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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="windows-1252"?> |
<!-- DFIN New ActiveDisclosure (SM) XBRL Linkbase Document - http://www.dfinsolutions.com/ --> |
<!-- Creation Date :2022-05-09T11:41:27.6955+00:00 --> |
<!-- Copyright (c) 2022 Donnelly Financial Solutions, Inc. All Rights Reserved. --> |
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| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense"/> |
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| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxesExcludingIncomeAndExciseTaxes" xlink:label="us-gaap_TaxesExcludingIncomeAndExciseTaxes"/> |
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| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpense"/> |
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| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProfitLoss"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/> |
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| <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/CondensedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity"> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_default"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharesOutstanding"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember"/> |
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| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsCapitalizedAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsCapitalizedAmount"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20220331.xsd#kex_AmortizationOfUnearnedCompensation" xlink:label="kex_AmortizationOfUnearnedCompensation"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders"/> |
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| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
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| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
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| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="6" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="7" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="8" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsCapitalizedAmount" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="9" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="kex_AmortizationOfUnearnedCompensation" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="10" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="11" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
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| <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/RetirementPlansTables"> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_default"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTextBlock"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTextBlock" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | </link:definitionLink> |
| <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAcquisitionDetails"> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20220331.xsd#kex_GearboxRepairMember" xlink:label="kex_GearboxRepairMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_default"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20220331.xsd#kex_KdsAssetsMember" xlink:label="kex_KdsAssetsMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_default"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_default"/> |
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| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="kex_GearboxRepairMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="kex_KdsAssetsMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
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| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | </link:definitionLink> |
| <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRevenuesDetails"> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20220331.xsd#kex_MarineTransportationMember" xlink:label="kex_MarineTransportationMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20220331.xsd#kex_InlandTransportationMember" xlink:label="kex_InlandTransportationMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_default"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueAbstract"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20220331.xsd#kex_DistributionAndServicesMember" xlink:label="kex_DistributionAndServicesMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20220331.xsd#kex_CoastalTransportationMember" xlink:label="kex_CoastalTransportationMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20220331.xsd#kex_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" xlink:label="kex_CommercialAndIndustrialMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OilAndGasMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OilAndGasMember"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="kex_MarineTransportationMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="kex_InlandTransportationMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="kex_DistributionAndServicesMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="kex_CoastalTransportationMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:to="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="kex_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OilAndGasMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | </link:definitionLink> |
| <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/RevenuesRemainingPerformanceObligationDetails"> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionLineItems"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionTable"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetNet"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionStartDateAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionStartDateAxis"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionTable" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetNet" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionStartDateAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | </link:definitionLink> |
| <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/SegmentDataDetails"> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments" xlink:label="us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_default"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20220331.xsd#kex_MarineTransportationMember" xlink:label="kex_MarineTransportationMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationRevenueAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationRevenueAbstract"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20220331.xsd#kex_DistributionAndServicesMember" xlink:label="kex_DistributionAndServicesMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="us-gaap_Assets"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20220331.xsd#kex_OtherSegmentDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="kex_OtherSegmentDisclosureAbstract"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20220331.xsd#kex_GeneralCorporateExpenses" xlink:label="kex_GeneralCorporateExpenses"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetImpairmentCharges"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpense"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsAbstract"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20220331.xsd#kex_GeneralCorporateAssets" xlink:label="kex_GeneralCorporateAssets"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssets"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="kex_MarineTransportationMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationRevenueAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="kex_DistributionAndServicesMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllOtherSegmentsMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Assets" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="kex_OtherSegmentDisclosureAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="6" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="kex_GeneralCorporateExpenses" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="7" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="8" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssetImpairmentCharges" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="9" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestExpense" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="10" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="12" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssetsAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="13" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="kex_GeneralCorporateAssets" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="14" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="15" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssets" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | </link:definitionLink> |
