<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?>
<!-- DFIN ActiveDisclosure(SM) XBRL Linkbase Document - http://www.dfinsolutions.com/ -->
<!-- Creation Date      : 2020-08-06T23:40:52.7157505+00:00 -->
<!-- Version            : 5.0.1.476 -->
<!-- Package ID         : c85b9bf7c16b4ea59a68f304f3b39bb8 -->
<!-- Copyright (c) 2020 Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc. All Rights Reserved. -->
<link:linkbase xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd">
  <link:arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" />
  <link:arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" />
  <link:arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" />
  <link:arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" />
  <link:arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" />
  <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#TemplateLink" roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/role/TemplateLink" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/StatementUNAUDITEDCONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDBALANCESHEETS" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_StatementUNAUDITEDCONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDBALANCESHEETS" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/StatementUNAUDITEDCONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDBALANCESHEETS">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestInLimitedPartnerships" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinorityInterestInLimitedPartnerships" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredUnitsPreferredPartnersCapitalAccounts" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredUnitsPreferredPartnersCapitalAccounts" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TemporaryEquityAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_Liabilities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedEnvironmentalLossContingenciesNoncurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedEnvironmentalLossContingenciesNoncurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityNoncurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_ShortTermDebtAndLongTermDebtCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_ShortTermDebtAndLongTermDebtCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedEnvironmentalLossContingenciesCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedEnvironmentalLossContingenciesCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccrualForTaxesOtherThanIncomeTaxesCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccrualForTaxesOtherThanIncomeTaxesCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_Assets" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCash" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedCash" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="10300.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" order="10360.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" order="10390.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" order="10470.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" order="10550.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedCash" order="10590.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" order="10630.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent" order="10670.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" order="10710.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" order="10750.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" order="10790.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" order="10830.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" order="10870.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_Assets" order="10910.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" order="10950.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" order="11030.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" order="11110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" order="11150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent" order="11190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccrualForTaxesOtherThanIncomeTaxesCurrent" order="11230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent" order="11270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedEnvironmentalLossContingenciesCurrent" order="11310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent" order="11350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="smlp_ShortTermDebtAndLongTermDebtCurrent" order="11390.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" order="11430.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" order="11470.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityNoncurrent" order="11510.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedEnvironmentalLossContingenciesNoncurrent" order="11550.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" order="11590.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_Liabilities" order="11630.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" order="11670.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_TemporaryEquityAbstract" order="11710.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TemporaryEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent" order="11790.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAbstract" order="11830.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredUnitsPreferredPartnersCapitalAccounts" order="11910.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccount" order="11950.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinorityInterestInLimitedPartnerships" order="11990.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" order="12030.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" order="12070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/StatementUNAUDITEDCONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDBALANCESHEETSParenthetical" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_StatementUNAUDITEDCONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDBALANCESHEETSParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/StatementUNAUDITEDCONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDBALANCESHEETSParenthetical">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountUnitsOutstanding" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountUnitsOutstanding" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountUnitsIssued" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountUnitsIssued" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredUnitsOutstanding" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredUnitsOutstanding" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredUnitsIssued" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredUnitsIssued" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_MezzanineCapitalMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_MezzanineCapitalMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="smlp_MezzanineCapitalMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredUnitsIssued" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredUnitsOutstanding" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountUnitsIssued" order="10300.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountUnitsOutstanding" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/StatementUNAUDITEDCONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFOPERATIONS" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_StatementUNAUDITEDCONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFOPERATIONS" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/StatementUNAUDITEDCONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFOPERATIONS">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageLimitedPartnershipUnitsOutstandingDiluted" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageLimitedPartnershipUnitsOutstandingDiluted" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageLimitedPartnershipUnitsOutstanding" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageLimitedPartnershipUnitsOutstanding" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossNetOfTaxPerOutstandingLimitedPartnershipUnitDiluted" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossNetOfTaxPerOutstandingLimitedPartnershipUnitDiluted" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossPerOutstandingLimitedPartnershipUnitBasicNetOfTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossPerOutstandingLimitedPartnershipUnitBasicNetOfTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerLimitedPartnershipUnitAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerLimitedPartnershipUnitAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAllocatedToLimitedPartners" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAllocatedToLimitedPartners" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProfitLoss" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpense" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseMaintenanceAndOperations" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseMaintenanceAndOperations" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_SubsidiariesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_SubsidiariesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_CommonUnitsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_CommonUnitsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_SeriesAPreferredUnitsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_SeriesAPreferredUnitsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountClassDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountClassDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountClassDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountClassDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountByClassAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountByClassAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductAndServiceOtherMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProductAndServiceOtherMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OilAndCondensateMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OilAndCondensateMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NaturalGasGatheringTransportationMarketingAndProcessingMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NaturalGasGatheringTransportationMarketingAndProcessingMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_2" order="10220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" order="10240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_NaturalGasGatheringTransportationMarketingAndProcessingMember" order="10260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OilAndCondensateMember" order="10280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProductAndServiceOtherMember" order="10300.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountByClassAxis" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountByClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountClassDomain_2" order="10320.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountByClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountClassDomain" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountClassDomain" xlink:to="smlp_SeriesAPreferredUnitsMember" order="10360.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountClassDomain" xlink:to="smlp_CommonUnitsMember" order="10380.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" order="10490.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_2" order="10500.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" order="10520.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:to="srt_SubsidiariesMember" order="10540.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" order="10570.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" order="10730.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" order="11050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold" order="11210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseMaintenanceAndOperations" order="11290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" order="11370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" order="11450.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts" order="11530.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1" order="11610.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf" order="11690.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" order="11770.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseNet" order="11850.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestExpense" order="11930.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" order="12010.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" order="12090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" order="12170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" order="12250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProfitLoss" order="12330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" order="12410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAllocatedToLimitedPartners" order="12490.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerLimitedPartnershipUnitAbstract" order="12810.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerLimitedPartnershipUnitAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossPerOutstandingLimitedPartnershipUnitBasicNetOfTax" order="12970.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerLimitedPartnershipUnitAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossNetOfTaxPerOutstandingLimitedPartnershipUnitDiluted" order="13050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" order="13130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageLimitedPartnershipUnitsOutstanding" order="13290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageLimitedPartnershipUnitsOutstandingDiluted" order="13370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/StatementUNAUDITEDCONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFPARTNERSCAPITAL" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_StatementUNAUDITEDCONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFPARTNERSCAPITAL" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/StatementUNAUDITEDCONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFPARTNERSCAPITAL">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountExchangesAndConversions" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountExchangesAndConversions" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapitalOther" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalOther" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountTreasuryUnitsPurchases" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountTreasuryUnitsPurchases" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_PartnersCapitalAccountTaxWithholdingForUnitBasedCompensation" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_PartnersCapitalAccountTaxWithholdingForUnitBasedCompensation" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountSaleOfUnits" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountSaleOfUnits" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountUnitBasedCompensation" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountUnitBasedCompensation" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_PartnersCapitalAccountDistributionsToEnergyCapitalPartners" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_PartnersCapitalAccountDistributionsToEnergyCapitalPartners" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountDistributions" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountDistributions" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_ProfitLossExcludingSubsidiaryIncome" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_ProfitLossExcludingSubsidiaryIncome" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_PartnersCapitalMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_PartnersCapitalMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_CommonNoncontrollingInterestsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_CommonNoncontrollingInterestsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountNameDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountAxis" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountNameDomain_2" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountNameDomain" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_CommonNoncontrollingInterestsMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_PartnersCapitalMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" order="10220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_2" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" order="10540.