<?xml version="1.0" encoding="US-ASCII"?>
<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!-- -->
<link:linkbase xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTables" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsUnaudited" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquityUnaudited" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquityUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquityUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquityUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeUnaudited" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/DebtObligations" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#DebtObligations" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/DebtObligationsDetails" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#DebtObligationsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/EarningsPerShareEps" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#EarningsPerShareEps" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/EarningsPerShareEpsDetails" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#EarningsPerShareEpsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/EarningsPerShareEpsDetails2" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#EarningsPerShareEpsDetails2" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/EarningsPerShareEpsTables" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#EarningsPerShareEpsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstruments" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstruments" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsTables" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/InvestmentsAvailableForSale" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#InvestmentsAvailableForSale" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/InvestmentsAvailableForSaleDetails" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#InvestmentsAvailableForSaleDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/InvestmentsAvailableForSaleDetails2" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#InvestmentsAvailableForSaleDetails2" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/InvestmentsAvailableForSaleDetails3" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#InvestmentsAvailableForSaleDetails3" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/InvestmentsAvailableForSaleDetails4" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#InvestmentsAvailableForSaleDetails4" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/InvestmentsAvailableForSaleDetails5" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#InvestmentsAvailableForSaleDetails5" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/InvestmentsAvailableForSaleTables" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#InvestmentsAvailableForSaleTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/NatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentation" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#NatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/NatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationDetails" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#NatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/RecentlyIssuedAccountingStandards" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#RecentlyIssuedAccountingStandards" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/RecentlyIssuedAccountingStandardsPolicies" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#RecentlyIssuedAccountingStandardsPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/Reinsurance" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#Reinsurance" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/ReinsuranceDetails" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#ReinsuranceDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/ReinsuranceDetails2" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#ReinsuranceDetails2" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/ReinsuranceDetails3" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#ReinsuranceDetails3" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/ReinsuranceTables" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#ReinsuranceTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/ReserveForLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpenses" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#ReserveForLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpenses" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/ReserveForLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesDetails" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#ReserveForLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/ReserveForLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesDetails2" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#ReserveForLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesDetails2" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/ReserveForLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesDetails3" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#ReserveForLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesDetails3" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/ReserveForLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesTables" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#ReserveForLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/StatutoryAccounting" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#StatutoryAccounting" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/StatutoryAccountingDetails" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#StatutoryAccountingDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/StatutoryAccountingTables" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#StatutoryAccountingTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/StockBasedCompensation" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#StockBasedCompensation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/StockBasedCompensationDetails" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#StockBasedCompensationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/StockBasedCompensationDetails2" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#StockBasedCompensationDetails2" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/StockBasedCompensationDetails3" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#StockBasedCompensationDetails3" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/StockBasedCompensationDetails4" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#StockBasedCompensationDetails4" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/StockBasedCompensationDetails5" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#StockBasedCompensationDetails5" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/StockBasedCompensationTables" xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#StockBasedCompensationTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_F5CF448ECDF7F6A375280886BCC564DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_F92FDE30934C0CDBFE5D0886BCC30E5C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_F5CF448ECDF7F6A375280886BCC564DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_F92FDE30934C0CDBFE5D0886BCC30E5C" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_4875EA6B9D40DD31C8D30886BCC3EA29" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_F92FDE30934C0CDBFE5D0886BCC30E5C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_4875EA6B9D40DD31C8D30886BCC3EA29" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_A7A8D56453D78986CB8B0886BCC3ABE2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_4875EA6B9D40DD31C8D30886BCC3EA29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_A7A8D56453D78986CB8B0886BCC3ABE2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_A7A8D56453D78986CB8B0886BCC3ABE2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_4875EA6B9D40DD31C8D30886BCC3EA29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_A7A8D56453D78986CB8B0886BCC3ABE2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_1F0C1813871089DEBF2A0886BCC30923" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_A7A8D56453D78986CB8B0886BCC3ABE2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_1F0C1813871089DEBF2A0886BCC30923" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember_BCF7CF9DA478C5E797DB0886BCC50F9A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_A7A8D56453D78986CB8B0886BCC3ABE2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember_BCF7CF9DA478C5E797DB0886BCC50F9A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_AOCIAttributableToParentBeforeTaxRollForward" xlink:label="loc_esnt_AOCIAttributableToParentBeforeTaxRollForward_666DCC5F0808136C4A6F0886BCC5599F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_F5CF448ECDF7F6A375280886BCC564DB" xlink:to="loc_esnt_AOCIAttributableToParentBeforeTaxRollForward_666DCC5F0808136C4A6F0886BCC5599F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AociBeforeTaxAttributableToParent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AociBeforeTaxAttributableToParent_A0D70E9490C6C4C6ED5B0886BCC5583E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_esnt_AOCIAttributableToParentBeforeTaxRollForward_666DCC5F0808136C4A6F0886BCC5599F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AociBeforeTaxAttributableToParent_A0D70E9490C6C4C6ED5B0886BCC5583E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_690BF9679A74BBA6517B0886BCC58E04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_esnt_AOCIAttributableToParentBeforeTaxRollForward_666DCC5F0808136C4A6F0886BCC5599F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_690BF9679A74BBA6517B0886BCC58E04" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OciBeforeReclassificationsBeforeTaxAttributableToParent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OciBeforeReclassificationsBeforeTaxAttributableToParent_AFD5BA843D87D391435F0886BCC5975D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_690BF9679A74BBA6517B0886BCC58E04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OciBeforeReclassificationsBeforeTaxAttributableToParent_AFD5BA843D87D391435F0886BCC5975D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodBeforeTaxAttributableToParent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodBeforeTaxAttributableToParent_8AA6B7671F079031CDAD0886BCC5958C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_690BF9679A74BBA6517B0886BCC58E04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodBeforeTaxAttributableToParent_8AA6B7671F079031CDAD0886BCC5958C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParent_89E616117EDDF6B4E6580886BCC5C66C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_690BF9679A74BBA6517B0886BCC58E04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParent_89E616117EDDF6B4E6580886BCC5C66C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_AOCIAttributableToParentTaxRollForward" xlink:label="loc_esnt_AOCIAttributableToParentTaxRollForward_74B43A1C3F8DE9896A4D0886BCC5C6BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_F5CF448ECDF7F6A375280886BCC564DB" xlink:to="loc_esnt_AOCIAttributableToParentTaxRollForward_74B43A1C3F8DE9896A4D0886BCC5C6BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AociTaxAttributableToParent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AociTaxAttributableToParent_7E3F0EF64B0FF02687220886BCC513F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_esnt_AOCIAttributableToParentTaxRollForward_74B43A1C3F8DE9896A4D0886BCC5C6BE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AociTaxAttributableToParent_7E3F0EF64B0FF02687220886BCC513F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_57CE3659D470D5F321640886BCC5CEDD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_esnt_AOCIAttributableToParentTaxRollForward_74B43A1C3F8DE9896A4D0886BCC5C6BE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_57CE3659D470D5F321640886BCC5CEDD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsTax_0E5DC27D8FFDDC6A26140886BCC5525E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_57CE3659D470D5F321640886BCC5CEDD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsTax_0E5DC27D8FFDDC6A26140886BCC5525E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodTax_5802A5B51D56D26F10A50886BCC87830" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_57CE3659D470D5F321640886BCC5CEDD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodTax_5802A5B51D56D26F10A50886BCC87830" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTaxPortionAttributableToParent1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTaxPortionAttributableToParent1_51F810747178BBAEED1A0886BCC8F99E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_57CE3659D470D5F321640886BCC5CEDD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTaxPortionAttributableToParent1_51F810747178BBAEED1A0886BCC8F99E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward_5E89A9F1637EE9516E360886BCC8CD99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_F5CF448ECDF7F6A375280886BCC564DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward_5E89A9F1637EE9516E360886BCC8CD99" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_195441E3A952B7A5446D0886BCC8D374" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward_5E89A9F1637EE9516E360886BCC8CD99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_195441E3A952B7A5446D0886BCC8D374" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_2F616ABAA8D94906EC900886BCC8A16E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward_5E89A9F1637EE9516E360886BCC8CD99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_2F616ABAA8D94906EC900886BCC8A16E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OciBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTaxAttributableToParent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OciBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTaxAttributableToParent_C249284F708A6BB144F50886BCC891BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_2F616ABAA8D94906EC900886BCC8A16E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OciBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTaxAttributableToParent_C249284F708A6BB144F50886BCC891BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAttributableToParent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAttributableToParent_6B82E435DC1643883AA80886BCC81EEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_2F616ABAA8D94906EC900886BCC8A16E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAttributableToParent_6B82E435DC1643883AA80886BCC81EEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_B7F4E50199E572279D860886BCC8D409" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_2F616ABAA8D94906EC900886BCC8A16E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_B7F4E50199E572279D860886BCC8D409" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_413FD1EEDBCEEE6F24A08C711FC4FF45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_7252ABE2B0C6799EB7878C711FC3E1C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_413FD1EEDBCEEE6F24A08C711FC4FF45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_7252ABE2B0C6799EB7878C711FC3E1C6" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_FA5ACEDA2DEAD0B8C75D8C711FC3146A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_7252ABE2B0C6799EB7878C711FC3E1C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_FA5ACEDA2DEAD0B8C75D8C711FC3146A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_47E1DA262EBD9A0FD3D38C711FC49DBC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_FA5ACEDA2DEAD0B8C75D8C711FC3146A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_47E1DA262EBD9A0FD3D38C711FC49DBC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_47E1DA262EBD9A0FD3D38C711FC49DBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_FA5ACEDA2DEAD0B8C75D8C711FC3146A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_47E1DA262EBD9A0FD3D38C711FC49DBC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndemnificationGuaranteeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndemnificationGuaranteeMember_8D5E4AB1C843BA5459EB8C711FC496CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_47E1DA262EBD9A0FD3D38C711FC49DBC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndemnificationGuaranteeMember_8D5E4AB1C843BA5459EB8C711FC496CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualPayments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualPayments_FDD07BD900D0EC47D3DC8C711FC40BF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_413FD1EEDBCEEE6F24A08C711FC4FF45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualPayments_FDD07BD900D0EC47D3DC8C711FC40BF9" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_122B441B716E53D8AA7A4A13F60CB48E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6741842C29A758DA9C53FB11581371D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_122B441B716E53D8AA7A4A13F60CB48E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6741842C29A758DA9C53FB11581371D5" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_723BFE7D298A5FF09102B217CB72D3CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6741842C29A758DA9C53FB11581371D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_723BFE7D298A5FF09102B217CB72D3CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_24C3F0F25BA4BE574ADACA92780E9F9E_8B735CA7AB5D5890B03D9CBCA444C5AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_723BFE7D298A5FF09102B217CB72D3CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_24C3F0F25BA4BE574ADACA92780E9F9E_8B735CA7AB5D5890B03D9CBCA444C5AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_70407FAD995251BBB2AFCCDE49E141B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_723BFE7D298A5FF09102B217CB72D3CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_70407FAD995251BBB2AFCCDE49E141B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember_D227F5AF179454DC89C0E83966CA615A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_70407FAD995251BBB2AFCCDE49E141B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember_D227F5AF179454DC89C0E83966CA615A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember_A369D3FE92F252D3A199EE51C585F257" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_70407FAD995251BBB2AFCCDE49E141B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember_A369D3FE92F252D3A199EE51C585F257" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasisAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_2E980466252D5EE8B362DF6F6CDF5223" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_122B441