| <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/LongtermDebtCarryingValueAndFairValueOfDebtOutstandingDetails"> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20220331.xsd#kex_DebtInstrumentCarryingValueAndFairValueAbstract" xlink:label="kex_DebtInstrumentCarryingValueAndFairValueAbstract"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_default"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20220331.xsd#kex_SeniorNotesSeriesBDueFebruaryTwentySevenTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember" xlink:label="kex_SeniorNotesSeriesBDueFebruaryTwentySevenTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_default"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20220331.xsd#kex_TermLoanFacilityMember" xlink:label="kex_TermLoanFacilityMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20220331.xsd#kex_SeniorNotesDueMarchOneTwoThousandTwentyEightMember" xlink:label="kex_SeniorNotesDueMarchOneTwoThousandTwentyEightMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20220331.xsd#kex_RevolvingCreditFacilityDueJuneThirtyTwoThousandTwentyOneMember" xlink:label="kex_RevolvingCreditFacilityDueJuneThirtyTwoThousandTwentyOneMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20220331.xsd#kex_BankNotePayableMember" xlink:label="kex_BankNotePayableMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebt"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumAndDebtIssuanceCostsNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumAndDebtIssuanceCostsNet"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_DebtInstrumentCarryingValueAndFairValueAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="kex_SeniorNotesSeriesBDueFebruaryTwentySevenTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="kex_DebtInstrumentCarryingValueAndFairValueAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_DebtInstrumentCarryingValueAndFairValueAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="kex_TermLoanFacilityMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="kex_SeniorNotesDueMarchOneTwoThousandTwentyEightMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="kex_RevolvingCreditFacilityDueJuneThirtyTwoThousandTwentyOneMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_DebtInstrumentCarryingValueAndFairValueAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="kex_BankNotePayableMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_DebtInstrumentCarryingValueAndFairValueAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebt" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_DebtInstrumentCarryingValueAndFairValueAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_DebtInstrumentCarryingValueAndFairValueAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="6" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_DebtInstrumentCarryingValueAndFairValueAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="7" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_DebtInstrumentCarryingValueAndFairValueAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumAndDebtIssuanceCostsNet" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | </link:definitionLink> |
| <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/LongtermDebtBorrowingsAndPaymentsUnderBankCreditFacilitiesDetails"> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfDebtAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfDebtAbstract"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfDebtAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfDebtAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfDebtAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfDebtAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | </link:definitionLink> |
| <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/LongtermDebtDetails"> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_default"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20220331.xsd#kex_RevolvingCreditFacilityDueJuneThirtyTwoThousandTwentyOneMember" xlink:label="kex_RevolvingCreditFacilityDueJuneThirtyTwoThousandTwentyOneMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20220331.xsd#kex_SeniorNotesSeriesBDueFebruaryTwentySevenTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember" xlink:label="kex_SeniorNotesSeriesBDueFebruaryTwentySevenTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20220331.xsd#kex_TermLoanFacilityMember" xlink:label="kex_TermLoanFacilityMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20220331.xsd#kex_ThreePointFourSixSeriesANotesDueJanuaryNineteenTwoThousandThirtyThreeMember" xlink:label="kex_ThreePointFourSixSeriesANotesDueJanuaryNineteenTwoThousandThirtyThreeMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20220331.xsd#kex_ThreePointFiveOneSeriesBNotesDueJanuaryNineteenTwoThousandThirtyThreeMember" xlink:label="kex_ThreePointFiveOneSeriesBNotesDueJanuaryNineteenTwoThousandThirtyThreeMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFrequencyOfPeriodicPayment" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFrequencyOfPeriodicPayment"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20220331.xsd#kex_LineOfCreditFacilityRepayment" xlink:label="kex_LineOfCreditFacilityRepayment"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebt"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCredit"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentInterest"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="kex_RevolvingCreditFacilityDueJuneThirtyTwoThousandTwentyOneMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="kex_SeniorNotesSeriesBDueFebruaryTwentySevenTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="kex_TermLoanFacilityMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="kex_ThreePointFourSixSeriesANotesDueJanuaryNineteenTwoThousandThirtyThreeMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="kex_ThreePointFiveOneSeriesBNotesDueJanuaryNineteenTwoThousandThirtyThreeMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFrequencyOfPeriodicPayment" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:to="kex_LineOfCreditFacilityRepayment" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebt" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="6" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCredit" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="7" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="8" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="9" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="10" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="11" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentInterest" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | </link:definitionLink> |
| <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureImpairmentsAndOtherChargesSummaryOfChangesInGoodwillDetails"> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20220331.xsd#kex_MarineTransportationMember" xlink:label="kex_MarineTransportationMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillGross"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20220331.xsd#kex_DistributionAndServicesMember" xlink:label="kex_DistributionAndServicesMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_Goodwill"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="kex_MarineTransportationMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_GoodwillGross" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="kex_DistributionAndServicesMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_Goodwill" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | </link:definitionLink> |