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_ProfitLossExcludingSubsidiaryIncome" order="10660.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountDistributions" order="10780.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_PartnersCapitalAccountDistributionsToEnergyCapitalPartners" order="10900.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountUnitBasedCompensation" order="11020.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountSaleOfUnits" order="11140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_PartnersCapitalAccountTaxWithholdingForUnitBasedCompensation" order="11260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions" order="11380.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountTreasuryUnitsPurchases" order="11500.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalOther" order="11620.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountExchangesAndConversions" order="11740.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/StatementUNAUDITEDCONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCASHFLOWS" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_StatementUNAUDITEDCONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCASHFLOWS" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/StatementUNAUDITEDCONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCASHFLOWS">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_NonCashOrPartNonCashRightOfUseOfAssets" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_NonCashOrPartNonCashRightOfUseOfAssets" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContributionOfProperty" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContributionOfProperty" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_WarrantIssuanceForGPBuyInTransaction" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_WarrantIssuanceForGPBuyInTransaction" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPaidCapitalized" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestPaidCapitalized" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPaid" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestPaid" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_ProceedsFromSaleOfAssets" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_ProceedsFromSaleOfAssets" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPreferredLimitedPartnersUnits" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPreferredLimitedPartnersUnits" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_PaymentsForDebtInstrumentRepurchase" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_PaymentsForDebtInstrumentRepurchase" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfRelatedPartyDebt" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfRelatedPartyDebt" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromLongTermLinesOfCredit" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromLongTermLinesOfCredit" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_NetCashDistributionsToEnergyCapitalPartners" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_NetCashDistributionsToEnergyCapitalPartners" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DistributionMadeToLimitedPartnerCashDistributionsPaid" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DistributionMadeToLimitedPartnerCashDistributionsPaid" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToMinorityShareholders" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToMinorityShareholders" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfProductiveAssets" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfProductiveAssets" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRegulatoryLiabilities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRegulatoryLiabilities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInterestPayableNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInterestPayableNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPropertyAndOtherTaxesPayable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPropertyAndOtherTaxesPayable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInContractWithCustomerLiability" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInContractWithCustomerLiability" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableTrade" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableTrade" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_NonCashLeaseExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_NonCashLeaseExpense" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationIncludingAmortizationOfAboveAndBelowMarketLeases" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationIncludingAmortizationOfAboveAndBelowMarketLeases" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProfitLoss" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_SeriesAPreferredUnitsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_SeriesAPreferredUnitsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountClassDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountClassDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountByClassAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountByClassAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="10420.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" order="10450.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_2" order="10460.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" order="10480.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member" order="10500.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member" order="10520.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountByClassAxis" order="10530.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountByClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountClassDomain" order="10560.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountClassDomain" xlink:to="smlp_SeriesAPreferredUnitsMember" order="10580.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" order="10610.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProfitLoss" order="10690.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" order="10730.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="smlp_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationIncludingAmortizationOfAboveAndBelowMarketLeases" order="10810.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="smlp_NonCashLeaseExpense" order="10850.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" order="10890.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" order="10930.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" order="10970.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions" order="11010.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1" order="11050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" order="11090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf" order="11130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" order="11170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable" order="11250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableTrade" order="11290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities" order="11330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInContractWithCustomerLiability" order="11370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPropertyAndOtherTaxesPayable" order="11410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInterestPayableNet" order="11450.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRegulatoryLiabilities" order="11490.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet" order="11530.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" order="11570.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" order="11610.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" order="11690.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfProductiveAssets" order="11730.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital" order="11770.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments" order="11810.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" order="11850.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" order="11890.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" order="12200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToMinorityShareholders" order="12280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DistributionMadeToLimitedPartnerCashDistributionsPaid" order="12320.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="smlp_NetCashDistributionsToEnergyCapitalPartners" order="12360.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromLongTermLinesOfCredit" order="12400.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" order="12440.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfRelatedPartyDebt" order="12480.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="smlp_PaymentsForDebtInstrumentRepurchase" order="12520.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPreferredLimitedPartnersUnits" order="12560.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt" order="12600.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock" order="12640.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts" order="12680.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="smlp_ProceedsFromSaleOfAssets" order="12720.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities" order="12760.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" order="12800.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect" order="12840.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" order="12880.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" order="12960.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestPaid" order="13040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestPaidCapitalized" order="13080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" order="13120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid" order="13160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract" order="13200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid" order="13280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract" xlink:to="smlp_WarrantIssuanceForGPBuyInTransaction" order="13320.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContributionOfProperty" order="13360.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract" xlink:to="smlp_NonCashOrPartNonCashRightOfUseOfAssets" order="13400.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsAbstract" order="13440.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureORGANIZATIONBUSINESSOPERATIONSANDPRESENTATIONANDCONSOLIDATIONNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureORGANIZATIONBUSINESSOPERATIONSANDPRESENTATIONANDCONSOLIDATIONNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureORGANIZATIONBUSINESSOPERATIONSANDPRESENTATIONANDCONSOLIDATIONNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountUnitsOutstanding" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountUnitsOutstanding" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_CommonUnitsNotPledgedAsCollateral" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_CommonUnitsNotPledgedAsCollateral" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_CommonUnitsPledgedAsCollateral" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_CommonUnitsPledgedAsCollateral" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_PurchaseAgreementDate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_PurchaseAgreementDate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_EnergyCapitalPartnersMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_EnergyCapitalPartnersMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_CommonUnitsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_CommonUnitsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountClassDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountClassDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountByClassAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountByClassAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_SummitInvestmentsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_SummitInvestmentsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_SummitMidstreamPartnersHoldingsLLCMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_SummitMidstreamPartnersHoldingsLLCMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_OrganizationAndBusinessOperationsTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_OrganizationAndBusinessOperationsTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_OrganizationAndBusinessOperationsLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_OrganizationAndBusinessOperationsLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="smlp_OrganizationAndBusinessOperationsLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_OrganizationAndBusinessOperationsTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="smlp_OrganizationAndBusinessOperationsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="smlp_SummitMidstreamPartnersHoldingsLLCMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="smlp_SummitInvestmentsMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="smlp_OrganizationAndBusinessOperationsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountByClassAxis" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountByClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountClassDomain" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountClassDomain" xlink:to="smlp_CommonUnitsMember" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="smlp_OrganizationAndBusinessOperationsTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="10260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain_2" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="smlp_EnergyCapitalPartnersMember" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="smlp_OrganizationAndBusinessOperationsLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_PurchaseAgreementDate" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="smlp_OrganizationAndBusinessOperationsLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_CommonUnitsPledgedAsCollateral" order="10360.