B716E53D8AA7A4A13F60CB48E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_2E980466252D5EE8B362DF6F6CDF5223" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost_D6872AADC3A35D98960C1264B56E7881" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_2E980466252D5EE8B362DF6F6CDF5223" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost_D6872AADC3A35D98960C1264B56E7881" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_1B0A9C919D0651B5BA8279C6AF896C03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_122B441B716E53D8AA7A4A13F60CB48E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_1B0A9C919D0651B5BA8279C6AF896C03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_7CEBD2F8ABBE5D7BB2F51D259B1DF812" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract_1B0A9C919D0651B5BA8279C6AF896C03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_7CEBD2F8ABBE5D7BB2F51D259B1DF812" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubordinatedBorrowingsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubordinatedBorrowingsAbstract_F14DDC027A7153D79C08DA054F7436D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_122B441B716E53D8AA7A4A13F60CB48E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubordinatedBorrowingsAbstract_F14DDC027A7153D79C08DA054F7436D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsGross_E5118830B34B521A93C153719E02495B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubordinatedBorrowingsAbstract_F14DDC027A7153D79C08DA054F7436D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsGross_E5118830B34B521A93C153719E02495B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_3E6F65C1A79F599299445F02798E7426" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_122B441B716E53D8AA7A4A13F60CB48E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_3E6F65C1A79F599299445F02798E7426" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_1513C220166D5D3A827CCD7D5B3C926C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_3E6F65C1A79F599299445F02798E7426" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_1513C220166D5D3A827CCD7D5B3C926C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_46CA40E7011E5702917588264E27C4E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_3E6F65C1A79F599299445F02798E7426" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_46CA40E7011E5702917588264E27C4E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_B9C7DFE42FF0508FAF8429B238593361" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_3E6F65C1A79F599299445F02798E7426" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_B9C7DFE42FF0508FAF8429B238593361" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_6CE39BDAAC57551EB9FA522BF0B42446" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_3E6F65C1A79F599299445F02798E7426" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_6CE39BDAAC57551EB9FA522BF0B42446" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsUnaudited" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquityUnaudited" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_E0BAF360A3C883596DD0314C7F487752" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_5245BD8702985D779B83314C7F47E315" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_E0BAF360A3C883596DD0314C7F487752" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_5245BD8702985D779B83314C7F47E315" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_B2A7DBC4CEDC4964EDC2314C7F471D74" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_5245BD8702985D779B83314C7F47E315" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_B2A7DBC4CEDC4964EDC2314C7F471D74" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_A56D99372C2A1DF01FF5314C7F47C98D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_B2A7DBC4CEDC4964EDC2314C7F471D74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_A56D99372C2A1DF01FF5314C7F47C98D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_A56D99372C2A1DF01FF5314C7F47C98D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_B2A7DBC4CEDC4964EDC2314C7F471D74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_A56D99372C2A1DF01FF5314C7F47C98D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_D52685973CC263F1C01D314C7F4731D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_A56D99372C2A1DF01FF5314C7F47C98D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_D52685973CC263F1C01D314C7F4731D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_18C031E0AE54FB23F8EA314C7F478D08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_A56D99372C2A1DF01FF5314C7F47C98D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_18C031E0AE54FB23F8EA314C7F478D08" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_6D0CE33F4932C2163A95314C7F47295E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_A56D99372C2A1DF01FF5314C7F47C98D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_6D0CE33F4932C2163A95314C7F47295E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_EA71C1A1CED45BEAAED4314C7F480C98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_A56D99372C2A1DF01FF5314C7F47C98D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_EA71C1A1CED45BEAAED4314C7F480C98" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_05DAEE4CB6074CF34325314C7F48E265" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_A56D99372C2A1DF01FF5314C7F47C98D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_05DAEE4CB6074CF34325314C7F48E265" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_70D02D9FB9A94966AB2C314C7F48BA8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_E0BAF360A3C883596DD0314C7F487752" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_70D02D9FB9A94966AB2C314C7F48BA8B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_948F36D7173EE893C6E3314C7F48CE6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_70D02D9FB9A94966AB2C314C7F48BA8B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_948F36D7173EE893C6E3314C7F48CE6A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_90A1FD56FD2FF9499074314C7F488E11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_70D02D9FB9A94966AB2C314C7F48BA8B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_90A1FD56FD2FF9499074314C7F488E11" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_7D0583DA70B1E897015C314C7F49E3C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_70D02D9FB9A94966AB2C314C7F48BA8B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_7D0583DA70B1E897015C314C7F49E3C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_FDAAF00DE0C5C350F4D4314C7F49006B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_70D02D9FB9A94966AB2C314C7F48BA8B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_FDAAF00DE0C5C350F4D4314C7F49006B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensationGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensationGross_434FB7BEE8149D4127F0314C7F491799" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_70D02D9FB9A94966AB2C314C7F48BA8B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensationGross_434FB7BEE8149D4127F0314C7F491799" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_6F1F447F4F936BF67C65314C7F497A0B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_70D02D9FB9A94966AB2C314C7F48BA8B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_6F1F447F4F936BF67C65314C7F497A0B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption_7B91AFA49B85D9207652314C7F49EE09" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_70D02D9FB9A94966AB2C314C7F48BA8B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption_7B91AFA49B85D9207652314C7F49EE09" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod_4D83093FE9AA863EDEE6314C7F49AB23" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_70D02D9FB9A94966AB2C314C7F48BA8B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod_4D83093FE9AA863EDEE6314C7F49AB23" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockRetiredCostMethodAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockRetiredCostMethodAmount_91CAA3B9F9AD337FFFC1314C7F4937BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_70D02D9FB9A94966AB2C314C7F48BA8B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockRetiredCostMethodAmount_91CAA3B9F9AD337FFFC1314C7F4937BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_TaxCutsAndJobsActOf2017ReclassificationFromAOCIToRetainedEarnings" xlink:label="loc_esnt_TaxCutsAndJobsActOf2017ReclassificationFromAOCIToRetainedEarnings_DB48CDD913972CFEF2D9314C7F490920" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_70D02D9FB9A94966AB2C314C7F48BA8B" xlink:to="loc_esnt_TaxCutsAndJobsActOf2017ReclassificationFromAOCIToRetainedEarnings_DB48CDD913972CFEF2D9314C7F490920" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquityUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_92A25E3CA7DF61089C4CCA705807163A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_95EE05EBE9D4FBEDB9F7CA705806AAA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_92A25E3CA7DF61089C4CCA705807163A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_95EE05EBE9D4FBEDB9F7CA705806AAA2" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_CE9B1A9F9994D7F6EB5ACA7058074135" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_95EE05EBE9D4FBEDB9F7CA705806AAA2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_CE9B1A9F9994D7F6EB5ACA7058074135" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_70931D2A1326132B92D9CA70580786F8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_CE9B1A9F9994D7F6EB5ACA7058074135" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_70931D2A1326132B92D9CA70580786F8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_70931D2A1326132B92D9CA70580786F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_CE9B1A9F9994D7F6EB5ACA7058074135" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_70931D2A1326132B92D9CA70580786F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_SecondaryOfferingMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_SecondaryOfferingMember_250A2CA2A64E31640638CA705807E6CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_70931D2A1326132B92D9CA70580786F8" xlink:to="loc_esnt_SecondaryOfferingMember_250A2CA2A64E31640638CA705807E6CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts_51BC5757BEAB9F2903E5CA705807A648" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_92A25E3CA7DF61089C4CCA705807163A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts_51BC5757BEAB9F2903E5CA705807A648" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeUnaudited" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/DebtObligations" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/DebtObligationsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_6A85022D91A0379CEEAD3B5418546326" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_D70C9431FC584EA30B403B541853AC74" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_6A85022D91A0379CEEAD3B5418546326" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_D70C9431FC584EA30B403B541853AC74" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_51D23306F15F65DBB79F3B541853FC9D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_D70C9431FC584EA30B403B541853AC74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_51D23306F15F65DBB79F3B541853FC9D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_779959410B43206A98AE3B54185349BA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_51D23306F15F65DBB79F3B541853FC9D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_779959410B43206A98AE3B54185349BA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_779959410B43206A98AE3B54185349BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_51D23306F15F65DBB79F3B541853FC9D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_779959410B43206A98AE3B54185349BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_55A69A3B6EE40791DE063B5418537499" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_779959410B43206A98AE3B54185349BA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_55A69A3B6EE40791DE063B5418537499" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_91817D7BC183DEDF5D0D3B5418537BE3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_D70C9431FC584EA30B403B541853AC74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_91817D7BC183DEDF5D0D3B5418537BE3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_FFEE29CED4D360FBAEF73B541854A77F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_91817D7BC183DEDF5D0D3B5418537BE3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_FFEE29CED4D360FBAEF73B541854A77F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_FFEE29CED4D360FBAEF73B541854A77F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_91817D7BC183DEDF5D0D3B5418537BE3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_FFEE29CED4D360FBAEF73B541854A77F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_721C5B532F37A640D6813B541854AB09" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_FFEE29CED4D360FBAEF73B541854A77F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_721C5B532F37A640D6813B541854AB09" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_2FBDA6DEEA59DA1813AD3B541854E852" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_FFEE29CED4D360FBAEF73B541854A77F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_2FBDA6DEEA59DA1813AD3B541854E852" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_UncommittedLineofCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_UncommittedLineofCreditMember_CA2DA8820D23528667573B541854EF9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_FFEE29CED4D360FBAEF73B541854A77F" xlink:to="loc_esnt_UncommittedLineofCreditMember_CA2DA8820D23528667573B541854EF9B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm_EEBD3C0031635F7ABCC93B541855A345" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_6A85022D91A0379CEEAD3B5418546326" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm_EEBD3C0031635F7ABCC93B541855A345" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_5D8C6D92813F68CB6BA73B54185A8810" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_6A85022D91A0379CEEAD3B5418546326" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_5D8C6D92813F68CB6BA73B54185A8810" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage_96354A7B51BF9A3207553B54185A750B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_6A85022D91A0379CEEAD3B5418546326" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage_96354A7B51BF9A3207553B54185A750B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_9285344635FC0E449F1B3B54185A9131" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_6A85022D91A0379CEEAD3B5418546326" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_9285344635FC0E449F1B3B54185A9131" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_CFCCFDA4F16A9DF267743B54185BC53A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_6A85022D91A0379CEEAD3B5418546326" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_CFCCFDA4F16A9DF267743B54185BC53A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_LineofCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacityPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_esnt_LineofCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacityPeriodIncreaseDecrease_C6511A21951BB11A94CC3B5FDFD3FB7E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_6A85022D91A0379CEEAD3B5418546326" xlink:to="loc_esnt_LineofCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacityPeriodIncreaseDecrease_C6511A21951BB11A94CC3B5FDFD3FB7E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt_425DD941E11DB8040F723B660403E47E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_6A85022D91A0379CEEAD3B5418546326" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfDebt_425DD941E11DB8040F723B660403E47E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/EarningsPerShareEps" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/EarningsPerShareEpsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/EarningsPerShareEpsDetails2" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems_2199202079465B6D88A0B48CB802E953" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable_91D63D5081AB5ABC934D1C49A8B7C78B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems_2199202079465B6D88A0B48CB802E953" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable_91D63D5081AB5ABC934D1C49A8B7C78B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_59832026B3A3529BBF2386348C8B3D2E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTable_91D63D5081AB5ABC934D1C49A8B7C78B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_59832026B3A3529BBF2386348C8B3D2E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_33DD23081B31EB3D9C9ECA9277CFF2E5_8B735CA7AB5D5890B03D9CBCA444C5AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_59832026B3A3529BBF2386348C8B3D2E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_33DD23081B31EB3D9C9ECA9277CFF2E5_8B735CA7AB5D5890B03D9CBCA444C5AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_63FC3904042F5B1F834C684D7DEA05E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_59832026B3A3529BBF2386348C8B3D2E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_63FC3904042F5B1F834C684D7DEA05E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_E53446C768285E6CB8C308266A9D7574" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_63FC3904042F5B1F834C684D7DEA05E3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_E53446C768285E6CB8C308266A9D7574" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberDilutedSharesOutstandingAdjustmentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberDilutedSharesOutstandingAdjustmentAbstract_346651BDA1AF556EA648696B999DC71B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedLineItems_2199202079465B6D88A0B48CB802E953" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberDilutedSharesOutstandingAdjustmentAbstract_346651BDA1AF556EA648696B999DC71B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_02223784932954C1AEE326B57601043B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberDilutedSharesOutstandingAdjustmentAbstract_346651BDA1AF556EA648696B999DC71B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_02223784932954C1AEE326B57601043B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardPeriodToDateVestingRightsPercentage" xlink:label="loc_esnt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardPeriodToDateVestingRightsPercentage_B4B2BD800A645BA6A6264024C023DFF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberDilutedSharesOutstandingAdjustmentAbstract_346651BDA1AF556EA648696B999DC71B" xlink:to="loc_esnt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardPeriodToDateVestingRightsPercentage_B4B2BD800A645BA6A6264024C023DFF8