateOfCompensationIncrease"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="kex_HigmanMarineIncMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostRateOfCompensationIncrease" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/RetirementPlansComponentsOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostOtherPostretirementBenefitsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDebtSecurityMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDebtSecurityMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetGainLossBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetGainLossBeforeTax"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCashAndCashEquivalentsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCashAndCashEquivalentsMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossBeforeTax"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTax"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmountRecognizedInNetPeriodicBenefitCostAndOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_AmountRecognizedInNetPeriodicBenefitCostAndOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDebtSecurityMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetGainLossBeforeTax" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCashAndCashEquivalentsMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossBeforeTax" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTax" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AmountRecognizedInNetPeriodicBenefitCostAndOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTax" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/RetirementPlansWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedToDetermineNetPeriodicBenefitCostOtherPostretirementBenefitsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumedHealthCareCostTrendRatesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumedHealthCareCostTrendRatesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostInitialHealthCareCostTrendRate" xlink:label="kex_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostInitialHealthCareCostTrendRate"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostUltimateHealthCareCostTrendRate" xlink:label="kex_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostUltimateHealthCareCostTrendRate"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_DefinedBenefitPlanYearHealthCareCostTrendRateUltimateTrendRate" xlink:label="kex_DefinedBenefitPlanYearHealthCareCostTrendRateUltimateTrendRate"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumedHealthCareCostTrendRatesAbstract" xlink:to="kex_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostInitialHealthCareCostTrendRate" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumedHealthCareCostTrendRatesAbstract" xlink:to="kex_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostUltimateHealthCareCostTrendRate" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumedHealthCareCostTrendRatesAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumedHealthCareCostTrendRatesAbstract" xlink:to="kex_DefinedBenefitPlanYearHealthCareCostTrendRateUltimateTrendRate" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/RetirementPlansMultiemployerPensionPlanAndDefinedContributionPlansDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAdditionalInformationAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAdditionalInformationAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_SeafarersPensionTrustMember" xlink:label="kex_SeafarersPensionTrustMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_DefinedContributionPlanContributionPercentageAggregateAccumulatedBenefitObligation" xlink:label="kex_DefinedContributionPlanContributionPercentageAggregateAccumulatedBenefitObligation"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_CentralPensionFundOfTheInternationalUnionOfOperatingMember" xlink:label="kex_CentralPensionFundOfTheInternationalUnionOfOperatingMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_DefinedBenefitPlanMaximumContributionLimit" xlink:label="kex_DefinedBenefitPlanMaximumContributionLimit"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAdditionalInformationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="kex_SeafarersPensionTrustMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAdditionalInformationAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAdditionalInformationAbstract" xlink:to="kex_DefinedContributionPlanContributionPercentageAggregateAccumulatedBenefitObligation" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="kex_CentralPensionFundOfTheInternationalUnionOfOperatingMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAdditionalInformationAbstract" xlink:to="kex_DefinedBenefitPlanMaximumContributionLimit" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAdditionalInformationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/ContingenciesAndCommitmentsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_PortlandHarborSuperfundSiteMember" xlink:label="kex_PortlandHarborSuperfundSiteMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedFromOtherParty" xlink:label="us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedFromOtherParty"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_SettlementAgreementMember" xlink:label="kex_SettlementAgreementMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_UnassertedClaim1Member" xlink:label="kex_UnassertedClaim1Member"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_SBAShipyardSiteMember" xlink:label="kex_SBAShipyardSiteMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_NumberOfMaritimeVessels" xlink:label="kex_NumberOfMaritimeVessels"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnassertedClaimMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnassertedClaimMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForLegalSettlements" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsForLegalSettlements"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromLegalSettlements" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromLegalSettlements"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_NumberOfVesselsDamagedInCollisionResultingInFuelOilDischarge" xlink:label="kex_NumberOfVesselsDamagedInCollisionResultingInFuelOilDischarge"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_DamagesAndAssessmentCost" xlink:label="kex_DamagesAndAssessmentCost"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_SiteContingencyNumberOfCompaniesNamedAsPotentiallyResponsiblePartiesUnderComprehensiveEnvironmentalResponseCompensationAndLiabilityAct" xlink:label="kex_SiteContingencyNumberOfCompaniesNamedAsPotentiallyResponsiblePartiesUnderComprehensiveEnvironmentalResponseCompensationAndLiabilityAct"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