| <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/ImpairmentsAndOtherChargesDetails"> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20220331.xsd#kex_MarineTransportationMember" xlink:label="kex_MarineTransportationMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_default"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2021/stpr-2021.xsd#stpr_HI" xlink:label="stpr_HI"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_default"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfReportingUnits" xlink:label="us-gaap_NumberOfReportingUnits"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfProductiveAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfProductiveAssets"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsFinitelived" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsFinitelived"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="kex_MarineTransportationMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
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| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsFinitelived" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
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| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="5" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="6" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
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| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20220331.xsd#kex_StockAndIncentivePlan2005Member" xlink:label="kex_StockAndIncentivePlan2005Member"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_default"/> |
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| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_default"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20220331.xsd#kex_EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract" xlink:label="kex_EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract"/> |
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| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20220331.xsd#kex_EmployeePlanMember" xlink:label="kex_EmployeePlanMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember"/> |
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| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20220331.xsd#kex_DirectorPlanMember" xlink:label="kex_DirectorPlanMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod"/> |
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| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="kex_DirectorPlanMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="kex_EmployeeStockAwardPlanAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
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| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20220331.xsd#kex_IncomeTaxDisclosureTable" xlink:label="kex_IncomeTaxDisclosureTable"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsAbstract"/> |
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| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20220331.xsd#kex_IncomeTaxDescriptionAbstract" xlink:label="kex_IncomeTaxDescriptionAbstract"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndOtherTaxReceivableCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndOtherTaxReceivableCurrent"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_default"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_FederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20220331.xsd#kex_ProvisionForTaxesOnIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="kex_ProvisionForTaxesOnIncomeAbstract"/> |
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| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="kex_HigmanMarineIncMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAdditionalInformationAbstract" xlink:to="kex_EmployeePensionPlanGrandfatheredParticipantsServicePeriod" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAdditionalInformationAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAdditionalInformationAbstract" xlink:to="kex_EmployeePensionPlanGrandfatheredParticipantsParticipantAge" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="kex_Plan2019Member" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAdditionalInformationAbstract" xlink:to="kex_EmployeePensionPlanGrandfatheredParticipantsParticipantServicePeriodWhoIsFiftyYearsOld" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAdditionalInformationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAdditionalInformationAbstract" xlink:to="kex_PensionPlanDefinedBenefitPlanCostIncreaseLimitPercentage" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="4" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | </link:definitionLink> |
| <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://kirbycorp.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/ContingenciesAndCommitmentsDetails"> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsLineItems"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTable"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20220331.xsd#kex_SettlementAgreementMember" xlink:label="kex_SettlementAgreementMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain_default"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StandbyLettersOfCreditMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_StandbyLettersOfCreditMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_default"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesPayableMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesPayableMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_default"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember_default"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_GuaranteesAbstract"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure" xlink:label="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="kex-20220331.xsd#kex_TermOfInstrumentUnderGuarantorObligations" xlink:label="kex_TermOfInstrumentUnderGuarantorObligations"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromLegalSettlements" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromLegalSettlements"/> |
| | <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForLegalSettlements" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsForLegalSettlements"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTable" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain" xlink:to="kex_SettlementAgreementMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_StandbyLettersOfCreditMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesPayableMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_default" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember_default" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_GuaranteesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="0" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_GuaranteesAbstract" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="1" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_GuaranteesAbstract" xlink:to="kex_TermOfInstrumentUnderGuarantorObligations" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="2" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_GuaranteesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromLegalSettlements" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfGuaranteeObligationsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" order="3" xbrldt:closed="false" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_GuaranteesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsForLegalSettlements" priority="2" use="optional"/> |
| | </link:definitionLink> |
| </link:linkbase> |