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/EarningsPerShareEpsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstruments" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_548340CD8B1894DD8B4B0886BCA51FF4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_5DBC44294EC07962E3250886BCA03CE0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_548340CD8B1894DD8B4B0886BCA51FF4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_5DBC44294EC07962E3250886BCA03CE0" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_36AC1F97B3FA393244240886BCA09C59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_5DBC44294EC07962E3250886BCA03CE0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_36AC1F97B3FA393244240886BCA09C59" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_78CCD164C5A1C9FC65250886BCA0B497_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_36AC1F97B3FA393244240886BCA09C59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_78CCD164C5A1C9FC65250886BCA0B497_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_78CCD164C5A1C9FC65250886BCA0B497" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_36AC1F97B3FA393244240886BCA09C59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_78CCD164C5A1C9FC65250886BCA0B497" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_9AC5CE5648DEE365D1260886BCA092CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_78CCD164C5A1C9FC65250886BCA0B497" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_9AC5CE5648DEE365D1260886BCA092CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_B1D50D68BFB1C7957B3B0886BCA26D22" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_78CCD164C5A1C9FC65250886BCA0B497" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_B1D50D68BFB1C7957B3B0886BCA26D22" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_0F52E17585E88546A5DB0886BCA266B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_78CCD164C5A1C9FC65250886BCA0B497" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_0F52E17585E88546A5DB0886BCA266B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_1139FC80ABCF207A70480886BCA21044" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_5DBC44294EC07962E3250886BCA03CE0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_1139FC80ABCF207A70480886BCA21044" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_DE885B9BA8AA5EFA8F660886BCA2E63B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_1139FC80ABCF207A70480886BCA21044" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_DE885B9BA8AA5EFA8F660886BCA2E63B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_DE885B9BA8AA5EFA8F660886BCA2E63B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_1139FC80ABCF207A70480886BCA21044" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_DE885B9BA8AA5EFA8F660886BCA2E63B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_20E2EB6B6CF23A8CC12F0886BCA2EBEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_DE885B9BA8AA5EFA8F660886BCA2E63B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_20E2EB6B6CF23A8CC12F0886BCA2EBEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentIssuerAxis" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentIssuerAxis_B9DE092B37E5E524123C0886BCA2785A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_5DBC44294EC07962E3250886BCA03CE0" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentIssuerAxis_B9DE092B37E5E524123C0886BCA2785A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentIssuerDomain" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentIssuerDomain_FAB7A70D7317DF9368E30886BCA2F46B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentIssuerAxis_B9DE092B37E5E524123C0886BCA2785A" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentIssuerDomain_FAB7A70D7317DF9368E30886BCA2F46B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentIssuerDomain" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentIssuerDomain_FAB7A70D7317DF9368E30886BCA2F46B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentIssuerAxis_B9DE092B37E5E524123C0886BCA2785A" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentIssuerDomain_FAB7A70D7317DF9368E30886BCA2F46B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember_85827ECEC502422547A80886BCA2B9EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentIssuerDomain_FAB7A70D7317DF9368E30886BCA2F46B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember_85827ECEC502422547A80886BCA2B9EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_C8DF6B68AB836209F8C50886BCA29580" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable_5DBC44294EC07962E3250886BCA03CE0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_C8DF6B68AB836209F8C50886BCA29580" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_3AD56EB42AA81C40C8090886BCA5FF68_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_C8DF6B68AB836209F8C50886BCA29580" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_3AD56EB42AA81C40C8090886BCA5FF68_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_3AD56EB42AA81C40C8090886BCA5FF68" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_C8DF6B68AB836209F8C50886BCA29580" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_3AD56EB42AA81C40C8090886BCA5FF68" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_359AF7D5BFBD950157760886BCA5C0B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_3AD56EB42AA81C40C8090886BCA5FF68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_359AF7D5BFBD950157760886BCA5C0B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_DA8F05FDA1C26405A52B0886BCA51AE2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_3AD56EB42AA81C40C8090886BCA5FF68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_DA8F05FDA1C26405A52B0886BCA51AE2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_F308D93514E7C16D90FF0886BCA5DF26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_3AD56EB42AA81C40C8090886BCA5FF68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_F308D93514E7C16D90FF0886BCA5DF26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember_1491FBA9A9E209A2132C0886BCA58406" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_3AD56EB42AA81C40C8090886BCA5FF68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember_1491FBA9A9E209A2132C0886BCA58406" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_A78DF0219CD8803A5D4B0886BCA5C49D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_3AD56EB42AA81C40C8090886BCA5FF68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_A78DF0219CD8803A5D4B0886BCA5C49D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_ResidentialAndCommercialMortgageSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_ResidentialAndCommercialMortgageSecuritiesMember_E8B8B482E86E7DCE1BEF0886BCA53B39" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_3AD56EB42AA81C40C8090886BCA5FF68" xlink:to="loc_esnt_ResidentialAndCommercialMortgageSecuritiesMember_E8B8B482E86E7DCE1BEF0886BCA53B39" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_3CB8948FBEE2F26D7E5F0886BCA5EA51" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_3AD56EB42AA81C40C8090886BCA5FF68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_3CB8948FBEE2F26D7E5F0886BCA5EA51" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember_1BC06AD9463DDC16311D0886BCA5911F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_3AD56EB42AA81C40C8090886BCA5FF68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember_1BC06AD9463DDC16311D0886BCA5911F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_9FC718ECCA9D2949A2910886BCA54254" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_548340CD8B1894DD8B4B0886BCA51FF4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_9FC718ECCA9D2949A2910886BCA54254" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities_6D1CB8A7EEF168344E400886BCA5DA63" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_9FC718ECCA9D2949A2910886BCA54254" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities_6D1CB8A7EEF168344E400886BCA5DA63" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_87B3F7DD908E24B261D90886BCA57DB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_9FC718ECCA9D2949A2910886BCA54254" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_87B3F7DD908E24B261D90886BCA57DB8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/InvestmentsAvailableForSale" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/InvestmentsAvailableForSaleDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_308B0CC4514C13E1C5F0319E259FCE66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_F0B6D2BCEFD38118042D319E259D0381" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_308B0CC4514C13E1C5F0319E259FCE66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_F0B6D2BCEFD38118042D319E259D0381" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentIssuerAxis" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentIssuerAxis_0511A3E2B83CC97E9085319E259DD788" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_F0B6D2BCEFD38118042D319E259D0381" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentIssuerAxis_0511A3E2B83CC97E9085319E259DD788" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentIssuerDomain" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentIssuerDomain_D7F12BAA9E72CCA3AE96319E259EB68A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentIssuerAxis_0511A3E2B83CC97E9085319E259DD788" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentIssuerDomain_D7F12BAA9E72CCA3AE96319E259EB68A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentIssuerDomain" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentIssuerDomain_D7F12BAA9E72CCA3AE96319E259EB68A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentIssuerAxis_0511A3E2B83CC97E9085319E259DD788" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentIssuerDomain_D7F12BAA9E72CCA3AE96319E259EB68A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember_B8788EF27AA116DA5CF3319E259F2E3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentIssuerDomain_D7F12BAA9E72CCA3AE96319E259EB68A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember_B8788EF27AA116DA5CF3319E259F2E3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_01C36D08E855E762A27A319E259F3661" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_F0B6D2BCEFD38118042D319E259D0381" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_01C36D08E855E762A27A319E259F3661" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_537D19CB942370A0C633319E259F8610_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_01C36D08E855E762A27A319E259F3661" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_537D19CB942370A0C633319E259F8610_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_537D19CB942370A0C633319E259F8610" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_01C36D08E855E762A27A319E259F3661" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_537D19CB942370A0C633319E259F8610" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_224BA5561B79E53B2CF4319E259F0F54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_537D19CB942370A0C633319E259F8610" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_224BA5561B79E53B2CF4319E259F0F54" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_F7587212333594E61036319E259F75BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_537D19CB942370A0C633319E259F8610" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_F7587212333594E61036319E259F75BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_FB476CB1BED66F3A713B319E259F8FA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_537D19CB942370A0C633319E259F8610" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_FB476CB1BED66F3A713B319E259F8FA0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember_2AF9EF9533616B1C5EAE319E259F0362" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_537D19CB942370A0C633319E259F8610" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember_2AF9EF9533616B1C5EAE319E259F0362" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_FF70B2D82D4D8BD36913319E259F9DAE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_537D19CB942370A0C633319E259F8610" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_FF70B2D82D4D8BD36913319E259F9DAE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_ResidentialAndCommercialMortgageSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_ResidentialAndCommercialMortgageSecuritiesMember_805F2A9EF1CD3A716323319E259F70D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_537D19CB942370A0C633319E259F8610" xlink:to="loc_esnt_ResidentialAndCommercialMortgageSecuritiesMember_805F2A9EF1CD3A716323319E259F70D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_C4D7CE7043FF6BF6459E319E259FA6B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_537D19CB942370A0C633319E259F8610" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_C4D7CE7043FF6BF6459E319E259FA6B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember_133D938C8F2584EA6401319E259F7C3A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_537D19CB942370A0C633319E259F8610" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember_133D938C8F2584EA6401319E259F7C3A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost_610A3760000F6AB866DD319E259FCDD3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_308B0CC4514C13E1C5F0319E259FCE66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost_610A3760000F6AB866DD319E259FCDD3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax_880FB519222081D56D46319E259F6BDF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_308B0CC4514C13E1C5F0319E259FCE66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax_880FB519222081D56D46319E259F6BDF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_8F303A83E38A53A596A1319E259F0CA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_308B0CC4514C13E1C5F0319E259FCE66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_8F303A83E38A53A596A1319E259F0CA3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities_A6082419423B9BF93450319E259FE5D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_308B0CC4514C13E1C5F0319E259FCE66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities_A6082419423B9BF93450319E259FE5D3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/InvestmentsAvailableForSaleDetails2" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_10BBA2E80FB24EA53FAB0886BE28F463" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_E4834DF48AD0485A15840886BE21EE95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_10BBA2E80FB24EA53FAB0886BE28F463" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_E4834DF48AD0485A15840886BE21EE95" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentSecondaryCategorizationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentSecondaryCategorizationAxis_C3443EF121FAE161A73A0886BE2185B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_E4834DF48AD0485A15840886BE21EE95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentSecondaryCategorizationAxis_C3443EF121FAE161A73A0886BE2185B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsBySecondaryCategorizationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsBySecondaryCategorizationDomain_20B9CAB8BDE2D9772BAD0886BE21E445_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentSecondaryCategorizationAxis_C3443EF121FAE161A73A0886BE2185B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsBySecondaryCategorizationDomain_20B9CAB8BDE2D9772BAD0886BE21E445_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsBySecondaryCategorizationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsBySecondaryCategorizationDomain_20B9CAB8BDE2D9772BAD0886BE21E445" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentSecondaryCategorizationAxis_C3443EF121FAE161A73A0886BE2185B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsBySecondaryCategorizationDomain_20B9CAB8BDE2D9772BAD0886BE21E445" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_SpecialRevenueMunicipalBondsMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_SpecialRevenueMunicipalBondsMember_0C0E1CF90FF7CAE37B070886BE215492" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsBySecondaryCategorizationDomain_20B9CAB8BDE2D9772BAD0886BE21E445" xlink:to="loc_esnt_SpecialRevenueMunicipalBondsMember_0C0E1CF90FF7CAE37B070886BE215492" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_GeneralObligationMunicipalBondsMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_GeneralObligationMunicipalBondsMember_39D0E6FB598E584FE4F30886BE2339CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsBySecondaryCategorizationDomain_20B9CAB8BDE2D9772BAD0886BE21E445" xlink:to="loc_esnt_GeneralObligationMunicipalBondsMember_39D0E6FB598E584FE4F30886BE2339CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_CertificationOfParticipationBondsMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_CertificationOfParticipationBondsMember_FC37E1976F6FE2BE82BE0886BE238F9F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsBySecondaryCategorizationDomain_20B9CAB8BDE2D9772BAD0886BE21E445" xlink:to="loc_esnt_CertificationOfParticipationBondsMember_FC37E1976F6FE2BE82BE0886BE238F9F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_TaxAllocationMunicipalBondsMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_TaxAllocationMunicipalBondsMember_5117D427122D644B5B540886BE235C0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsBySecondaryCategorizationDomain_20B9CAB8BDE2D9772BAD0886BE21E445" xlink:to="loc_esnt_TaxAllocationMunicipalBondsMember_5117D427122D644B5B540886BE235C0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_SpecialTaxBondMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_SpecialTaxBondMember_6270FBC5B37F51EA02C50886BE23C004" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsBySecondaryCategorizationDomain_20B9CAB8BDE2D9772BAD0886BE21E445" xlink:to="loc_esnt_SpecialTaxBondMember_6270FBC5B37F51EA02C50886BE23C004" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentSectorAxis" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentSectorAxis_C1BF0BC66BCDFF7B02CA0886BE2373DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_E4834DF48AD0485A15840886BE21EE95" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentSectorAxis_C1BF0BC66BCDFF7B02CA0886BE2373DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentSectorDomain" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentSectorDomain_58C68CCEC451990386F20886BE2321EE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentSectorAxis_C1BF0BC66BCDFF7B02CA0886BE2373DB" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentSectorDomain_58C68CCEC451990386F20886BE2321EE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentSectorDomain" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentSectorDomain_58C68CCEC451990386F20886BE2321EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentSectorAxis_C1BF0BC66BCDFF7B02CA0886BE2373DB" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentSectorDomain_58C68CCEC451990386F20886BE2321EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_FinancialSectorMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_FinancialSectorMember_8C5570E54CA473FC47B30886BE2618B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentSectorDomain_58C68CCEC451990386F20886BE2321EE" xlink:to="loc_esnt_FinancialSectorMember_8C5570E54CA473FC47B30886BE2618B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_ConsumerNoncyclicalSectorMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_ConsumerNoncyclicalSectorMember_1E56CBD8A4F6D007DE9D0886BE26FC96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentSectorDomain_58C68CCEC451990386F20886BE2321EE" xlink:to="loc_esnt_ConsumerNoncyclicalSectorMember_1E56CBD8A4F6D007DE9D0886BE26FC96" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_CommunicationsSectorMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_CommunicationsSectorMember_6B04770B03BF616F51220886BE2630A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentSectorDomain_58C68CCEC451990386F20886BE2321EE" xlink:to="loc_esnt_CommunicationsSectorMember_6B04770B03BF616F51220886BE2630A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_EnergySectorMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_EnergySectorMember_12AAF8C8B61EB6887F5D0886BE2640C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentSectorDomain_58C68CCEC451990386F20886BE2321EE" xlink:to="loc_esnt_EnergySectorMember_12AAF8C8B61EB6887F5D0886BE2640C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_UtilitiesSectorMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_UtilitiesSectorMember_B222BCA9EC616B452FC80886BE268206" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentSectorDomain_58C68CCEC451990386F20886BE2321EE" xlink:to="loc_esnt_UtilitiesSectorMember_B222BCA9EC616B452FC80886BE268206" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_IndustrialSectorMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_IndustrialSectorMember_D776E6AB7FD141D488250886BE265BAF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentSectorDomain_58C68CCEC451990386F20886BE2321EE" xlink:to="loc_esnt_IndustrialSectorMember_D776E6AB7FD141D488250886BE265BAF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_ConsumerCyclicalSectorMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_ConsumerCyclicalSectorMember_6D4780DAA993837DFCAB0886BE261244" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentSectorDomain_58C68CCEC451990386F20886BE2321EE" xlink:to="loc_esnt_ConsumerCyclicalSectorMember_6D4780DAA993837DFCAB0886BE261244" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_TechnologyDebtSectorMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_TechnologyDebtSectorMember_9BF0A59AB11127777B450886BE284086" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentSectorDomain_58C68CCEC451990386F20886BE2321EE" xlink:to="loc_esnt_TechnologyDebtSectorMember_9BF0A59AB11127777B450886BE284086" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_BasicMaterialsSectorMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_BasicMaterialsSectorMember_532F979FF6464A6800650886BE281F8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentSectorDomain_58C68CCEC451990386F20886BE2321EE" xlink:to="loc_esnt_BasicMaterialsSectorMember_532F979FF6464A6800650886BE281F8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_6F97C778EEECD926B1950886BE28D187" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_E4834DF48AD0485A15840886BE21EE95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_6F97C778EEECD926B1950886BE28D187" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_3BFA8E14F7F6EBA996130886BE287577_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_6F97C778EEECD926B1950886BE28D187" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_3BFA8E14F7F6EBA996130886BE287577_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_3BFA8E14F7F6EBA996130886BE287577" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_6F97C778EEECD926B1950886BE28D187" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_3BFA8E14F7F6EBA996130886BE287577" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember_20ED58522BB5F6D3DA230886BE2807B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_3BFA8E14F7F6EBA996130886BE287577" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember_20ED58522BB5F6D3DA230886BE2807B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_0D3067CA70E9F2D9E06F0886BE28CE69" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_3BFA8E14F7F6EBA996130886BE287577" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_0D3067CA70E9F2D9E06F0886BE28CE69" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets_7BDB057BD7857DC772B90886BE28F7DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_10BBA2E80FB24EA53FAB0886BE28F463" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedPercentOfNetAssets_7BDB057BD7857DC772B90886BE28F7DD" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/InvestmentsAvailableForSaleDetails3" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_A24CBAD4994EACB6490A0DFFCF49B7A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_5AB1FE2C58C57EEFE33E0DFFCF4678FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_A24CBAD4994EACB6490A0DFFCF49B7A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_5AB1FE2C58C57EEFE33E0DFFCF4678FF" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentIssuerAxis" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentIssuerAxis_29827984052987B0FE0E0DFFCF47DBE9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_5AB1FE2C58C57EEFE33E0DFFCF4678FF" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentIssuerAxis_29827984052987B0FE0E0DFFCF47DBE9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentIssuerDomain" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentIssuerDomain_D9246884C104B629EE530DFFCF47C2C4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentIssuerAxis_29827984052987B0FE0E0DFFCF47DBE9" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentIssuerDomain_D9246884C104B629EE530DFFCF47C2C4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentIssuerDomain" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentIssuerDomain_D9246884C104B629EE530DFFCF47C2C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentIssuerAxis_29827984052987B0FE0E0DFFCF47DBE9" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentIssuerDomain_D9246884C104B629EE530DFFCF47C2C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember_4511C3C8861906B13EE70DFFCF47412E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentIssuerDomain_D9246884C104B629EE530DFFCF47C2C4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember_4511C3C8861906B13EE70DFFCF47412E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_531FAB09CC6F0E5C44C40DFFCF476079" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_5AB1FE2C58C57EEFE33E0DFFCF4678FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_531FAB09CC6F0E5C44C40DFFCF476079" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_069CB67C8AD51F0D4C5B0DFFCF476D08_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_531FAB09CC6F0E5C44C40DFFCF476079" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_069CB67C8AD51F0D4C5B0DFFCF476D08_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_069CB67C8AD51F0D4C5B0DFFCF476D08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_531FAB09CC6F0E5C44C40DFFCF476079" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_069CB67C8AD51F0D4C5B0DFFCF476D08" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_26892228BE920B65E9120DFFCF489CB3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_069CB67C8AD51F0D4C5B0DFFCF476D08" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_26892228BE920B65E9120DFFCF489CB3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_F3133C27A032551C06A40DFFCF481ECE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_069CB67C8AD51F0D4C5B0DFFCF476D08" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_F3133C27A032551C06A40DFFCF481ECE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember_334DC8B21975C2C632BC0DFFCF48D68D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_069CB67C8AD51F0D4C5B0DFFCF476D08" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember_334DC8B21975C2C632BC0DFFCF48D68D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_65CE31DA96B274BDB9C40DFFCF48F185" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_069CB67C8AD51F0D4C5B0DFFCF476D08" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_65CE31DA96B274BDB9C40DFFCF48F185" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_49D74B1AF70B724249380DFFCF48D9D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_069CB67C8AD51F0D4C5B0DFFCF476D08" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_49D74B1AF70B724249380DFFCF48D9D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_ResidentialAndCommercialMortgageSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_ResidentialAndCommercialMortgageSecuritiesMember_8B15DFA651461715D7270DFFCF488327" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_069CB67C8AD51F0D4C5B0DFFCF476D08" xlink:to="loc_esnt_ResidentialAndCommercialMortgageSecuritiesMember_8B15DFA651461715D7270DFFCF488327" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_8D723A5CF1D5996A04320DFFCF4819CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_069CB67C8AD51F0D4C5B0DFFCF476D08" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_8D723A5CF1D5996A04320DFFCF4819CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember_E95B9F7824790F10F0D70DFFCF494E86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_069CB67C8AD51F0D4C5B0DFFCF476D08" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember_E95B9F7824790F10F0D70DFFCF494E86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasisAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_65BD2B9EBF54E4490FB10DFFCF495D76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_A24CBAD4994EACB6490A0DFFCF49B7A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_65BD2B9EBF54E4490FB10DFFCF495D76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsAmortizedCostBasis_991F6116A8676E28E6190DFFCF495FF0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_65BD2B9EBF54E4490FB10DFFCF495D76" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsAmortizedCostBasis_991F6116A8676E28E6190DFFCF495FF0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveAmortizedCostBasis_74B7F8E8FE1DF3DF6F510DFFCF496A79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_65BD2B9EBF54E4490FB10DFFCF495D76" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveAmortizedCostBasis_74B7F8E8FE1DF3DF6F510DFFCF496A79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearSixThroughTenAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearSixThroughTenAmortizedCostBasis_C21AEF79D34B93F201E30DFFCF4AB6BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_65BD2B9EBF54E4490FB10DFFCF495D76" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearSixThroughTenAmortizedCostBasis_C21AEF79D34B93F201E30DFFCF4AB6BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearTenAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearTenAmortizedCostBasis_123568CB10348659AD420DFFCF4AC126" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_65BD2B9EBF54E4490FB10DFFCF495D76" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearTenAmortizedCostBasis_123568CB10348659AD420DFFCF4AC126" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasis_5C25E1537D1D23FE41970DFFCF4A1A37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_65BD2B9EBF54E4490FB10DFFCF495D76" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasis_5C25E1537D1D23FE41970DFFCF4A1A37" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost_FEFF9F3442B44A7652370DFFCF4A0FC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasisAbstract_65BD2B9EBF54E4490FB10DFFCF495D76" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost_FEFF9F3442B44A7652370DFFCF4A0FC1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_6B1104026A8D2C3D30630DFFCF4A7789" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_A24CBAD4994EACB6490A0DFFCF49B7A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_6B1104026A8D2C3D30630DFFCF4A7789" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsFairValue_E5A9F5F56962F1D0D5CA0DFFCF4AB78B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_6B1104026A8D2C3D30630DFFCF4A7789" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsFairValue_E5A9F5F56962F1D0D5CA0DFFCF4AB78B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveFairValue_39956B87F49B1D35B6540DFFCF4B6793" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_6B1104026A8D2C3D30630DFFCF4A7789" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveFairValue_39956B87F49B1D35B6540DFFCF4B6793" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearSixThroughTenFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearSixThroughTenFairValue_C35D5F3959BFFC75D7FF0DFFCF4BA622" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_6B1104026A8D2C3D30630DFFCF4A7789" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearSixThroughTenFairValue_C35D5F3959BFFC75D7FF0DFFCF4BA622" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearTenFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearTenFairValue_8FC5DAB6FC9E6E522C880DFFCF4BCF9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_6B1104026A8D2C3D30630DFFCF4A7789" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearTenFairValue_8FC5DAB6FC9E6E522C880DFFCF4BCF9E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDate_86EFCE359882BD87A66C0DFFCF4B0EBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_6B1104026A8D2C3D30630DFFCF4A7789" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDate_86EFCE359882BD87A66C0DFFCF4B0EBF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities_77CEC147EAF4A1FBC7EB0DFFCF4BED91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract_6B1104026A8D2C3D30630DFFCF4A7789" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities_77CEC147EAF4A1FBC7EB0DFFCF4BED91" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/InvestmentsAvailableForSaleDetails4" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_D8FE942CF7CD645343293BA80F5DA10F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_9C4DBC36B1EA017AA9953BA80F53468F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_D8FE942CF7CD645343293BA80F5DA10F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_9C4DBC36B1EA017AA9953BA80F53468F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_C1AFA6E92AF59299A9FB3BA80F53C945" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_9C4DBC36B1EA017AA9953BA80F53468F" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_C1AFA6E92AF59299A9FB3BA80F53C945" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D1577B8A6DDF5DFD5EB13BA80F552359_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_C1AFA6E92AF59299A9FB3BA80F53C945" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D1577B8A6DDF5DFD5EB13BA80F552359_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D1577B8A6DDF5DFD5EB13BA80F552359" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_C1AFA6E92AF59299A9FB3BA80F53C945" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D1577B8A6DDF5DFD5EB13BA80F552359" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_EssentReinsuranceLtdMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_EssentReinsuranceLtdMember_3F0EE8BD25476BDC47313BA80F55C49D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D1577B8A6DDF5DFD5EB13BA80F552359" xlink:to="loc_esnt_EssentReinsuranceLtdMember_3F0EE8BD25476BDC47313BA80F55C49D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_EssentGuarantyIncMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_EssentGuarantyIncMember_310039988E037B1E41093BA80F558D0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D1577B8A6DDF5DFD5EB13BA80F552359" xlink:to="loc_esnt_EssentGuarantyIncMember_310039988E037B1E41093BA80F558D0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentIssuerAxis" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentIssuerAxis_F72FCCDFDBB9E3E5A0E33BA80F556B15" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_9C4DBC36B1EA017AA9953BA80F53468F" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentIssuerAxis_F72FCCDFDBB9E3E5A0E33BA80F556B15" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentIssuerDomain" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentIssuerDomain_16D1D360D9DE50124D4C3BA80F5509B0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentIssuerAxis_F72FCCDFDBB9E3E5A0E33BA80F556B15" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentIssuerDomain_16D1D360D9DE50124D4C3BA80F5509B0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentIssuerDomain" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentIssuerDomain_16D1D360D9DE50124D4C3BA80F5509B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentIssuerAxis_F72FCCDFDBB9E3E5A0E33BA80F556B15" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentIssuerDomain_16D1D360D9DE50124D4C3BA80F5509B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember_151AF305DF6EEF1AFC9A3BA80F554453" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentIssuerDomain_16D1D360D9DE50124D4C3BA80F5509B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentCorporationsAndAgenciesSecuritiesMember_151AF305DF6EEF1AFC9A3BA80F554453" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_1882068652228BF8B2563BA80F55452E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_9C4DBC36B1EA017AA9953BA80F53468F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_1882068652228BF8B2563BA80F55452E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_05EDBCBA5A3E78E014F63BA80F550B46_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_1882068652228BF8B2563BA80F55452E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_05EDBCBA5A3E78E014F63BA80F550B46_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_05EDBCBA5A3E78E014F63BA80F550B46" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_1882068652228BF8B2563BA80F55452E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_05EDBCBA5A3E78E014F63BA80F550B46" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_F9279B0453A4F22D21823BA80F5571BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_05EDBCBA5A3E78E014F63BA80F550B46" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_F9279B0453A4F22D21823BA80F5571BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_A51B9F582094DB069B173BA80F55792E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_05EDBCBA5A3E78E014F63