_SiteContingencyNumberOfSpills" xlink:label="kex_SiteContingencyNumberOfSpills"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_NumberOfBargeSlips" xlink:label="kex_NumberOfBargeSlips"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteDomain" xlink:to="kex_PortlandHarborSuperfundSiteMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedFromOtherParty" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain" xlink:to="kex_SettlementAgreementMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:to="kex_UnassertedClaim1Member" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteDomain" xlink:to="kex_SBAShipyardSiteMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="kex_NumberOfMaritimeVessels" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnassertedClaimMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsForLegalSettlements" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromLegalSettlements" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="kex_NumberOfVesselsDamagedInCollisionResultingInFuelOilDischarge" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="kex_DamagesAndAssessmentCost" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="6" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="kex_SiteContingencyNumberOfCompaniesNamedAsPotentiallyResponsiblePartiesUnderComprehensiveEnvironmentalResponseCompensationAndLiabilityAct" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="7" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="kex_SiteContingencyNumberOfSpills" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="8" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="kex_NumberOfBargeSlips" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/ContingenciesAndCommitmentsCertainSignificantRisksAndUncertaintiesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_PercentageOfInlandRevenue" xlink:label="kex_PercentageOfInlandRevenue"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StandbyLettersOfCreditMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_StandbyLettersOfCreditMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesPayableMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesPayableMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_MarineTransportationMember" xlink:label="kex_MarineTransportationMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_RangeOfRenewalOptionsUnderTermContracts" xlink:label="kex_RangeOfRenewalOptionsUnderTermContracts"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_DistributionAndServicesMember" xlink:label="kex_DistributionAndServicesMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_PercentageOfCoastalRevenue" xlink:label="kex_PercentageOfCoastalRevenue"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_CustomerRelationshipPeriod" xlink:label="kex_CustomerRelationshipPeriod"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_NumberOfMajorCustomersAccountingMoreThanTenPercentOfRevenue" xlink:label="kex_NumberOfMajorCustomersAccountingMoreThanTenPercentOfRevenue"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_NumberOfTopDistributorsOffHighwayEngines" xlink:label="kex_NumberOfTopDistributorsOffHighwayEngines"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_ServicesSegmentsRelationshipYears" xlink:label="kex_ServicesSegmentsRelationshipYears"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure" xlink:label="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_TermOfInstrumentUnderGuarantorObligations" xlink:label="kex_TermOfInstrumentUnderGuarantorObligations"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="kex_PercentageOfInlandRevenue" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_StandbyLettersOfCreditMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesPayableMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="kex_MarineTransportationMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="kex_RangeOfRenewalOptionsUnderTermContracts" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="kex_DistributionAndServicesMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="kex_PercentageOfCoastalRevenue" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="kex_CustomerRelationshipPeriod" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="kex_NumberOfMajorCustomersAccountingMoreThanTenPercentOfRevenue" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="kex_NumberOfTopDistributorsOffHighwayEngines" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="6" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="kex_ServicesSegmentsRelationshipYears" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="7" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="8" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="kex_TermOfInstrumentUnderGuarantorObligations" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20221231/taxonomy/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_AmericanBureauOfShippingMember" xlink:label="kex_AmericanBureauOfShippingMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_default"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_RelatedPartyAbstract" xlink:label="kex_RelatedPartyAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_UKProtectionIndemnityAssociationMember" xlink:label="kex_UKProtectionIndemnityAssociationMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LegalFees" xlink:label="us-gaap_LegalFees"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_SignalMutualIndemnityAssociationLtdMember" xlink:label="kex_SignalMutualIndemnityAssociationLtdMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_LimitedLiabilityPartnershipMember" xlink:label="kex_LimitedLiabilityPartnershipMember"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20221231.xsd#kex_WSeanOneilAttorneyMember" xlink:label="kex_WSeanOneilAttorneyMember"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="kex_AmericanBureauOfShippingMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_RelatedPartyAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="kex_RelatedPartyAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="kex_UKProtectionIndemnityAssociationMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_RelatedPartyAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LegalFees" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="kex_SignalMutualIndemnityAssociationLtdMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="kex_LimitedLiabilityPartnershipMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="kex_WSeanOneilAttorneyMember" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/eedm/ExtensibleEnumerationLists">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax"/>
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </link:definitionLink>
</link:linkbase>