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="smlp_OrganizationAndBusinessOperationsLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_CommonUnitsNotPledgedAsCollateral" order="10380.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="smlp_OrganizationAndBusinessOperationsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountUnitsOutstanding" order="10400.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="smlp_OrganizationAndBusinessOperationsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" order="10420.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="smlp_OrganizationAndBusinessOperationsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued" order="10440.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="smlp_OrganizationAndBusinessOperationsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares" order="10460.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSUMMARYOFSIGNIFICANTACCOUNTINGPOLICIESNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureSUMMARYOFSIGNIFICANTACCOUNTINGPOLICIESNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSUMMARYOFSIGNIFICANTACCOUNTINGPOLICIESNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCash" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedCash" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_DateOfCommencementOfCustomersPayment" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_DateOfCommencementOfCustomersPayment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_DurationOfAmountPayableToCustomer" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_DurationOfAmountPayableToCustomer" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_PayablesToCustomers" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_PayablesToCustomers" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_AmountHeldInCourtRegistry" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_AmountHeldInCourtRegistry" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_DoubleEPipelineLLCMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_DoubleEPipelineLLCMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_DFWMidstreamMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_DFWMidstreamMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="smlp_DFWMidstreamMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="smlp_DoubleEPipelineLLCMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_AmountHeldInCourtRegistry" order="10200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:to="srt_PayablesToCustomers" order="10220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_DurationOfAmountPayableToCustomer" order="10240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_DateOfCommencementOfCustomersPayment" order="10260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedCash" order="10280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureREVENUENarrative1Details" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureREVENUENarrative1Details" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureREVENUENarrative1Details">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionStartDateAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionStartDateAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="smlp_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="smlp_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="smlp_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionStartDateAxis" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="smlp_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureREVENUENarrative1DetailsDefault" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureREVENUENarrative1DetailsDefault" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureREVENUENarrative1DetailsDefault">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="smlp_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="smlp_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" order="10020.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" order="10030.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="smlp_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureREVENUEScheduleOfEstimatedRevenueExpectedToBeRecognizedAndMVCShortfallPaymentsDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureREVENUEScheduleOfEstimatedRevenueExpectedToBeRecognizedAndMVCShortfallPaymentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureREVENUEScheduleOfEstimatedRevenueExpectedToBeRecognizedAndMVCShortfallPaymentsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligation" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligation" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionStartDateAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionStartDateAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_GatheringServicesandRelatedFeesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_GatheringServicesandRelatedFeesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionTable" xlink:to="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="smlp_GatheringServicesandRelatedFeesMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionStartDateAxis" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligation" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureREVENUEScheduleOfEstimatedRevenueExpectedToBeRecognizedAndMVCShortfallPaymentsDetailsDefault" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureREVENUEScheduleOfEstimatedRevenueExpectedToBeRecognizedAndMVCShortfallPaymentsDetailsDefault" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureREVENUEScheduleOfEstimatedRevenueExpectedToBeRecognizedAndMVCShortfallPaymentsDetailsDefault">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligation" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligation" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_GatheringServicesandRelatedFeesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_GatheringServicesandRelatedFeesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionTable" xlink:to="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" order="10020.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" order="10030.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="smlp_GatheringServicesandRelatedFeesMember" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligation" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureREVENUEScheduleOfDisaggregatedRevenueByGeographicAreaAndMajorProductsAndServicesReportableSegmentsDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureREVENUEScheduleOfDisaggregatedRevenueByGeographicAreaAndMajorProductsAndServicesReportableSegmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureREVENUEScheduleOfDisaggregatedRevenueByGeographicAreaAndMajorProductsAndServicesReportableSegmentsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_MarcellusShaleSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_MarcellusShaleSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_BarnettShaleSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_BarnettShaleSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_PiceanceBasinSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_PiceanceBasinSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_PermianBasinSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_PermianBasinSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_DJBasinSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_DJBasinSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_WillistonBasinSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_WillistonBasinSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_UticaShaleSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_UticaShaleSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_OtherProductsAndServicesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_OtherProductsAndServicesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_NaturalGasNGLAndCondensateSalesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_NaturalGasNGLAndCondensateSalesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_GatheringServicesandRelatedFeesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_GatheringServicesandRelatedFeesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:to="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="smlp_GatheringServicesandRelatedFeesMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="smlp_NaturalGasNGLAndCondensateSalesMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="smlp_OtherProductsAndServicesMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_2" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="smlp_UticaShaleSegmentMember" order="10390.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="smlp_WillistonBasinSegmentMember" order="10410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="smlp_DJBasinSegmentMember" order="10430.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="smlp_PermianBasinSegmentMember" order="10450.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="smlp_PiceanceBasinSegmentMember" order="10470.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="smlp_BarnettShaleSegmentMember" order="10490.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="smlp_MarcellusShaleSegmentMember" order="10510.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember" order="10530.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" order="12060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureREVENUENarrativeDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureREVENUENarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureREVENUENarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetNetNoncurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetNetNoncurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnbilledContractsReceivable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnbilledContractsReceivable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_GatheringServicesandRelatedFeesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_GatheringServicesandRelatedFeesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="smlp_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="smlp_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="smlp_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerTable" xlink:to="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="smlp_GatheringServicesandRelatedFeesMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="smlp_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnbilledContractsReceivable" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="smlp_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetNet" order="10220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="smlp_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetNetNoncurrent" order="10260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="smlp_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSEGMENTINFORMATIONAssetsRevenuesDepreciationAndAmortizationAndCapitalExpendituresByReportableSegmentDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureSEGMENTINFORMATIONAssetsRevenuesDepreciationAndAmortizationAndCapitalExpendituresByReportableSegmentDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSEGMENTINFORMATIONAssetsRevenuesDepreciationAndAmortizationAndCapitalExpendituresByReportableSegmentDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromProductiveAssets" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromProductiveAssets" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationIncludingAmortizationOfAboveAndBelowMarketLeases" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationIncludingAmortizationOfAboveAndBelowMarketLeases" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_Assets" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_PiceanceBasinSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_PiceanceBasinSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_MarcellusShaleSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_MarcellusShaleSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_PermianBasinSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_PermianBasinSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_BarnettShaleSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_BarnettShaleSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_DJBasinSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_DJBasinSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_WillistonBasinSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_WillistonBasinSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_OhioGatheringSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_OhioGatheringSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_UticaShaleSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_UticaShaleSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" order="10280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="smlp_UticaShaleSegmentMember" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="smlp_OhioGatheringSegmentMember" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="smlp_WillistonBasinSegmentMember" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="smlp_DJBasinSegmentMember" order="10390.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="smlp_BarnettShaleSegmentMember" order="10410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="smlp_PermianBasinSegmentMember" order="10430.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="smlp_MarcellusShaleSegmentMember" order="10450.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="smlp_PiceanceBasinSegmentMember" order="10470.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember" order="10710.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Assets" order="11720.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" order="12190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationIncludingAmortizationOfAboveAndBelowMarketLeases" order="13100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromProductiveAssets" order="13930.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSEGMENTINFORMATIONNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureSEGMENTINFORMATIONNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSEGMENTINFORMATIONNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromProductiveAssets" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromProductiveAssets" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_SalesTaxReimbursements" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_SalesTaxReimbursements" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_CapitalExpenditures" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_CapitalExpenditures" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CorporateMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_BarnettShaleSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_BarnettShaleSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_DoubleEPipelineLLCMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_DoubleEPipelineLLCMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:to="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_2" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:to="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_DoubleEPipelineLLCMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" order="10260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="smlp_BarnettShaleSegmentMember" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CorporateMember" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_CapitalExpenditures" order="10400.