BA80F550B46" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_A51B9F582094DB069B173BA80F55792E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_75A5978A60FDC1CF7FAF3BA80F58D84D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_05EDBCBA5A3E78E014F63BA80F550B46" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_75A5978A60FDC1CF7FAF3BA80F58D84D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember_3CBBFCBB0DE9273FAFB13BA80F5D659A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_05EDBCBA5A3E78E014F63BA80F550B46" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember_3CBBFCBB0DE9273FAFB13BA80F5D659A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_B32076A1450812703A7D3BA80F5D88C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_05EDBCBA5A3E78E014F63BA80F550B46" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_B32076A1450812703A7D3BA80F5D88C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_ResidentialAndCommercialMortgageSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_ResidentialAndCommercialMortgageSecuritiesMember_5BAB02EBBE147C21808A3BA80F5D39E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_05EDBCBA5A3E78E014F63BA80F550B46" xlink:to="loc_esnt_ResidentialAndCommercialMortgageSecuritiesMember_5BAB02EBBE147C21808A3BA80F5D39E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_65685675DB8398D695863BA80F5D330C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_05EDBCBA5A3E78E014F63BA80F550B46" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_65685675DB8398D695863BA80F5D330C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember_1BA61DF3EB5C23FB66EA3BA80F5D9885" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_05EDBCBA5A3E78E014F63BA80F550B46" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember_1BA61DF3EB5C23FB66EA3BA80F5D9885" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract_9686F45948CFBEA203AA3BA80F5FA73B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_D8FE942CF7CD645343293BA80F5DA10F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract_9686F45948CFBEA203AA3BA80F5FA73B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue_527EE691410D2C2C893D3BA80F5F351D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract_9686F45948CFBEA203AA3BA80F5FA73B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue_527EE691410D2C2C893D3BA80F5F351D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue_9FDC703F016DE9E52CDD3BA80F5FA5DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract_9686F45948CFBEA203AA3BA80F5FA73B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue_9FDC703F016DE9E52CDD3BA80F5FA5DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue_BA085C16A95DC6C6533C3BA80F5F5172" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValueAbstract_9686F45948CFBEA203AA3BA80F5FA73B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue_BA085C16A95DC6C6533C3BA80F5F5172" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLossesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLossesAbstract_6200123E21C1C239420F3BA80F5F48DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_D8FE942CF7CD645343293BA80F5DA10F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLossesAbstract_6200123E21C1C239420F3BA80F5F48DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss_C1131A74DDAE8B7558243BA80F5FAD3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLossesAbstract_6200123E21C1C239420F3BA80F5F48DD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss_C1131A74DDAE8B7558243BA80F5FAD3F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss_6B57F0BF8972873C0D6F3BA80F5F59D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLossesAbstract_6200123E21C1C239420F3BA80F5F48DD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss_6B57F0BF8972873C0D6F3BA80F5F59D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss_133D0CDCB092D3B020D13BA80F5F120C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLossesAbstract_6200123E21C1C239420F3BA80F5F48DD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss_133D0CDCB092D3B020D13BA80F5F120C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesOtherDisclosureItemsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesOtherDisclosureItemsAbstract_A8C741A405C15DA173AD3BA80F620B2C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_D8FE942CF7CD645343293BA80F5DA10F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesOtherDisclosureItemsAbstract_A8C741A405C15DA173AD3BA80F620B2C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsAvailableforsaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsAvailableforsaleSecurities_FADDDB99F6D1B6A001943BA80F62F741" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesOtherDisclosureItemsAbstract_A8C741A405C15DA173AD3BA80F620B2C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsAvailableforsaleSecurities_FADDDB99F6D1B6A001943BA80F62F741" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesRestricted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesRestricted_77B2611952CC3E2B7C183BA80F625B7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesOtherDisclosureItemsAbstract_A8C741A405C15DA173AD3BA80F620B2C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesRestricted_77B2611952CC3E2B7C183BA80F625B7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsHeldInTrust" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsHeldInTrust_9F326BAAC1AB024F20743BA80F628D73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesOtherDisclosureItemsAbstract_A8C741A405C15DA173AD3BA80F620B2C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsHeldInTrust_9F326BAAC1AB024F20743BA80F628D73" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_AssetsOnDepositForTheBenefitOfTheReinsurer" xlink:label="loc_esnt_AssetsOnDepositForTheBenefitOfTheReinsurer_74B3266E3D2FCBE524363BA81EF85EFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_D8FE942CF7CD645343293BA80F5DA10F" xlink:to="loc_esnt_AssetsOnDepositForTheBenefitOfTheReinsurer_74B3266E3D2FCBE524363BA81EF85EFE" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/InvestmentsAvailableForSaleDetails5" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems_DF37B0AB4E7452D5845654887F6527A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryTable_CDCE8621237A55DAA1C7A1A1BD29772D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems_DF37B0AB4E7452D5845654887F6527A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryTable_CDCE8621237A55DAA1C7A1A1BD29772D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_ECB16F880F9A575C93C942BD4F1B1542" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryTable_CDCE8621237A55DAA1C7A1A1BD29772D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_ECB16F880F9A575C93C942BD4F1B1542" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_B31DE63B489614C395ADCA9277CF1EAF_8B735CA7AB5D5890B03D9CBCA444C5AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_ECB16F880F9A575C93C942BD4F1B1542" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_B31DE63B489614C395ADCA9277CF1EAF_8B735CA7AB5D5890B03D9CBCA444C5AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_7F923D9721605D23955021649FD51C80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_ECB16F880F9A575C93C942BD4F1B1542" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_7F923D9721605D23955021649FD51C80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember_4C1BA5E3154E57CC91426315A1FDDDE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_7F923D9721605D23955021649FD51C80" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FixedMaturitiesMember_4C1BA5E3154E57CC91426315A1FDDDE8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember_B28F97BFE81954DE8AE7CE5D54F57500" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_7F923D9721605D23955021649FD51C80" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember_B28F97BFE81954DE8AE7CE5D54F57500" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GrossInvestmentIncomeOperating" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GrossInvestmentIncomeOperating_799F5F2EB4DD541C8AC90CB31EDF8F67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems_DF37B0AB4E7452D5845654887F6527A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GrossInvestmentIncomeOperating_799F5F2EB4DD541C8AC90CB31EDF8F67" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInvestmentExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInvestmentExpense_8A2A67ED83985D9594191E789F562CB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems_DF37B0AB4E7452D5845654887F6527A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInvestmentExpense_8A2A67ED83985D9594191E789F562CB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome_40BBAB8B8F7852C09DCB9AB9D07950F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInvestmentIncomeReportedAmountsByCategoryLineItems_DF37B0AB4E7452D5845654887F6527A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome_40BBAB8B8F7852C09DCB9AB9D07950F8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/InvestmentsAvailableForSaleTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/NatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/NatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_53A8D24E2C1D3DD3572A8BD3D020DFF2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable_589439AC83AA86662CD28BD3D0207E2D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_53A8D24E2C1D3DD3572A8BD3D020DFF2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable_589439AC83AA86662CD28BD3D0207E2D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_384C469B72FD7DBA4DA48BD3D020ECF7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable_589439AC83AA86662CD28BD3D0207E2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_384C469B72FD7DBA4DA48BD3D020ECF7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_A903554063E91255A58B8BD3D020DE36_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_384C469B72FD7DBA4DA48BD3D020ECF7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_A903554063E91255A58B8BD3D020DE36_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_A903554063E91255A58B8BD3D020DE36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_384C469B72FD7DBA4DA48BD3D020ECF7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_A903554063E91255A58B8BD3D020DE36" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_A8F2CF65997AEE5EF6078BD3D020B99D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_A903554063E91255A58B8BD3D020DE36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_A8F2CF65997AEE5EF6078BD3D020B99D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_639E5CC4941EE03BF2D88BD3D020D77E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable_589439AC83AA86662CD28BD3D0207E2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_639E5CC4941EE03BF2D88BD3D020D77E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_ECF21BC100B64B6491B78BD3D020547C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_639E5CC4941EE03BF2D88BD3D020D77E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_ECF21BC100B64B6491B78BD3D020547C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_ECF21BC100B64B6491B78BD3D020547C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_639E5CC4941EE03BF2D88BD3D020D77E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_ECF21BC100B64B6491B78BD3D020547C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember_3ACFD7FCE6C038F652CA8BD3D0208533" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_ECF21BC100B64B6491B78BD3D020547C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember_3ACFD7FCE6C038F652CA8BD3D0208533" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1261D7EFCA535F7D0F3B8BD3D0203727" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable_589439AC83AA86662CD28BD3D0207E2D" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1261D7EFCA535F7D0F3B8BD3D0203727" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3C7761F4F0F4C9E52C6F8BD3D020EA67_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1261D7EFCA535F7D0F3B8BD3D0203727" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3C7761F4F0F4C9E52C6F8BD3D020EA67_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3C7761F4F0F4C9E52C6F8BD3D020EA67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1261D7EFCA535F7D0F3B8BD3D0203727" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3C7761F4F0F4C9E52C6F8BD3D020EA67" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_EssentGuarantyIncMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_EssentGuarantyIncMember_64E6E6639A78DB2F1FCC8BD3D020C6B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3C7761F4F0F4C9E52C6F8BD3D020EA67" xlink:to="loc_esnt_EssentGuarantyIncMember_64E6E6639A78DB2F1FCC8BD3D020C6B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_EssentReinsuranceLtdMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_EssentReinsuranceLtdMember_8731C348009B9CF54A708BD3D020B651" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3C7761F4F0F4C9E52C6F8BD3D020EA67" xlink:to="loc_esnt_EssentReinsuranceLtdMember_8731C348009B9CF54A708BD3D020B651" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_EssentGuarantyOfPAIncMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_EssentGuarantyOfPAIncMember_FC99A247858F7CC2FB998BD3D0201DB9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3C7761F4F0F4C9E52C6F8BD3D020EA67" xlink:to="loc_esnt_EssentGuarantyOfPAIncMember_FC99A247858F7CC2FB998BD3D0201DB9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_7141246D5B11FE94ABD38BD3D020E7B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable_589439AC83AA86662CD28BD3D0207E2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_7141246D5B11FE94ABD38BD3D020E7B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_A4F27A0D055DF10B19478BD3D0205E8B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_7141246D5B11FE94ABD38BD3D020E7B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_A4F27A0D055DF10B19478BD3D0205E8B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_A4F27A0D055DF10B19478BD3D0205E8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_7141246D5B11FE94ABD38BD3D020E7B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_A4F27A0D055DF10B19478BD3D0205E8B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_QuotaShareReinsuranceTransactionMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_QuotaShareReinsuranceTransactionMember_9EA24143C1F46D28E41B8BD3D0205A65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_A4F27A0D055DF10B19478BD3D0205E8B" xlink:to="loc_esnt_QuotaShareReinsuranceTransactionMember_9EA24143C1F46D28E41B8BD3D0205A65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_ExcessMortgageInsuranceCoverageMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_ExcessMortgageInsuranceCoverageMember_E90A44D61590E3DC426C8BD3D020964E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_A4F27A0D055DF10B19478BD3D0205E8B" xlink:to="loc_esnt_ExcessMortgageInsuranceCoverageMember_E90A44D61590E3DC426C8BD3D020964E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerMortgageInsuredDownPaymentPercentage" xlink:label="loc_esnt_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerMortgageInsuredDownPaymentPercentage_AD693AEC1CBF2CBF62698BD3D0207324" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_53A8D24E2C1D3DD3572A8BD3D020DFF2" xlink:to="loc_esnt_LoansAndLeasesReceivableConsumerMortgageInsuredDownPaymentPercentage_AD693AEC1CBF2CBF62698BD3D0207324" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfStatesInWhichEntityOperates" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfStatesInWhichEntityOperates_27C8C3665B585D3BE7878BD3D020C050" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_53A8D24E2C1D3DD3572A8BD3D020DFF2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfStatesInWhichEntityOperates_27C8C3665B585D3BE7878BD3D020C050" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyReinsuredRiskPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyReinsuredRiskPercentage_7E30366E2E54987EF8578BD3D020B3A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_53A8D24E2C1D3DD3572A8BD3D020DFF2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyReinsuredRiskPercentage_7E30366E2E54987EF8578BD3D020B3A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyReinsuredRiskPercentageThreshold" xlink:label="loc_esnt_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyReinsuredRiskPercentageThreshold_33197C8A52CEC67A1D3C8BD3D020EA46" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems_53A8D24E2C1D3DD3572A8BD3D020DFF2" xlink:to="loc_esnt_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyReinsuredRiskPercentageThreshold_33197C8A52CEC67A1D3C8BD3D020EA46" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/RecentlyIssuedAccountingStandards" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/RecentlyIssuedAccountingStandardsPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/Reinsurance" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/ReinsuranceDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentLineItems_04498314109F9E428E9A3DA32E52E891" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentTable_5C58D97AB22AD9FFAD133DA32E49E64B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentLineItems_04498314109F9E428E9A3DA32E52E891" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentTable_5C58D97AB22AD9FFAD133DA32E49E64B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_8D725A40DD7365641EFD3DA32E495B67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentTable_5C58D97AB22AD9FFAD133DA32E49E64B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_8D725A40DD7365641EFD3DA32E495B67" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_B0FC4F204BFAB553BF6E3DA32E4964B8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_8D725A40DD7365641EFD3DA32E495B67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_B0FC4F204BFAB553BF6E3DA32E4964B8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_B0FC4F204BFAB553BF6E3DA32E4964B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_8D725A40DD7365641EFD3DA32E495B67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_B0FC4F204BFAB553BF6E3DA32E4964B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_84D266111547D6B8744F3DA32E4990B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_B0FC4F204BFAB553BF6E3DA32E4964B8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_84D266111547D6B8744F3DA32E4990B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_EF3C0CBC1CDAC09A60A43DA32E4A41A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentTable_5C58D97AB22AD9FFAD133DA32E49E64B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_EF3C0CBC1CDAC09A60A43DA32E4A41A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_D83AE79431EE82A2ECB53DA32E4AFB64_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_EF3C0CBC1CDAC09A60A43DA32E4A41A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_D83AE79431EE82A2ECB53DA32E4AFB64_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_D83AE79431EE82A2ECB53DA32E4AFB64" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_EF3C0CBC1CDAC09A60A43DA32E4A41A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_D83AE79431EE82A2ECB53DA32E4AFB64" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_RadnorRe20181Ltd.Member" xlink:label="loc_esnt_RadnorRe20181Ltd.Member_67AD5F07995C3B86F7B73DA32E4B8BEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_D83AE79431EE82A2ECB53DA32E4AFB64" xlink:to="loc_esnt_RadnorRe20181Ltd.Member_67AD5F07995C3B86F7B73DA32E4B8BEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_8818DB3D8C9721650BDD3DA32E501FAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentTable_5C58D97AB22AD9FFAD133DA32E49E64B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_8818DB3D8C9721650BDD3DA32E501FAD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7D2238BACFCB07F1D4913DA32E501E24_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_8818DB3D8C9721650BDD3DA32E501FAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7D2238BACFCB07F1D4913DA32E501E24_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7D2238BACFCB07F1D4913DA32E501E24" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_8818DB3D8C9721650BDD3DA32E501FAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7D2238BACFCB07F1D4913DA32E501E24" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_MortgageInsuranceLinkedNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_MortgageInsuranceLinkedNotesMember_23C0E4E0AA3F945B2FB13DA32E502581" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_7D2238BACFCB07F1D4913DA32E501E24" xlink:to="loc_esnt_MortgageInsuranceLinkedNotesMember_23C0E4E0AA3F945B2FB13DA32E502581" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_EC0823D8A85EA4D33E313DA32E514F9F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentTable_5C58D97AB22AD9FFAD133DA32E49E64B" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_EC0823D8A85EA4D33E313DA32E514F9F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_FE54BAD94F6FDE77595C3DA32E515453_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_EC0823D8A85EA4D33E313DA32E514F9F" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_FE54BAD94F6FDE77595C3DA32E515453_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_FE54BAD94F6FDE77595C3DA32E515453" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_EC0823D8A85EA4D33E313DA32E514F9F" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_FE54BAD94F6FDE77595C3DA32E515453" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_EssentGuarantyIncMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_EssentGuarantyIncMember_0EA1102310E04AC4E9273DA32E52E557" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_FE54BAD94F6FDE77595C3DA32E515453" xlink:to="loc_esnt_EssentGuarantyIncMember_0EA1102310E04AC4E9273DA32E52E557" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_RadnorRe20181Ltd.Member" xlink:label="loc_esnt_RadnorRe20181Ltd.Member_8E989C635AE0E9A6C60D3DA32E52719D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_FE54BAD94F6FDE77595C3DA32E515453" xlink:to="loc_esnt_RadnorRe20181Ltd.Member_8E989C635AE0E9A6C60D3DA32E52719D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsurancePolicyTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePolicyTypeAxis_AE0E7F21B355017562983DA32E525C2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentTable_5C58D97AB22AD9FFAD133DA32E49E64B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePolicyTypeAxis_AE0E7F21B355017562983DA32E525C2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsurancePolicyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePolicyDomain_D4E5AB881BBB284D3CFC3DA32E52A507_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePolicyTypeAxis_AE0E7F21B355017562983DA32E525C2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePolicyDomain_D4E5AB881BBB284D3CFC3DA32E52A507_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsurancePolicyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePolicyDomain_D4E5AB881BBB284D3CFC3DA32E52A507" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePolicyTypeAxis_AE0E7F21B355017562983DA32E525C2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePolicyDomain_D4E5AB881BBB284D3CFC3DA32E52A507" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_MortgageInsuranceMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_MortgageInsuranceMember_C344E99966C9CA33BD403DA32E52509A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePolicyDomain_D4E5AB881BBB284D3CFC3DA32E52A507" xlink:to="loc_esnt_MortgageInsuranceMember_C344E99966C9CA33BD403DA32E52509A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyExcessRetentionAmountReinsured" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyExcessRetentionAmountReinsured_516BFEC332AFBEB77CE43DA32E53FA04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentLineItems_04498314109F9E428E9A3DA32E52E891" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyExcessRetentionAmountReinsured_516BFEC332AFBEB77CE43DA32E53FA04" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_VariableInterestEntityFirstLayerRetention" xlink:label="loc_esnt_VariableInterestEntityFirstLayerRetention_2D1DFCA99339A92BA24D3DA32E5313E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentLineItems_04498314109F9E428E9A3DA32E52E891" xlink:to="loc_esnt_VariableInterestEntityFirstLayerRetention_2D1DFCA99339A92BA24D3DA32E5313E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_AmortizationPeriodExcessofLossPortfolio" xlink:label="loc_esnt_AmortizationPeriodExcessofLossPortfolio_5D6C08F53AF3291CDBE03DA32E53AC7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentLineItems_04498314109F9E428E9A3DA32E52E891" xlink:to="loc_esnt_AmortizationPeriodExcessofLossPortfolio_5D6C08F53AF3291CDBE03DA32E53AC7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyOptionToTerminatePeriod" xlink:label="loc_esnt_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyOptionToTerminatePeriod_81180D996B5041A729713DA32E542312" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentLineItems_04498314109F9E428E9A3DA32E52E891" xlink:to="loc_esnt_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyOptionToTerminatePeriod_81180D996B5041A729713DA32E542312" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_RiskMarginComponentOfReinsurancePremiumPayablePercent" xlink:label="loc_esnt_RiskMarginComponentOfReinsurancePremiumPayablePercent_3EA8CB296FEEC9CBDBBD3DA32E599BB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentLineItems_04498314109F9E428E9A3DA32E52E891" xlink:to="loc_esnt_RiskMarginComponentOfReinsurancePremiumPayablePercent_3EA8CB296FEEC9CBDBBD3DA32E599BB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_626112D8F52BDCD6E71D3DA32E5A1CEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentLineItems_04498314109F9E428E9A3DA32E52E891" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_626112D8F52BDCD6E71D3DA32E5A1CEA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyDebtIssuedToCoverInsuranceTerm" xlink:label="loc_esnt_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyDebtIssuedToCoverInsuranceTerm_CADEA01352CEF4C901503DA32E5A0E28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentLineItems_04498314109F9E428E9A3DA32E52E891" xlink:to="loc_esnt_ReinsuranceRetentionPolicyDebtIssuedToCoverInsuranceTerm_CADEA01352CEF4C901503DA32E5A0E28" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/ReinsuranceDetails2" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/ReinsuranceDetails3" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_94F08BC2C2D37F642EF4314C7E03E1C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_F5C69F316BE6B0E9BC12314C7E000B41" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_94F08BC2C2D37F642EF4314C7E03E1C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_F5C69F316BE6B0E9BC12314C7E000B41" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_3EB6E224917A8AA2115C314C7E01F53D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_F5C69F316BE6B0E9BC12314C7E000B41" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_3EB6E224917A8AA2115C314C7E01F53D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_04CB7975BBBBAF70DB57314C7E011F0E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_3EB6E224917A8AA2115C314C7E01F53D" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_04CB7975BBBBAF70DB57314C7E011F0E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_04CB7975BBBBAF70DB57314C7E011F0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_3EB6E224917A8AA2115C314C7E01F53D" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_04CB7975BBBBAF70DB57314C7E011F0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_RadnorRe20181Ltd.Member" xlink:label="loc_esnt_RadnorRe20181Ltd.Member_7CE4D40E0008C5F1DCEB314C7E025C1E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_04CB7975BBBBAF70DB57314C7E011F0E" xlink:to="loc_esnt_RadnorRe20181Ltd.Member_7CE4D40E0008C5F1DCEB314C7E025C1E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_B737EFB979C03A122C8A314C7E034B36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_F5C69F316BE6B0E9BC12314C7E000B41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_B737EFB979C03A122C8A314C7E034B36" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_22CD7C3C3423D335B539314C7E03E567_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_B737EFB979C03A122C8A314C7E034B36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_22CD7C3C3423D335B539314C7E03E567_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_22CD7C3C3423D335B539314C7E03E567" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_B737EFB979C03A122C8A314C7E034B36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_22CD7C3C3423D335B539314C7E03E567" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_BA82BF1EEE44531A90DD314C7E03623D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_22CD7C3C3423D335B539314C7E03E567" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_BA82BF1EEE44531A90DD314C7E03623D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNonconsolidatedCarryingAmountAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNonconsolidatedCarryingAmountAssets_EF9F6D1AAFB926438F5E3181CAB925B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_94F08BC2C2D37F642EF4314C7E03E1C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNonconsolidatedCarryingAmountAssets_EF9F6D1AAFB926438F5E3181CAB925B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_VariableInterestEntityReportingEntityInvolvementMaximumLossExposureAmountOnTheBalanceSheet" xlink:label="loc_esnt_VariableInterestEntityReportingEntityInvolvementMaximumLossExposureAmountOnTheBalanceSheet_0BD6048946C5591289A2318045FCF06C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_94F08BC2C2D37F642EF4314C7E03E1C8" xlink:to="loc_esnt_VariableInterestEntityReportingEntityInvolvementMaximumLossExposureAmountOnTheBalanceSheet_0BD6048946C5591289A2318045FCF06C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_VariableInterestEntityReportingEntityInvolvementMaximumLossExposureAmountOffTheBalanceSheet" xlink:label="loc_esnt_VariableInterestEntityReportingEntityInvolvementMaximumLossExposureAmountOffTheBalanceSheet_66467779CCADCCE437B13180D39427C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_94F08BC2C2D37F642EF4314C7E03E1C8" xlink:to="loc_esnt_VariableInterestEntityReportingEntityInvolvementMaximumLossExposureAmountOffTheBalanceSheet_66467779CCADCCE437B13180D39427C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityEntityMaximumLossExposureAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityEntityMaximumLossExposureAmount_45492671F5D5067D7B0B314C7E03658B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_94F08BC2C2D37F642EF4314C7E03E1C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityEntityMaximumLossExposureAmount_45492671F5D5067D7B0B314C7E03658B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/ReinsuranceTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/ReserveForLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpenses" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/ReserveForLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/ReserveForLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesDetails2" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/ReserveForLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesDetails3" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseLineItems_6F236B19924B3244A1F6319E24B396EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseTable_5C273CF947D592F72B2A319E24B3EE34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseLineItems_6F236B19924B3244A1F6319E24B396EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseTable_5C273CF947D592F72B2A319E24B3EE34" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForCatastropheClaimsByCatastrophicEventAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForCatastropheClaimsByCatastrophicEventAxis_A353A902F2D6D3136E1B319E24B38296" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseTable_5C273CF947D592F72B2A319E24B3EE34" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForCatastropheClaimsByCatastrophicEventAxis_A353A902F2D6D3136E1B319E24B38296" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CatastrophicEventDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CatastrophicEventDomain_0367D8888D3A522B8906319E24B32D8C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForCatastropheClaimsByCatastrophicEventAxis_A353A902F2D6D3136E1B319E24B38296" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CatastrophicEventDomain_0367D8888D3A522B8906319E24B32D8C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CatastrophicEventDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CatastrophicEventDomain_0367D8888D3A522B8906319E24B32D8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForCatastropheClaimsByCatastrophicEventAxis_A353A902F2D6D3136E1B319E24B38296" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CatastrophicEventDomain_0367D8888D3A522B8906319E24B32D8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HurricaneMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HurricaneMember_2B503B5C6F3AF3C8D087319E24B37FFC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CatastrophicEventDomain_0367D8888D3A522B8906319E24B32D8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HurricaneMember_2B503B5C6F3AF3C8D087319E24B37FFC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_NumberOfLoansInHurricaneImpactedAreasInDefault" xlink:label="loc_esnt_NumberOfLoansInHurricaneImpactedAreasInDefault_875D22E0B8E82EAFAC0C320C00EF5EED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseLineItems_6F236B19924B3244A1F6319E24B396EE" xlink:to="loc_esnt_NumberOfLoansInHurricaneImpactedAreasInDefault_875D22E0B8E82EAFAC0C320C00EF5EED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_NumberOfLoansInHurricaneImpactedAreasInDefaultCuredDuringPeriod" xlink:label="loc_esnt_NumberOfLoansInHurricaneImpactedAreasInDefaultCuredDuringPeriod_A89182B98957C4A89235319E24B3DBD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseLineItems_6F236B19924B3244A1F6319E24B396EE" xlink:to="loc_esnt_NumberOfLoansInHurricaneImpactedAreasInDefaultCuredDuringPeriod_A89182B98957C4A89235319E24B3DBD5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense_01FDA5B979E56DFD05D1319E24B41BC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseLineItems_6F236B19924B3244A1F6319E24B396EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense_01FDA5B979E56DFD05D1319E24B41BC5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/ReserveForLossesAndLossAdjustmentExpensesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/StatutoryAccounting" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/StatutoryAccountingDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_4F4A7C5A3EFD5981BE72C5CB5F842D37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesTable_81258CD773CC580F96144B90E8B7CCFA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_4F4A7C5A3EFD5981BE72C5CB5F842D37" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesTable_81258CD773CC580F96144B90E8B7CCFA" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_234059F4E3355412A957BFC3EAB485B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesTable_81258CD773CC580F96144B90E8B7CCFA" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_234059F4E3355412A957BFC3EAB485B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_BB015B3CC0E58AAE92DCCA9277C072ED_8B735CA7AB5D5890B03D9CBCA444C5AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_234059F4E3355412A957BFC3EAB485B5" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_BB015B3CC0E58AAE92DCCA9277C072ED_8B735CA7AB5D5890B03D9CBCA444C5AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_62B2853CADF25726B8688A01D554DB65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_234059F4E3355412A957BFC3EAB485B5" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_62B2853CADF25726B8688A01D554DB65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_EssentGuarantyIncMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_EssentGuarantyIncMember_84B6EC51033A59378C43F7C12983A9EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_62B2853CADF25726B8688A01D554DB65" xlink:to="loc_esnt_EssentGuarantyIncMember_84B6EC51033A59378C43F7C12983A9EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_EssentPAMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_EssentPAMember_7E32AC0FA40B5A62B9A0B417F4470492" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_62B2853CADF25726B8688A01D554DB65" xlink:to="loc_esnt_EssentPAMember_7E32AC0FA40B5A62B9A0B417F4470492" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_EssentReinsuranceLtdMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_EssentReinsuranceLtdMember_08756C13CEFB54728098FA467C9890C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_62B2853CADF25726B8688A01D554DB65" xlink:to="loc_esnt_EssentReinsuranceLtdMember_08756C13CEFB54728098FA467C9890C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryNetIncomeAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryNetIncomeAmount_381495C4BAE851AA8D311051DCEB0292" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_4F4A7C5A3EFD5981BE72C5CB5F842D37" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryNetIncomeAmount_381495C4BAE851AA8D311051DCEB0292" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutorySurplusBalance" xlink:label="loc_esnt_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutorySurplusBalance_31E4F8A3DEAE5CA1BDB48CD7217FA95A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_4F4A7C5A3EFD5981BE72C5CB5F842D37" xlink:to="loc_esnt_