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" order="10440.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_SalesTaxReimbursements" order="10510.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromProductiveAssets" order="10560.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSEGMENTINFORMATIONConcentrationRiskDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureSEGMENTINFORMATIONConcentrationRiskDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSEGMENTINFORMATIONConcentrationRiskDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_CounterpartyCMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_CounterpartyCMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_CounterpartyBMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_CounterpartyBMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_CounterpartyAMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_CounterpartyAMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MajorCustomersAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_2" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="srt_MajorCustomersAxis" order="10240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:to="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_2" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:to="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:to="smlp_CounterpartyAMember" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:to="smlp_CounterpartyBMember" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:to="smlp_CounterpartyCMember" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" order="10360.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSEGMENTINFORMATIONAdjustedEBITDAByReportableSegmentDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureSEGMENTINFORMATIONAdjustedEBITDAByReportableSegmentDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSEGMENTINFORMATIONAdjustedEBITDAByReportableSegmentDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_AdjustedEarningsBeforeInterestTaxesDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_AdjustedEarningsBeforeInterestTaxesDepreciationAndAmortization" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_MarcellusShaleSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_MarcellusShaleSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_BarnettShaleSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_BarnettShaleSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_PiceanceBasinSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_PiceanceBasinSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_PermianBasinSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_PermianBasinSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_DJBasinSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_DJBasinSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_WillistonBasinSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_WillistonBasinSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_OhioGatheringSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_OhioGatheringSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_UticaShaleSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_UticaShaleSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="smlp_UticaShaleSegmentMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="smlp_OhioGatheringSegmentMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="smlp_WillistonBasinSegmentMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="smlp_DJBasinSegmentMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="smlp_PermianBasinSegmentMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="smlp_PiceanceBasinSegmentMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="smlp_BarnettShaleSegmentMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="smlp_MarcellusShaleSegmentMember" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_AdjustedEarningsBeforeInterestTaxesDepreciationAndAmortization" order="10260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSEGMENTINFORMATIONScheduleOfAdjustmentsRelatedToMinimumVolumeCommitmentsShortfallPaymentsDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureSEGMENTINFORMATIONScheduleOfAdjustmentsRelatedToMinimumVolumeCommitmentsShortfallPaymentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSEGMENTINFORMATIONScheduleOfAdjustmentsRelatedToMinimumVolumeCommitmentsShortfallPaymentsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_AdjustmentsRelatedToMinimumVolumeCommitmentsShortfallPayments" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_AdjustmentsRelatedToMinimumVolumeCommitmentsShortfallPayments" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_BarnettShaleSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_BarnettShaleSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_PiceanceBasinSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_PiceanceBasinSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_WillistonBasinSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_WillistonBasinSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="smlp_WillistonBasinSegmentMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="smlp_PiceanceBasinSegmentMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="smlp_BarnettShaleSegmentMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_AdjustmentsRelatedToMinimumVolumeCommitmentsShortfallPayments" order="10460.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePROPERTYPLANTANDEQUIPMENTNETScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosurePROPERTYPLANTANDEQUIPMENTNETScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePROPERTYPLANTANDEQUIPMENTNETScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCapitalizedPropertyPlantAndEquipmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherCapitalizedPropertyPlantAndEquipmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_LandandLineFillMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_LandandLineFillMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GasGatheringAndProcessingEquipmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_GasGatheringAndProcessingEquipmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_GasGatheringAndProcessingEquipmentMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="smlp_LandandLineFillMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherCapitalizedPropertyPlantAndEquipmentMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" order="10240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" order="10440.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" order="10480.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePROPERTYPLANTANDEQUIPMENTNETNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosurePROPERTYPLANTANDEQUIPMENTNETNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePROPERTYPLANTANDEQUIPMENTNETNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_RightsOfWayMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_RightsOfWayMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_FixedAssetsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_FixedAssetsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_BarnettShaleSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_BarnettShaleSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_DJBasinSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_DJBasinSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="smlp_DJBasinSegmentMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="smlp_BarnettShaleSegmentMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" order="10220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_2" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="smlp_FixedAssetsMember" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="smlp_RightsOfWayMember" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" order="10320.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAMORTIZINGINTANGIBLEASSETSIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesSubjectToAmortizationDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureAMORTIZINGINTANGIBLEASSETSIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesSubjectToAmortizationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAMORTIZINGINTANGIBLEASSETSIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesSubjectToAmortizationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_RightsOfWayMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_RightsOfWayMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_ContractIntangiblesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_ContractIntangiblesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_FavorableGasGatheringContractMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_FavorableGasGatheringContractMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" order="10030.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_2" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_FavorableGasGatheringContractMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_ContractIntangiblesMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_RightsOfWayMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" order="10280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" order="10420.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" order="10560.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAMORTIZINGINTANGIBLEASSETSRecognizedAmortizationExpenseInOtherRevenuesAndCostAndExpensesDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureAMORTIZINGINTANGIBLEASSETSRecognizedAmortizationExpenseInOtherRevenuesAndCostAndExpensesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAMORTIZINGINTANGIBLEASSETSRecognizedAmortizationExpenseInOtherRevenuesAndCostAndExpensesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_RightsOfWayMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_RightsOfWayMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_ContractIntangiblesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_ContractIntangiblesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_CostsAndExpensesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_CostsAndExpensesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_FavorableGasGatheringContractMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_FavorableGasGatheringContractMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_OtherRevenueMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_OtherRevenueMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="smlp_OtherRevenueMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_FavorableGasGatheringContractMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="smlp_CostsAndExpensesMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_ContractIntangiblesMember" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_RightsOfWayMember" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEQUITYMETHODINVESTMENTSNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureEQUITYMETHODINVESTMENTSNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEQUITYMETHODINVESTMENTSNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_Revenues" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherInvestments" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherInvestments" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromPartnershipContribution" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromPartnershipContribution" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_CapitalContribution" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_CapitalContribution" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_ParentalMaximumGuarantyForCapitalCallsNotMetBySummitPermianTransmission" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_ParentalMaximumGuarantyForCapitalCallsNotMetBySummitPermianTransmission" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContributionOfProperty" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContributionOfProperty" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_OhioCondensateCompanyMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_OhioCondensateCompanyMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_OhioGatheringCompanyLLCMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_OhioGatheringCompanyLLCMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_JVPartnerMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_JVPartnerMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrincipalOwnerMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PrincipalOwnerMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_DoubleECompanyLLCMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_DoubleECompanyLLCMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:to="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:to="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_DoubleECompanyLLCMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" order="10200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_2" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PrincipalOwnerMember" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="smlp_JVPartnerMember" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_OhioGatheringCompanyLLCMember" order="10510.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_OhioCondensateCompanyMember" order="10630.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContributionOfProperty" order="10660.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_ParentalMaximumGuarantyForCapitalCallsNotMetBySummitPermianTransmission" order="10700.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_CapitalContribution" order="10740.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" order="10780.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromPartnershipContribution" order="10820.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital" order="10900.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherInvestments" order="10940.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsNet" order="11010.