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutorySurplusBalance_31E4F8A3DEAE5CA1BDB48CD7217FA95A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryContingencyReserveLiability" xlink:label="loc_esnt_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryContingencyReserveLiability_767B539567E9558C95786C27B2C0717D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_4F4A7C5A3EFD5981BE72C5CB5F842D37" xlink:to="loc_esnt_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryContingencyReserveLiability_767B539567E9558C95786C27B2C0717D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_StatutoryAccountingPracticesIncreaseDecreaseInContingencyReserve" xlink:label="loc_esnt_StatutoryAccountingPracticesIncreaseDecreaseInContingencyReserve_4CB4A39A4CFA5B90B34065C51A90C95F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_4F4A7C5A3EFD5981BE72C5CB5F842D37" xlink:to="loc_esnt_StatutoryAccountingPracticesIncreaseDecreaseInContingencyReserve_4CB4A39A4CFA5B90B34065C51A90C95F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryCapitalAndSurplusBalance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryCapitalAndSurplusBalance_CE591ADD136C55B2B21CC96BDFAEE10D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesLineItems_4F4A7C5A3EFD5981BE72C5CB5F842D37" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryCapitalAndSurplusBalance_CE591ADD136C55B2B21CC96BDFAEE10D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/StatutoryAccountingTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/StockBasedCompensation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/StockBasedCompensationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_0C4069EEBB3F5417A8E6DCEE70013A6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_4608F3F36BB3513AA863E231B3572A4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_0C4069EEBB3F5417A8E6DCEE70013A6E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_4608F3F36BB3513AA863E231B3572A4C" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_VestingCriteriaAxis" xlink:label="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaAxis_936B4F33E9FB58038AD76A3F7A7515CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_4608F3F36BB3513AA863E231B3572A4C" xlink:to="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaAxis_936B4F33E9FB58038AD76A3F7A7515CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_VestingCriteriaDomain" xlink:label="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaDomain_69BF88B38792F1796620CA92780E6E0C_8B735CA7AB5D5890B03D9CBCA444C5AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaAxis_936B4F33E9FB58038AD76A3F7A7515CE" xlink:to="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaDomain_69BF88B38792F1796620CA92780E6E0C_8B735CA7AB5D5890B03D9CBCA444C5AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_VestingCriteriaDomain" xlink:label="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaDomain_288FC34B99715CC6A404A46A5DD91201" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaAxis_936B4F33E9FB58038AD76A3F7A7515CE" xlink:to="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaDomain_288FC34B99715CC6A404A46A5DD91201" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_VestingBasedOnServiceAndPerformanceMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_VestingBasedOnServiceAndPerformanceMember_5AE065EC18A65C61B528201FB98E70A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaDomain_288FC34B99715CC6A404A46A5DD91201" xlink:to="loc_esnt_VestingBasedOnServiceAndPerformanceMember_5AE065EC18A65C61B528201FB98E70A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_VestingBasedOnServiceMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_VestingBasedOnServiceMember_9410149382F8583A80EA5D9085734C8A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaDomain_288FC34B99715CC6A404A46A5DD91201" xlink:to="loc_esnt_VestingBasedOnServiceMember_9410149382F8583A80EA5D9085734C8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_109064E8C46958079E57A490AD7A28F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_4608F3F36BB3513AA863E231B3572A4C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_109064E8C46958079E57A490AD7A28F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_0554929B0707697A8E3CCA92780E373F_8B735CA7AB5D5890B03D9CBCA444C5AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_109064E8C46958079E57A490AD7A28F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_0554929B0707697A8E3CCA92780E373F_8B735CA7AB5D5890B03D9CBCA444C5AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_16965CCD38B4501C96E22304CE144328" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_109064E8C46958079E57A490AD7A28F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_16965CCD38B4501C96E22304CE144328" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_D223F36B7F7E5DD9BCA710D46FE02D0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_16965CCD38B4501C96E22304CE144328" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_D223F36B7F7E5DD9BCA710D46FE02D0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_3DBC0DF33DFA5E3DB75529FF86E1BFAE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_16965CCD38B4501C96E22304CE144328" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_3DBC0DF33DFA5E3DB75529FF86E1BFAE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_7C7461E157F752B7845C03004C4D10B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_0C4069EEBB3F5417A8E6DCEE70013A6E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_7C7461E157F752B7845C03004C4D10B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_6F23756B4E14506D9FE3FA728E06D650" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_7C7461E157F752B7845C03004C4D10B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_6F23756B4E14506D9FE3FA728E06D650" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_12DBAA8B6CDB5C0BBFEE3D4116FC0967" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_7C7461E157F752B7845C03004C4D10B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_12DBAA8B6CDB5C0BBFEE3D4116FC0967" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_6864E8863FED5260B5AAD4BEC77F549D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_7C7461E157F752B7845C03004C4D10B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_6864E8863FED5260B5AAD4BEC77F549D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_39A435DE6ECB5C1BBB092DC791AAABEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_7C7461E157F752B7845C03004C4D10B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_39A435DE6ECB5C1BBB092DC791AAABEA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_BEEC51C8DE395C40907A7153B45988EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_0C4069EEBB3F5417A8E6DCEE70013A6E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_BEEC51C8DE395C40907A7153B45988EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_E58A57927BBB508E8DE8FE04E3D332FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_BEEC51C8DE395C40907A7153B45988EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_E58A57927BBB508E8DE8FE04E3D332FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_BF3D570254565CE0B49465A6FA1B740C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_BEEC51C8DE395C40907A7153B45988EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_BF3D570254565CE0B49465A6FA1B740C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_1419DE42471B593BA974DF9833AE75DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_BEEC51C8DE395C40907A7153B45988EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_1419DE42471B593BA974DF9833AE75DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_55E1B1D2ED6A5BD097EA036D26749E86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_BEEC51C8DE395C40907A7153B45988EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_55E1B1D2ED6A5BD097EA036D26749E86" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/StockBasedCompensationDetails2" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_94AFE2086C722F4642338C7501579C2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_BBE9C0D752415E9EDC868C750134DAEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_94AFE2086C722F4642338C7501579C2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_BBE9C0D752415E9EDC868C750134DAEA" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VestingAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VestingAxis_1783C66984114AAE8E558C7501340EB3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_BBE9C0D752415E9EDC868C750134DAEA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VestingAxis_1783C66984114AAE8E558C7501340EB3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VestingDomain_B65B564A2350855A68D08C750134B023_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VestingAxis_1783C66984114AAE8E558C7501340EB3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VestingDomain_B65B564A2350855A68D08C750134B023_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VestingDomain_B65B564A2350855A68D08C750134B023" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VestingAxis_1783C66984114AAE8E558C7501340EB3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VestingDomain_B65B564A2350855A68D08C750134B023" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheOneMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheOneMember_05FB1601BB853D94E31B8C7501344CDD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VestingDomain_B65B564A2350855A68D08C750134B023" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheOneMember_05FB1601BB853D94E31B8C7501344CDD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheTwoMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheTwoMember_89310BECD9269ADA367A8C7501351A12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VestingDomain_B65B564A2350855A68D08C750134B023" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheTwoMember_89310BECD9269ADA367A8C7501351A12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheThreeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheThreeMember_D9E9B9AECE47983AE1918C750135A942" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VestingDomain_B65B564A2350855A68D08C750134B023" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheThreeMember_D9E9B9AECE47983AE1918C750135A942" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_E8FD07193047C4F669BF8C750135A0F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_BBE9C0D752415E9EDC868C750134DAEA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_E8FD07193047C4F669BF8C750135A0F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_693CA168837E87A857C08C750135FB21_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_E8FD07193047C4F669BF8C750135A0F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_693CA168837E87A857C08C750135FB21_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_693CA168837E87A857C08C750135FB21" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_E8FD07193047C4F669BF8C750135A0F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_693CA168837E87A857C08C750135FB21" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_EssentGroupLimited2013LongTermIncentivePlanMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_EssentGroupLimited2013LongTermIncentivePlanMember_A263FC29E54D2EE96EFF8C7501350C32" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_693CA168837E87A857C08C750135FB21" xlink:to="loc_esnt_EssentGroupLimited2013LongTermIncentivePlanMember_A263FC29E54D2EE96EFF8C7501350C32" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_VestingCriteriaAxis" xlink:label="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaAxis_91777828EF738A0861B98C7501366E66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_BBE9C0D752415E9EDC868C750134DAEA" xlink:to="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaAxis_91777828EF738A0861B98C7501366E66" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_VestingCriteriaDomain" xlink:label="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaDomain_C49661A784B83CA2691B8C75013652D8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaAxis_91777828EF738A0861B98C7501366E66" xlink:to="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaDomain_C49661A784B83CA2691B8C75013652D8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_VestingCriteriaDomain" xlink:label="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaDomain_C49661A784B83CA2691B8C75013652D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaAxis_91777828EF738A0861B98C7501366E66" xlink:to="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaDomain_C49661A784B83CA2691B8C75013652D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_VestingBasedOnServiceMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_VestingBasedOnServiceMember_AEE8E8E5DB161D7A2E398C750136544A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaDomain_C49661A784B83CA2691B8C75013652D8" xlink:to="loc_esnt_VestingBasedOnServiceMember_AEE8E8E5DB161D7A2E398C750136544A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_VestingBasedOnPerformanceMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_VestingBasedOnPerformanceMember_47FBF35D4611E328D8DD8C7501366F32" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaDomain_C49661A784B83CA2691B8C75013652D8" xlink:to="loc_esnt_VestingBasedOnPerformanceMember_47FBF35D4611E328D8DD8C7501366F32" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_82EFB8D65EDB1B59C0AC8C750137FCD0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_BBE9C0D752415E9EDC868C750134DAEA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_82EFB8D65EDB1B59C0AC8C750137FCD0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_1646B82EDA7BF1F6C7878C75013748C7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_82EFB8D65EDB1B59C0AC8C750137FCD0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_1646B82EDA7BF1F6C7878C75013748C7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_1646B82EDA7BF1F6C7878C75013748C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_82EFB8D65EDB1B59C0AC8C750137FCD0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_1646B82EDA7BF1F6C7878C75013748C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_3E73145CFF46DBDE69C08C750137899E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_1646B82EDA7BF1F6C7878C75013748C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_3E73145CFF46DBDE69C08C750137899E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_E91E2FF958937D839F5D8C7501560194" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_BBE9C0D752415E9EDC868C750134DAEA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_E91E2FF958937D839F5D8C7501560194" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_66350EA1911C3D18C2028C7501561839_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_E91E2FF958937D839F5D8C7501560194" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_66350EA1911C3D18C2028C7501561839_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_66350EA1911C3D18C2028C7501561839" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_E91E2FF958937D839F5D8C7501560194" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_66350EA1911C3D18C2028C7501561839" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_CertainSeniorManagementMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_CertainSeniorManagementMember_F85AAD3ECA89AD41E3A78C75015719E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_66350EA1911C3D18C2028C7501561839" xlink:to="loc_esnt_CertainSeniorManagementMember_F85AAD3ECA89AD41E3A78C75015719E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPerformancePeriod" xlink:label="loc_esnt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPerformancePeriod_2B6277DFF81E84D96EA28C75015826EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_94AFE2086C722F4642338C7501579C2A" xlink:to="loc_esnt_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPerformancePeriod_2B6277DFF81E84D96EA28C75015826EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage_29C88E4CC0702CD76B0C8C75015814FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_94AFE2086C722F4642338C7501579C2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage_29C88E4CC0702CD76B0C8C75015814FB" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/StockBasedCompensationDetails3" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_F4225118D84D81ED004D0DFFCE2B2833" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_A11EFA55062C28DE3E890DFFCE28304D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_F4225118D84D81ED004D0DFFCE2B2833" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_A11EFA55062C28DE3E890DFFCE28304D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_VestingCriteriaAxis" xlink:label="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaAxis_775F38D8340FA3EF4A6F0DFFCE28019F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_A11EFA55062C28DE3E890DFFCE28304D" xlink:to="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaAxis_775F38D8340FA3EF4A6F0DFFCE28019F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_VestingCriteriaDomain" xlink:label="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaDomain_20A0F15465C7B6BCCB3E0DFFCE28A856_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaAxis_775F38D8340FA3EF4A6F0DFFCE28019F" xlink:to="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaDomain_20A0F15465C7B6BCCB3E0DFFCE28A856_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_VestingCriteriaDomain" xlink:label="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaDomain_20A0F15465C7B6BCCB3E0DFFCE28A856" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaAxis_775F38D8340FA3EF4A6F0DFFCE28019F" xlink:to="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaDomain_20A0F15465C7B6BCCB3E0DFFCE28A856" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthAchieved15PercentMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthAchieved15PercentMember_1F17563C67A8329BD2CD0DFFCE2876FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaDomain_20A0F15465C7B6BCCB3E0DFFCE28A856" xlink:to="loc_esnt_CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthAchieved15PercentMember_1F17563C67A8329BD2CD0DFFCE2876FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthAchieved16PercentMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthAchieved16PercentMember_3396A7ED8D830428856D0DFFCE293C41" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaDomain_20A0F15465C7B6BCCB3E0DFFCE28A856" xlink:to="loc_esnt_CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthAchieved16PercentMember_3396A7ED8D830428856D0DFFCE293C41" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthAchieved17PercentMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthAchieved17PercentMember_14874CD9FF3D0A2FE3010DFFCE298531" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaDomain_20A0F15465C7B6BCCB3E0DFFCE28A856" xlink:to="loc_esnt_CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthAchieved17PercentMember_14874CD9FF3D0A2FE3010DFFCE298531" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthAchieved18PercentMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthAchieved18PercentMember_F51B31288543104035EC0DFFCE29C970" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaDomain_20A0F15465C7B6BCCB3E0DFFCE28A856" xlink:to="loc_esnt_CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthAchieved18PercentMember_F51B31288543104035EC0DFFCE29C970" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_A438152427982C8D90820DFFCE29BA28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_A11EFA55062C28DE3E890DFFCE28304D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_A438152427982C8D90820DFFCE29BA28" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_B731F5A31A14D233E5730DFFCE29D454_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_A438152427982C8D90820DFFCE29BA28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_B731F5A31A14D233E5730DFFCE29D454_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_B731F5A31A14D233E5730DFFCE29D454" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_A438152427982C8D90820DFFCE29BA28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_B731F5A31A14D233E5730DFFCE29D454" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_DF6E5347E91E59EF3F4A0DFFCE2A3FFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_B731F5A31A14D233E5730DFFCE29D454" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_DF6E5347E91E59EF3F4A0DFFCE2A3FFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_CB291185DABBDD3C1EFB0DFFCE2A13A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_A11EFA55062C28DE3E890DFFCE28304D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_CB291185DABBDD3C1EFB0DFFCE2A13A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_9653891574DA31D4AC010DFFCE2A215F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_CB291185DABBDD3C1EFB0DFFCE2A13A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_9653891574DA31D4AC010DFFCE2A215F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_9653891574DA31D4AC010DFFCE2A215F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_CB291185DABBDD3C1EFB0DFFCE2A13A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_9653891574DA31D4AC010DFFCE2A215F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_279106BA98D4799F27930DFFCE2BA12D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_9653891574DA31D4AC010DFFCE2A215F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_279106BA98D4799F27930DFFCE2BA12D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_A19989FEBB28873875780DFFCE2B1898" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_9653891574DA31D4AC010DFFCE2A215F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_A19989FEBB28873875780DFFCE2B1898" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthRate" xlink:label="loc_esnt_CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthRate_2C41360D741B45343D550DFFCE2B0209" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_F4225118D84D81ED004D0DFFCE2B2833" xlink:to="loc_esnt_CompoundedAnnualBookValuePerShareGrowthRate_2C41360D741B45343D550DFFCE2B0209" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage_0CF65A1488F92ECC536E0DFFCE2BA594" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_F4225118D84D81ED004D0DFFCE2B2833" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage_0CF65A1488F92ECC536E0DFFCE2BA594" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/StockBasedCompensationDetails4" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_BFE852AD59116B69779D319E246098A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_CF41A4AFCBCB06FC9A3B319E24589B2D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_BFE852AD59116B69779D319E246098A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_CF41A4AFCBCB06FC9A3B319E24589B2D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_9F712E9F373362EB45E6319E2458C3C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_CF41A4AFCBCB06FC9A3B319E24589B2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_9F712E9F373362EB45E6319E2458C3C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_77D14030A9F8F46FDBE3319E2459BA50_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_9F712E9F373362EB45E6319E2458C3C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_77D14030A9F8F46FDBE3319E2459BA50_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_77D14030A9F8F46FDBE3319E2459BA50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_9F712E9F373362EB45E6319E2458C3C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_77D14030A9F8F46FDBE3319E2459BA50" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_2A4E69D6AA3C6E146430319E2459102A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_77D14030A9F8F46FDBE3319E2459BA50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_2A4E69D6AA3C6E146430319E2459102A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_896CE0C7D39B2ED54630319E245A7F2D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_CF41A4AFCBCB06FC9A3B319E24589B2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_896CE0C7D39B2ED54630319E245A7F2D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_AE2E270986A2BE07A1BE319E245A84AC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_896CE0C7D39B2ED54630319E245A7F2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_AE2E270986A2BE07A1BE319E245A84AC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_AE2E270986A2BE07A1BE319E245A84AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_896CE0C7D39B2ED54630319E245A7F2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_AE2E270986A2BE07A1BE319E245A84AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_5F92651EF1FB7BD838F8319E245A4D78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_AE2E270986A2BE07A1BE319E245A84AC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_5F92651EF1FB7BD838F8319E245A4D78" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_053119A09446FF5EA0E9319E245A5C4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_CF41A4AFCBCB06FC9A3B319E24589B2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_053119A09446FF5EA0E9319E245A5C4C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_9888E2F35BE2CF917BE7319E245B82F8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_053119A09446FF5EA0E9319E245A5C4C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_9888E2F35BE2CF917BE7319E245B82F8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_9888E2F35BE2CF917BE7319E245B82F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_053119A09446FF5EA0E9319E245A5C4C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_9888E2F35BE2CF917BE7319E245B82F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_EmployeeMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_EmployeeMember_1ACF7AD940176DE53525319E245B049B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_9888E2F35BE2CF917BE7319E245B82F8" xlink:to="loc_esnt_EmployeeMember_1ACF7AD940176DE53525319E245B049B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DirectorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DirectorMember_000F4D6CD3A690172AF4319E245B2840" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_9888E2F35BE2CF917BE7319E245B82F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DirectorMember_000F4D6CD3A690172AF4319E245B2840" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VestingAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VestingAxis_D4C1577BF09DA77884E9319E245C7E7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_CF41A4AFCBCB06FC9A3B319E24589B2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VestingAxis_D4C1577BF09DA77884E9319E245C7E7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VestingDomain_713A571D9F4B6DE55AC5319E245C9389_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VestingAxis_D4C1577BF09DA77884E9319E245C7E7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VestingDomain_713A571D9F4B6DE55AC5319E245C9389_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VestingDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VestingDomain_713A571D9F4B6DE55AC5319E245C9389" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VestingAxis_D4C1577BF09DA77884E9319E245C7E7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VestingDomain_713A571D9F4B6DE55AC5319E245C9389" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheOneMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheOneMember_1986BD12C4F2990F0695319E245C739A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VestingDomain_713A571D9F4B6DE55AC5319E245C9389" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheOneMember_1986BD12C4F2990F0695319E245C739A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheTwoMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheTwoMember_ED10E126726A0B73A302319E245CE16C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VestingDomain_713A571D9F4B6DE55AC5319E245C9389" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheTwoMember_ED10E126726A0B73A302319E245CE16C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheThreeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheThreeMember_AA4B8067226B3AF15250319E245C1A38" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VestingDomain_713A571D9F4B6DE55AC5319E245C9389" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAwardTrancheThreeMember_AA4B8067226B3AF15250319E245C1A38" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis_AC53B280011C0C5D9171319E245D9297" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_CF41A4AFCBCB06FC9A3B319E24589B2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis_AC53B280011C0C5D9171319E245D9297" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityBasedArrangementsIndividualContractsTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityBasedArrangementsIndividualContractsTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain_0E0537DADF1E979F99A4319E245DAA6D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis_AC53B280011C0C5D9171319E245D9297" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityBasedArrangementsIndividualContractsTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain_0E0537DADF1E979F99A4319E245DAA6D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityBasedArrangementsIndividualContractsTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityBasedArrangementsIndividualContractsTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain_0E0537DADF1E979F99A4319E245DAA6D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsByTypeOfDeferredCompensationAxis_AC53B280011C0C5D9171319E245D9297" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityBasedArrangementsIndividualContractsTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain_0E0537DADF1E979F99A4319E245DAA6D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_IncentiveProgramBonusAwardFiscalYearPerformanceMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_IncentiveProgramBonusAwardFiscalYearPerformanceMember_04A0A47896AF040BB680319E245D0C5C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityBasedArrangementsIndividualContractsTypeOfDeferredCompensationDomain_0E0537DADF1E979F99A4319E245DAA6D" xlink:to="loc_esnt_IncentiveProgramBonusAwardFiscalYearPerformanceMember_04A0A47896AF040BB680319E245D0C5C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_VestingCriteriaAxis" xlink:label="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaAxis_E222B40C1B7CE8A64048319E245D7A44" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_CF41A4AFCBCB06FC9A3B319E24589B2D" xlink:to="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaAxis_E222B40C1B7CE8A64048319E245D7A44" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_VestingCriteriaDomain" xlink:label="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaDomain_F94AD68EFB7944EC47CE319E245DF923_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaAxis_E222B40C1B7CE8A64048319E245D7A44" xlink:to="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaDomain_F94AD68EFB7944EC47CE319E245DF923_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_VestingCriteriaDomain" xlink:label="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaDomain_F94AD68EFB7944EC47CE319E245DF923" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaAxis_E222B40C1B7CE8A64048319E245D7A44" xlink:to="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaDomain_F94AD68EFB7944EC47CE319E245DF923" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="esnt-20180331.xsd#esnt_VestingBasedOnServiceMember" xlink:label="loc_esnt_VestingBasedOnServiceMember_1DF246756A8007FBF1A5319E245E4376" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_esnt_VestingCriteriaDomain_F94AD68EFB7944EC47CE319E245DF923" xlink:to="loc_esnt_VestingBasedOnServiceMember_1DF246756A8007FBF1A5319E245E4376" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_EF39740963654D0BF0B0319E245E32B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_CF41A4AFCBCB06FC9A3B319E24589B2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_EF39740963654D0BF0B0319E245E32B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_D07CDE006B33569277B3319E245F54D6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_EF39740963654D0BF0B0319E245E32B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_D07CDE006B33569277B3319E245F54D6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_D07CDE006B33569277B3319E245F54D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_EF39740963654D0BF0B0319E245E32B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_D07CDE006B33569277B3319E245F54D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_B1A8AB504C0FAEABDFC9319E245F0184" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_D07CDE006B33569277B3319E245F54D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_B1A8AB504C0FAEABDFC9319E245F0184" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_49D187FDC45377476E37319E245F9E5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_D07CDE006B33569277B3319E245F54D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_49D187FDC45377476E37319E245F9E5F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_15CA50BB1A70DF5F692F319E2460C45E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_BFE852AD59116B69779D319E246098A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_15CA50BB1A70DF5F692F319E2460C45E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_A4F7E01C4B26BF70B40A319E246006D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_BFE852AD59116B69779D319E246098A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_A4F7E01C4B26BF70B40A319E246006D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage_28FA03DC21DDBDF327D3319E2461ECA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_BFE852AD59116B69779D319E246098A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingRightsPercentage_28FA03DC21DDBDF327D3319E2461ECA4" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/StockBasedCompensationDetails5" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_54523F4FA7FEB3DEA35C8C7500F1B08D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_25EC8659787CAF98DD1D8C7500EFD33B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_54523F4FA7FEB3DEA35C8C7500F1B08D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_25EC8659787CAF98DD1D8C7500EFD33B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_658CC9D92DD369893A6E8C7500F1C4B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_25EC8659787CAF98DD1D8C7500EFD33B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_658CC9D92DD369893A6E8C7500F1C4B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_C95E3B62B153E7F9D5E18C7500F1A66E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_658CC9D92DD369893A6E8C7500F1C4B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_C95E3B62B153E7F9D5E18C7500F1A66E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_C95E3B62B153E7F9D5E18C7500F1A66E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_658CC9D92DD369893A6E8C7500F1C4B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_C95E3B62B153E7F9D5E18C7500F1A66E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_E05C343649C0FA10F9A98C7500F10BA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_C95E3B62B153E7F9D5E18C7500F1A66E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_E05C343649C0FA10F9A98C7500F10BA9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue_39B969287CBC38F8E7C58C7500F2814E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_54523F4FA7FEB3DEA35C8C7500F1B08D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue_39B969287CBC38F8E7C58C7500F2814E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions_0E1A847F4BD442CD24298C7500F26E5B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_54523F4FA7FEB3DEA35C8C7500F1B08D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions_0E1A847F4BD442CD24298C7500F26E5B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_C3EAE405C23B745562018C7500F2FFCC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_54523F4FA7FEB3DEA35C8C7500F1B08D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_C3EAE405C23B745562018C7500F2FFCC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_A88130A55141E84B742F8C7500F2821E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_54523F4FA7FEB3DEA35C8C7500F1B08D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_A88130A55141E84B742F8C7500F2821E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAllocationAndClassificationInFinancialStatementsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAllocationAndClassificationInFinancialStatementsAbstract_BFACC99A2252A7A4EA088C7500F3FBED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_54523F4FA7FEB3DEA35C8C7500F1B08D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAllocationAndClassificationInFinancialStatementsAbstract_BFACC99A2252A7A4EA088C7500F3FBED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_ECC34A86634D6FFC1F468C7500F3CF2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAllocationAndClassificationInFinancialStatementsAbstract_BFACC99A2252A7A4EA088C7500F3FBED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_ECC34A86634D6FFC1F468C7500F3CF2F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense_4878BF44B72BECDEA0A58C7500F3620F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAllocationAndClassificationInFinancialStatementsAbstract_BFACC99A2252A7A4EA088C7500F3FBED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense_4878BF44B72BECDEA0A58C7500F3620F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.essentgroup.com/role/StockBasedCompensationTables" xlink:type="extended" />
</link:linkbase>