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Revenues" order="11060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" order="11200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" order="11240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEQUITYMETHODINVESTMENTSRollforwardOfInvestmentInEquityMethodInvesteesDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureEQUITYMETHODINVESTMENTSRollforwardOfInvestmentInEquityMethodInvesteesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEQUITYMETHODINVESTMENTSRollforwardOfInvestmentInEquityMethodInvesteesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_EquityMethodInvestmentAmortizationofDifferenceBetweenCarryingAmountandUnderlyingEquity" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_EquityMethodInvestmentAmortizationofDifferenceBetweenCarryingAmountandUnderlyingEquity" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_SummitMidstreamPartnersLLCMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_SummitMidstreamPartnersLLCMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_OhioGatheringCompanyLLCMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_OhioGatheringCompanyLLCMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:to="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:to="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_OhioGatheringCompanyLLCMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:to="smlp_SummitMidstreamPartnersLLCMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions" order="10220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_EquityMethodInvestmentAmortizationofDifferenceBetweenCarryingAmountandUnderlyingEquity" order="10260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEQUITYMETHODINVESTMENTSStatementsOfOperationsInformationDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureEQUITYMETHODINVESTMENTSStatementsOfOperationsInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEQUITYMETHODINVESTMENTSStatementsOfOperationsInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationNetIncomeLoss" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationNetIncomeLoss" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationCostOfSales" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationCostOfSales" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationRevenue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationRevenue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_OhioCondensateCompanyMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_OhioCondensateCompanyMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_OhioGatheringCompanyLLCMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_OhioGatheringCompanyLLCMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:to="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:to="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_OhioGatheringCompanyLLCMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_OhioCondensateCompanyMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationRevenue" order="10300.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationCostOfSales" order="10380.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationNetIncomeLoss" order="10460.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDEFERREDREVENUERollforwardOfDeferredRevenueDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureDEFERREDREVENUERollforwardOfDeferredRevenueDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDEFERREDREVENUERollforwardOfDeferredRevenueDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityNoncurrentReclassificationToCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityNoncurrentReclassificationToCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityNoncurrentAdditions" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityNoncurrentAdditions" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityNoncurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrentRevenueRecognized" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrentRevenueRecognized" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrentAdditions" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrentAdditions" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeInContractWithCustomerLiabilityAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ChangeInContractWithCustomerLiabilityAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_MarcellusShaleSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_MarcellusShaleSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_BarnettShaleSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_BarnettShaleSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_PiceanceBasinSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_PiceanceBasinSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_DJBasinSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_DJBasinSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_WillistonBasinSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_WillistonBasinSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_UticaShaleSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_UticaShaleSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementByTypeTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementByTypeTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementByTypeTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementByTypeTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="smlp_UticaShaleSegmentMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="smlp_WillistonBasinSegmentMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="smlp_DJBasinSegmentMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="smlp_PiceanceBasinSegmentMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="smlp_BarnettShaleSegmentMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="smlp_MarcellusShaleSegmentMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ChangeInContractWithCustomerLiabilityAbstract" order="10380.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ChangeInContractWithCustomerLiabilityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent" order="10700.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ChangeInContractWithCustomerLiabilityAbstract" xlink:to="smlp_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrentAdditions" order="10860.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ChangeInContractWithCustomerLiabilityAbstract" xlink:to="smlp_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrentRevenueRecognized" order="11020.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ChangeInContractWithCustomerLiabilityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityNoncurrent" order="11690.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ChangeInContractWithCustomerLiabilityAbstract" xlink:to="smlp_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityNoncurrentAdditions" order="11850.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ChangeInContractWithCustomerLiabilityAbstract" xlink:to="smlp_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityNoncurrentReclassificationToCurrent" order="12010.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDEBTComponentsOfLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureDEBTComponentsOfLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDEBTComponentsOfLongTermDebtDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebt" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnsecuredLongTermDebt" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnsecuredLongTermDebt" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredLongTermDebt" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SecuredLongTermDebt" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_SeniorSecuredTermLoanDueMarchTwentyTwentyOneMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_SeniorSecuredTermLoanDueMarchTwentyTwentyOneMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_SeniorNotesDueAprilTwentyTwentyFiveMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_SeniorNotesDueAprilTwentyTwentyFiveMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_SeniorNotesDueAugustTwentyTwentyTwoMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_SeniorNotesDueAugustTwentyTwentyTwoMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_SeniorSecuredTermLoanDueMayTwentyTwentyTwoMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_SeniorSecuredTermLoanDueMayTwentyTwentyTwoMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_SeniorNotesDueMayTwentyTwentyTwoMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_SeniorNotesDueMayTwentyTwentyTwoMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_SummitMidstreamPartnersHoldingsLLCMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_SummitMidstreamPartnersHoldingsLLCMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:to="smlp_SummitMidstreamPartnersHoldingsLLCMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_2" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_SeniorNotesDueMayTwentyTwentyTwoMember" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_SeniorSecuredTermLoanDueMayTwentyTwentyTwoMember" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_SeniorNotesDueAugustTwentyTwentyTwoMember" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_SeniorNotesDueAprilTwentyTwentyFiveMember" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_SeniorSecuredTermLoanDueMarchTwentyTwentyOneMember" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SecuredLongTermDebt" order="10400.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnsecuredLongTermDebt" order="10480.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet" order="10520.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebt" order="10720.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" order="10800.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" order="10840.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDEBTComponentsOfLongTermDebtParentheticalDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureDEBTComponentsOfLongTermDebtParentheticalDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDEBTComponentsOfLongTermDebtParentheticalDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateAtPeriodEnd" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateAtPeriodEnd" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingVariableInterestRate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingVariableInterestRate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_SeniorSecuredTermLoanDueMarchTwentyTwentyOneMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_SeniorSecuredTermLoanDueMarchTwentyTwentyOneMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_SeniorNotesDueAprilTwentyTwentyFiveMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_SeniorNotesDueAprilTwentyTwentyFiveMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_SeniorNotesDueAugustTwentyTwentyTwoMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_SeniorNotesDueAugustTwentyTwentyTwoMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_SeniorNotesDueMayTwentyTwentyTwoMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_SeniorNotesDueMayTwentyTwentyTwoMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_SeniorSecuredTermLoanDueMayTwentyTwentyTwoMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_SeniorSecuredTermLoanDueMayTwentyTwentyTwoMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_SummitMidstreamPartnersHoldingsLLCMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_SummitMidstreamPartnersHoldingsLLCMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:to="smlp_SummitMidstreamPartnersHoldingsLLCMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_SeniorSecuredTermLoanDueMayTwentyTwentyTwoMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_SeniorNotesDueMayTwentyTwentyTwoMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_SeniorNotesDueAugustTwentyTwentyTwoMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_SeniorNotesDueAprilTwentyTwentyFiveMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_SeniorSecuredTermLoanDueMarchTwentyTwentyOneMember" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingVariableInterestRate" order="10260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateAtPeriodEnd" order="10300.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDEBTRevolvingCreditFacilityNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureDEBTRevolvingCreditFacilityNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDEBTRevolvingCreditFacilityNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDefaultLongtermDebtAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtDefaultLongtermDebtAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsGross" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsGross" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCredit" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCredit" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateAtPeriodEnd" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateAtPeriodEnd" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_LineOfCreditFacilityAccordionFeatureIncreaseLimit" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_LineOfCreditFacilityAccordionFeatureIncreaseLimit" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_LineOfCreditFacilityMaturityDateMonthAndYear" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_LineOfCreditFacilityMaturityDateMonthAndYear" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_AlternateBaseRateMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_AlternateBaseRateMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" order="10420.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" order="10450.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" order="10470.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" order="10490.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" order="10580.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_2" order="10590.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" order="10610.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:to="smlp_AlternateBaseRateMember" order="10630.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" order="10670.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" order="10860.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_LineOfCreditFacilityMaturityDateMonthAndYear" order="10880.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_LineOfCreditFacilityAccordionFeatureIncreaseLimit" order="10900.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" order="10950.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage" order="11030.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateAtPeriodEnd" order="11090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" order="11110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCredit" order="11150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity" order="11170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsGross" order="11220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtDefaultLongtermDebtAmount" order="11270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDEBTSummitHoldingsTermLoansNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureDEBTSummitHoldingsTermLoansNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDEBTSummitHoldingsTermLoansNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_RatioOfFirstLienNetIndebtednessToConsolidatedTrailing12MonthEBITDA" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_RatioOfFirstLienNetIndebtednessToConsolidatedTrailing12MonthEBITDA" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_RatioOfNetIndebtednessToConsolidatedTrailing12MonthEBITDA" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_RatioOfNetIndebtednessToConsolidatedTrailing12MonthEBITDA" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_RatioOfConsolidatedTrailing12monthEBITDAToNetInterestExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_RatioOfConsolidatedTrailing12monthEBITDAToNetInterestExpense" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_CumulativePaymentObligationsMaximum" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_CumulativePaymentObligationsMaximum" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_DebtInstrumentPrincipalAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_DebtInstrumentPrincipalAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityDescription" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityDescription" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_ECPTermLoanCreditAgreementsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_ECPTermLoanCreditAgreementsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_ECPNewCoTermLoanCreditAgreementMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_ECPNewCoTermLoanCreditAgreementMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="smlp_ECPNewCoTermLoanCreditAgreementMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="smlp_ECPTermLoanCreditAgreementsMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" order="10280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityDescription" order="10400.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_DebtInstrumentPrincipalAmount" order="10420.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" order="10460.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" order="10480.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_CumulativePaymentObligationsMaximum" order="10530.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_RatioOfConsolidatedTrailing12monthEBITDAToNetInterestExpense" order="10550.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_RatioOfNetIndebtednessToConsolidatedTrailing12MonthEBITDA" order="10570.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_RatioOfFirstLienNetIndebtednessToConsolidatedTrailing12MonthEBITDA" order="10590.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDEBTSeniorNotesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureDEBTSeniorNotesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDEBTSeniorNotesNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeniorNotes" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SeniorNotes" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeCumulativePercentageOwnershipAfterAllTransactions" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeCumulativePercentageOwnershipAfterAllTransactions" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_FivePointSevenFivePercentSeniorNotesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_FivePointSevenFivePercentSeniorNotesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_SeniorNotesDueAugustTwentyTwentyTwoMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_SeniorNotesDueAugustTwentyTwentyTwoMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_SummitHoldingsAndFinanceCorporationMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_SummitHoldingsAndFinanceCorporationMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_SummitMidstreamHoldingsLLCMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_SummitMidstreamHoldingsLLCMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_FinanceCorpMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_FinanceCorpMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:to="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_FinanceCorpMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="smlp_SummitMidstreamHoldingsLLCMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="smlp_SummitHoldingsAndFinanceCorporationMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" order="10220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_SeniorNotesDueAugustTwentyTwentyTwoMember" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_FivePointSevenFivePercentSeniorNotesMember" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" order="10440.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" order="10470.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:to="srt_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember" order="10490.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeCumulativePercentageOwnershipAfterAllTransactions" order="10520.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SeniorNotes" order="10540.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" order="10560.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" order="10580.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" order="10650.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDEBTSMPHoldingsTermLoanNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureDEBTSMPHoldingsTermLoanNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDEBTSMPHoldingsTermLoanNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_DebtIssuanceCostsIncurred" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_DebtIssuanceCostsIncurred" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeMaturityDates" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeMaturityDates" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInceptionDates" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInceptionDates" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentageOfPrincipalAmountRedeemed" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentageOfPrincipalAmountRedeemed" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFrequencyOfPeriodicPayment" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFrequencyOfPeriodicPayment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_CommonUnitsPledgedAsCollateral" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_CommonUnitsPledgedAsCollateral" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesOwnedAndPledgedAsCollateralDescription" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SecuritiesOwnedAndPledgedAsCollateralDescription" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_DebtInstrumentCovenantMinimumInterestCoverageRatio" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_DebtInstrumentCovenantMinimumInterestCoverageRatio" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDefaultLongtermDebtAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtDefaultLongtermDebtAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_SummitMidstreamPartnersHoldingsLLCMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_SummitMidstreamPartnersHoldingsLLCMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_TermLoanBMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_TermLoanBMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_AlternateBaseRateMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_AlternateBaseRateMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:to="smlp_AlternateBaseRateMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="smlp_TermLoanBMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" order="10300.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="smlp_SummitMidstreamPartnersHoldingsLLCMember" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtDefaultLongtermDebtAmount" order="10780.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" order="10800.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" order="10820.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_DebtInstrumentCovenantMinimumInterestCoverageRatio" order="10890.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SecuritiesOwnedAndPledgedAsCollateralDescription" order="10940.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_CommonUnitsPledgedAsCollateral" order="10960.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFrequencyOfPeriodicPayment" order="11010.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPricePercentageOfPrincipalAmountRedeemed" order="11030.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate" order="11080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount" order="11120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInceptionDates" order="11160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeMaturityDates" order="11200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives" order="11240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_DebtIssuanceCostsIncurred" order="11280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDEBTRepurchasesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureDEBTRepurchasesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDEBTRepurchasesNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnsecuredLongTermDebt" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnsecuredLongTermDebt" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchaseAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchaseAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_SeniorNotesDueAprilTwentyTwentyFiveMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_SeniorNotesDueAprilTwentyTwentyFiveMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_SeniorNotesDueAugustTwentyTwentyTwoMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_SeniorNotesDueAugustTwentyTwentyTwoMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_SummitHoldingsAndFinanceCorporationMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_SummitHoldingsAndFinanceCorporationMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="smlp_SummitHoldingsAndFinanceCorporationMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" order="10280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_SeniorNotesDueAugustTwentyTwentyTwoMember" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_SeniorNotesDueAprilTwentyTwentyFiveMember" order="10430.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchaseAmount" order="10540.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnsecuredLongTermDebt" order="10580.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" order="10620.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" order="10660.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost" order="10700.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFINANCIALINSTRUMENTSConcentrationRiskNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureFINANCIALINSTRUMENTSConcentrationRiskNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFINANCIALINSTRUMENTSConcentrationRiskNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_NumberOfTopCustomers" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_NumberOfTopCustomers" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_FiveLargestCustomersMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_FiveLargestCustomersMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MajorCustomersAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable" xlink:to="srt_MajorCustomersAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:to="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:to="smlp_FiveLargestCustomersMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" order="10240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_NumberOfTopCustomers" order="10280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFINANCIALINSTRUMENTSFairValueOfDebtInstrumentsDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureFINANCIALINSTRUMENTSFairValueOfDebtInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFINANCIALINSTRUMENTSFairValueOfDebtInstrumentsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_SeniorNotes575Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_SeniorNotes575Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_SeniorNotesDue2022Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_SeniorNotesDue2022Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_SummitMidstreamHoldingsLLCMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_SummitMidstreamHoldingsLLCMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:to="smlp_SummitMidstreamHoldingsLLCMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_SeniorNotesDue2022Member" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_SeniorNotes575Member" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" order="10200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" order="10320.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure" order="10420.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFINANCIALINSTRUMENTSFairValueOfDebtInstrumentsParentheticalDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureFINANCIALINSTRUMENTSFairValueOfDebtInstrumentsParentheticalDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFINANCIALINSTRUMENTSFairValueOfDebtInstrumentsParentheticalDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_SeniorNotes575Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_SeniorNotes575Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_SeniorNotesDue2022Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_SeniorNotesDue2022Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_SummitMidstreamHoldingsLLCMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_SummitMidstreamHoldingsLLCMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:to="smlp_SummitMidstreamHoldingsLLCMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_SeniorNotesDue2022Member" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_SeniorNotes575Member" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" order="10240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" order="10280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePARTNERSCAPITALANDMEZZANINECAPITALPartnersCapitalAndScheduleOfUnitsDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosurePARTNERSCAPITALANDMEZZANINECAPITALPartnersCapitalAndScheduleOfUnitsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePARTNERSCAPITALANDMEZZANINECAPITALPartnersCapitalAndScheduleOfUnitsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountUnitsConverted" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountUnitsConverted" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountUnitsUnitbasedCompensation" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountUnitsUnitbasedCompensation" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountUnits" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountUnits" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPartnersCapitalRollForward" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPartnersCapitalRollForward" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_LimitedPartnerCommonUnitsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_LimitedPartnerCommonUnitsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountNameDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_LimitedPartnerCommonUnitsMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPartnersCapitalRollForward" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountUnits" order="10200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountUnitsUnitbasedCompensation" order="10240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountUnitsConverted" order="10280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePARTNERSCAPITALANDMEZZANINECAPITALPartnersCapitalAndScheduleOfUnitsParentheticalDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosurePARTNERSCAPITALANDMEZZANINECAPITALPartnersCapitalAndScheduleOfUnitsParentheticalDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePARTNERSCAPITALANDMEZZANINECAPITALPartnersCapitalAndScheduleOfUnitsParentheticalDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_CommonUnitsOwnedUnderPurchaseAgreement" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_CommonUnitsOwnedUnderPurchaseAgreement" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_CommonUnitsNotPledgedAsCollateralUnderTermLoanAgreement" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_CommonUnitsNotPledgedAsCollateralUnderTermLoanAgreement" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_CommonUnitsPledgedAsCollateral" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_CommonUnitsPledgedAsCollateral" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountUnitsIssued" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountUnitsIssued" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountUnits" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountUnits" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_TermLoanBMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_TermLoanBMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_EnergyCapitalPartnersMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_EnergyCapitalPartnersMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_LimitedPartnerCommonUnitsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_LimitedPartnerCommonUnitsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountClassDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountClassDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountByClassAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountByClassAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RestatementDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RestatementDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RestatementDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RestatementDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RestatementAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RestatementAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_PartnersCapitalTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_PartnersCapitalTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_PartnersCapitalLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_PartnersCapitalLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_PartnersCapitalTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalTable" xlink:to="srt_RestatementAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_RestatementAxis" xlink:to="srt_RestatementDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RestatementAxis" xlink:to="srt_RestatementDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RestatementDomain" xlink:to="srt_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountByClassAxis" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountByClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountClassDomain" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountClassDomain" xlink:to="smlp_LimitedPartnerCommonUnitsMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain_2" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="smlp_EnergyCapitalPartnersMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" order="10220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="smlp_TermLoanBMember" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountUnits" order="10320.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountUnitsIssued" order="10360.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_CommonUnitsPledgedAsCollateral" order="10380.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_CommonUnitsNotPledgedAsCollateralUnderTermLoanAgreement" order="10400.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_CommonUnitsOwnedUnderPurchaseAgreement" order="10420.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePARTNERSCAPITALANDMEZZANINECAPITALNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosurePARTNERSCAPITALANDMEZZANINECAPITALNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePARTNERSCAPITALANDMEZZANINECAPITALNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_ProRatedIssuanceOfPreferredUnitsRelatedToUndrawnCommitment" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_ProRatedIssuanceOfPreferredUnitsRelatedToUndrawnCommitment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_ProRatedDistributionOfPreferredUnitsAnnualBasis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_ProRatedDistributionOfPreferredUnitsAnnualBasis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_ProRatedDistributionOfPreferredUnits" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_ProRatedDistributionOfPreferredUnits" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_ProRatedIssuanceOfPreferredUnits" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_ProRatedIssuanceOfPreferredUnits" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountUnitsConverted" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountUnitsConverted" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCOrLimitedPartnershipLPManagingMemberOrGeneralPartnerOwnershipInterest" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCOrLimitedPartnershipLPManagingMemberOrGeneralPartnerOwnershipInterest" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightReasonForIssuingToNonemployees" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightReasonForIssuingToNonemployees" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsOutstanding" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsOutstanding" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonUnitIssued" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonUnitIssued" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonLimitedPartnersUnits" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonLimitedPartnersUnits" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesIssuedPricePerShare" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharesIssuedPricePerShare" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredUnitsIssued" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredUnitsIssued" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_FairValueOfWarrants" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_FairValueOfWarrants" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_AdvisoryFeesAndOtherDirectCosts" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_AdvisoryFeesAndOtherDirectCosts" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentInKindPIKNoteMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentInKindPIKNoteMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_SummitMidstreamPartnersLPMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_SummitMidstreamPartnersLPMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_OwnershipDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_OwnershipDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_OwnershipAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_OwnershipAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_ECPHoldingsWarrantMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_ECPHoldingsWarrantMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RestatementDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RestatementDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RestatementAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RestatementAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_EnergyCapitalPartnersMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_EnergyCapitalPartnersMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_DoubleEPipelineLLCMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_DoubleEPipelineLLCMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_CommonUnitsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_CommonUnitsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountClassDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountClassDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountByClassAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountByClassAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralPartnerMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_GeneralPartnerMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncentiveDistributionRecipientDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncentiveDistributionRecipientDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncentiveDistributionRecipientDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncentiveDistributionRecipientDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncentiveDistributionMadeToManagingMemberOrGeneralPartnerAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncentiveDistributionMadeToManagingMemberOrGeneralPartnerAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_PartnersCapitalTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_PartnersCapitalTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_PartnersCapitalLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_PartnersCapitalLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_PartnersCapitalTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncentiveDistributionMadeToManagingMemberOrGeneralPartnerAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncentiveDistributionMadeToManagingMemberOrGeneralPartnerAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncentiveDistributionRecipientDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncentiveDistributionMadeToManagingMemberOrGeneralPartnerAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncentiveDistributionRecipientDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountAxis" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountNameDomain" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_GeneralPartnerMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountByClassAxis" order="10200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountByClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountClassDomain" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountClassDomain" xlink:to="smlp_CommonUnitsMember" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" order="10320.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" order="10480.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" order="10510.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalTable" xlink:to="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" order="10660.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:to="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" order="10690.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_DoubleEPipelineLLCMember" order="10710.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" order="10720.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" order="10750.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" order="10770.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" order="10810.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" order="11020.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" order="11050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="smlp_EnergyCapitalPartnersMember" order="11070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalTable" xlink:to="srt_RestatementAxis" order="11220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RestatementAxis" xlink:to="srt_RestatementDomain" order="11250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RestatementDomain" xlink:to="smlp_ECPHoldingsWarrantMember" order="11270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalTable" xlink:to="srt_OwnershipAxis" order="11340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_OwnershipAxis" xlink:to="srt_OwnershipDomain_2" order="11350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_OwnershipAxis" xlink:to="srt_OwnershipDomain" order="11370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:to="smlp_SummitMidstreamPartnersLPMember" order="11390.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" order="11600.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2" order="11610.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" order="11630.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentInKindPIKNoteMember" order="11650.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" order="11740.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued" order="11760.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_AdvisoryFeesAndOtherDirectCosts" order="11780.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_FairValueOfWarrants" order="11800.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredUnitsIssued" order="11850.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharesIssuedPricePerShare" order="11870.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonLimitedPartnersUnits" order="12030.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" order="12120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonUnitIssued" order="12140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsOutstanding" order="12180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightReasonForIssuingToNonemployees" order="12220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCOrLimitedPartnershipLPManagingMemberOrGeneralPartnerOwnershipInterest" order="12270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountUnitsConverted" order="12290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_ProRatedIssuanceOfPreferredUnits" order="12340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_ProRatedDistributionOfPreferredUnits" order="12380.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_ProRatedDistributionOfPreferredUnitsAnnualBasis" order="12420.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="smlp_PartnersCapitalLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_ProRatedIssuanceOfPreferredUnitsRelatedToUndrawnCommitment" order="12460.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEARNINGSPERUNITDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureEARNINGSPERUNITDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEARNINGSPERUNITDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossNetOfTaxPerOutstandingLimitedPartnershipUnitDiluted" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossNetOfTaxPerOutstandingLimitedPartnershipUnitDiluted" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossPerOutstandingLimitedPartnershipUnitBasicNetOfTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossPerOutstandingLimitedPartnershipUnitBasicNetOfTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageLimitedPartnershipUnitsOutstandingDiluted" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageLimitedPartnershipUnitsOutstandingDiluted" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageLimitedPartnershipUnitsOutstanding" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageLimitedPartnershipUnitsOutstanding" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAllocatedToLimitedPartners" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAllocatedToLimitedPartners" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_SubsidiariesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_SubsidiariesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PhantomShareUnitsPSUsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PhantomShareUnitsPSUsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_SubordinatedUnitsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_SubordinatedUnitsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_CommonUnitsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_CommonUnitsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_SeriesAPreferredUnitsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_SeriesAPreferredUnitsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_LimitedPartnerInterestBeforeSubordinatedUnitsConvertedToCommonUnitsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_LimitedPartnerInterestBeforeSubordinatedUnitsConvertedToCommonUnitsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountClassDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountClassDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountByClassAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountByClassAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountByClassAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountByClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountClassDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountClassDomain" xlink:to="smlp_LimitedPartnerInterestBeforeSubordinatedUnitsConvertedToCommonUnitsMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountClassDomain" xlink:to="smlp_SeriesAPreferredUnitsMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountClassDomain" xlink:to="smlp_CommonUnitsMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountClassDomain" xlink:to="smlp_SubordinatedUnitsMember" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" order="10300.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_2" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PhantomShareUnitsPSUsMember" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" order="10360.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" order="10390.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:to="srt_SubsidiariesMember" order="10410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAllocatedToLimitedPartners" order="10440.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageLimitedPartnershipUnitsOutstanding" order="10920.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements" order="11000.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageLimitedPartnershipUnitsOutstandingDiluted" order="11080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossPerOutstandingLimitedPartnershipUnitBasicNetOfTax" order="11160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossNetOfTaxPerOutstandingLimitedPartnershipUnitDiluted" order="11240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" order="11400.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEARNINGSPERUNITParentheticalDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureEARNINGSPERUNITParentheticalDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEARNINGSPERUNITParentheticalDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountUnitsOutstanding" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountUnitsOutstanding" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_CommonUnitsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_CommonUnitsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountClassDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountClassDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountByClassAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountByClassAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_SummitMidstreamPartnersHoldingsLLCMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_SummitMidstreamPartnersHoldingsLLCMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="smlp_SummitMidstreamPartnersHoldingsLLCMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountByClassAxis" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountByClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountClassDomain" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountClassDomain" xlink:to="smlp_CommonUnitsMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountUnitsOutstanding" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEARNINGSPERUNITNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureEARNINGSPERUNITNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEARNINGSPERUNITNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_CommonUnitsPledgedAsCollateral" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_CommonUnitsPledgedAsCollateral" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_TermLoanBMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_TermLoanBMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_SummitMidstreamPartnersHoldingsLLCMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_SummitMidstreamPartnersHoldingsLLCMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="smlp_SummitMidstreamPartnersHoldingsLLCMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="smlp_TermLoanBMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_CommonUnitsPledgedAsCollateral" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureUNITBASEDANDNONCASHCOMPENSATIONNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureUNITBASEDANDNONCASHCOMPENSATIONNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureUNITBASEDANDNONCASHCOMPENSATIONNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardExtendedTerm" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardExtendedTerm" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_NumberOfDirectors" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_NumberOfDirectors" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_LongTermIncentivePlanMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_LongTermIncentivePlanMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PhantomShareUnitsPSUsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PhantomShareUnitsPSUsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PhantomShareUnitsPSUsMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_2" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_LongTermIncentivePlanMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" order="10760.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" order="10780.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" order="10800.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod" order="10850.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_NumberOfDirectors" order="10890.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" order="10960.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized" order="11010.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardExtendedTerm" order="11030.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" order="11080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLEASESCOMMITMENTSANDCONTINGENCIESNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureLEASESCOMMITMENTSANDCONTINGENCIESNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLEASESCOMMITMENTSANDCONTINGENCIESNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_LossContingencyPropertyAndBusinessInterruptionInsurancePolicyCoverage" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_LossContingencyPropertyAndBusinessInterruptionInsurancePolicyCoverage" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_LossContingencyPollutionLiabilityInsurancePolicyCoverage" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_LossContingencyPollutionLiabilityInsurancePolicyCoverage" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrincipalOwnerMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PrincipalOwnerMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_MeadowlarkMidstreamGatheringSystemMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_MeadowlarkMidstreamGatheringSystemMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteAxis" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteDomain_2" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteDomain" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteDomain" xlink:to="smlp_MeadowlarkMidstreamGatheringSystemMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" order="10220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PrincipalOwnerMember" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_LossContingencyPollutionLiabilityInsurancePolicyCoverage" order="10320.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_LossContingencyPropertyAndBusinessInterruptionInsurancePolicyCoverage" order="10360.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLEASESCOMMITMENTSANDCONTINGENCIESEnvironmentalMattersDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureLEASESCOMMITMENTSANDCONTINGENCIESEnvironmentalMattersDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLEASESCOMMITMENTSANDCONTINGENCIESEnvironmentalMattersDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingenciesPayments1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingenciesPayments1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingencies" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingencies" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingenciesRollForward" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingenciesRollForward" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_MeadowlarkMidstreamGatheringSystemMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_MeadowlarkMidstreamGatheringSystemMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteDomain" xlink:to="smlp_MeadowlarkMidstreamGatheringSystemMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingenciesRollForward" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingencies" order="10200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingenciesPayments1" order="10240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDISPOSITIONSANDRESTRUCTURINGTiogaMidstreamDispositionDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureDISPOSITIONSANDRESTRUCTURINGTiogaMidstreamDispositionDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDISPOSITIONSANDRESTRUCTURINGTiogaMidstreamDispositionDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinessesAndInterestsInAffiliates" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinessesAndInterestsInAffiliates" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_NumberOfPurchaseAndSaleAgreement" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_NumberOfPurchaseAndSaleAgreement" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupDisposedOfBySaleNotDiscontinuedOperationsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisposalGroupDisposedOfBySaleNotDiscontinuedOperationsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_TiogaMidstreamLLCMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_TiogaMidstreamLLCMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_TiogaMidstreamLLCMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_2" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisposalGroupDisposedOfBySaleNotDiscontinuedOperationsMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" order="10240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_2" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_NumberOfPurchaseAndSaleAgreement" order="10300.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinessesAndInterestsInAffiliates" order="10320.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDISPOSITIONSANDRESTRUCTURING2016DropDownDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureDISPOSITIONSANDRESTRUCTURING2016DropDownDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDISPOSITIONSANDRESTRUCTURING2016DropDownDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_TransactionsUnderCommonControlWorkingCapitalAdjustment" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_TransactionsUnderCommonControlWorkingCapitalAdjustment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_DropDownAssets2016AcquisitionMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_DropDownAssets2016AcquisitionMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="smlp_DropDownAssets2016AcquisitionMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" order="10200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_TransactionsUnderCommonControlWorkingCapitalAdjustment" order="10220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDISPOSITIONSANDRESTRUCTURINGRestructuringActivitiesDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureDISPOSITIONSANDRESTRUCTURINGRestructuringActivitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDISPOSITIONSANDRESTRUCTURINGRestructuringActivitiesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCosts" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestructuringCosts" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeveranceCosts1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SeveranceCosts1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_EmployeeRelatedCostsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_EmployeeRelatedCostsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RestructuringPlanDomain" xlink:to="smlp_EmployeeRelatedCostsMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SeveranceCosts1" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestructuringCosts" order="10220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring" order="10260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent" order="10300.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSUBSEQUENTEVENTSNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#Role_DisclosureSUBSEQUENTEVENTSNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.summitmidstream.com/20200630/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSUBSEQUENTEVENTSNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_AccruedInterestOnLoan" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_AccruedInterestOnLoan" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchaseAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchaseAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_DebtWeightedAverageDiscountRate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_DebtWeightedAverageDiscountRate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchasedFaceAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchasedFaceAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockSharesReservedForFutureIssuance" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockSharesReservedForFutureIssuance" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConversionOfStockSharesIssued1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConversionOfStockSharesIssued1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConversionOfStockSharesConverted1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConversionOfStockSharesConverted1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockSharesIssuedUponConversion" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockSharesIssuedUponConversion" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_ECPTermLoanCreditAgreementsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_ECPTermLoanCreditAgreementsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_SeniorNotesDueAugustTwentyTwentyTwoMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_SeniorNotesDueAugustTwentyTwentyTwoMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="smlp-20200630.xsd#smlp_SummitHoldingsAndFinanceCorporationMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="smlp_SummitHoldingsAndFinanceCorporationMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="smlp_SummitHoldingsAndFinanceCorporationMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" order="10280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="smlp_SeniorNotesDueAugustTwentyTwentyTwoMember" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" order="10520.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" order="10550.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="smlp_ECPTermLoanCreditAgreementsMember" order="10570.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockSharesIssuedUponConversion" order="10700.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConversionOfStockSharesConverted1" order="10720.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConversionOfStockSharesIssued1" order="10740.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockSharesReservedForFutureIssuance" order="10760.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchasedFaceAmount" order="10810.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" order="10830.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_DebtWeightedAverageDiscountRate" order="10850.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentRepurchaseAmount" order="10870.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt" order="10920.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="smlp_AccruedInterestOnLoan" order="10940.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
</link:linkbase>
