<?xml version="1.0" encoding="US-ASCII"?>
<!-- DFS Xcelerate Taxonomy Definition Linkbase - http://www.dfsco.com/financial-services/ -->
<!-- Version: 6.23.6 -->
<!-- Round: 5 -->
<!-- Creation date: 2017-11-06T21:17:08Z -->
<!-- Copyright (c) 2017 Donnelley Financial, LLC. All Rights Reserved. -->
<linkbase xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase"
  xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"
  xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"
  xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt"
  xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd">
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#DocumentandEntityInformation" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DocumentandEntityInformation"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#Role_StatementOfFinancialPositionClassified" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfFinancialPositionClassified"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#Role_StatementOfFinancialPositionClassifiedParen" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfFinancialPositionClassifiedParenthetical"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#Role_StatementOfIncomeAlternative" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfIncomeAlternative"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#Role_StatementOfPartnersCapital" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfPartnersCapital"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#Role_StatementOfCashFlowsIndirect" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfCashFlowsIndirect"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#DisclosureNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationAdditionalInformation" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationAdditionalInformation"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#DisclosureNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationScheduleOfGoodwill" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationScheduleOfGoodwill"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#DisclosureNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationAccountsReceivableForServices" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationAccountsReceivableForServices"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#DisclosureNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationScheduleOfOtherPropertyAndInvestments" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationScheduleOfOtherPropertyAndInvestments"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#DisclosureNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationOtherIncomeDeductions" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationOtherIncomeDeductions"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#DisclosureComponentsOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostScheduleOfNetPeriodicBenefitCosts" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureComponentsOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostScheduleOfNetPeriodicBenefitCosts"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#DisclosureSegmentInformationAdditionalInformation" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSegmentInformationAdditionalInformation"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#DisclosureSegmentInformationScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformation" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSegmentInformationScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformation"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#DisclosureDerivativesAndFairValueMeasurementsAdditionalInformation" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativesAndFairValueMeasurementsAdditionalInformation"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#DisclosureDerivativesAndFairValueMeasurementsNotionalAmountsUnderSwapsContracts" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativesAndFairValueMeasurementsNotionalAmountsUnderSwapsContracts"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#DisclosureDerivativesAndFairValueMeasurementsAmountOfGainOrLossesRecognizedInIncomeOnDerivatives" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativesAndFairValueMeasurementsAmountOfGainOrLossesRecognizedInIncomeOnDerivatives"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#DisclosureDerivativesAndFairValueMeasurementsFairValuesOfSwapsInConsolidatedBalanceSheets" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativesAndFairValueMeasurementsFairValuesOfSwapsInConsolidatedBalanceSheets"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#DisclosureDerivativesAndFairValueMeasurementsPaidToAndReceivedFromCounterpartiesForSettlementsOfMaturedSwaps" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativesAndFairValueMeasurementsPaidToAndReceivedFromCounterpartiesForSettlementsOfMaturedSwaps"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#DisclosureDerivativesAndFairValueMeasurementsRegulatoryAssetsLiabilitiesOffsettingDerivativesAtFairValueInCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativesAndFairValueMeasurementsRegulatoryAssetsLiabilitiesOffsettingDerivativesAtFairValueInCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#DisclosureDerivativesAndFairValueMeasurementsSummaryOfFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesAtFairValue" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativesAndFairValueMeasurementsSummaryOfFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesAtFairValue"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#DisclosureCommonStockAdditionalInformation" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCommonStockAdditionalInformation"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#DisclosureLongTermDebtScheduleOfCarryingAmountsAndEstimatedFairValuesOfLongTermDebt" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtScheduleOfCarryingAmountsAndEstimatedFairValuesOfLongTermDebt"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#DisclosureLongTermDebtScheduleOfCarryingAmountsAndEstimatedFairValuesOfLongTermDebtParenthetical" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtScheduleOfCarryingAmountsAndEstimatedFairValuesOfLongTermDebtParenthetical"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#DisclosureLongTermDebtAdditionalInformation" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtAdditionalInformation"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#DisclosureShortTermDebtAdditionalInformation" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureShortTermDebtAdditionalInformation"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#DisclosureEquityOtherComprehensiveIncomeAndAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDetailedActivitiesOfEquityAndRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquityOtherComprehensiveIncomeAndAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDetailedActivitiesOfEquityAndRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#DisclosureEquityOtherComprehensiveIncomeAndAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDetailedActivitiesOfEquityAndRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestParenthetical" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquityOtherComprehensiveIncomeAndAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDetailedActivitiesOfEquityAndRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestParenthetical"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#DisclosureEquityOtherComprehensiveIncomeAndAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeRelatedTaxEffectsAllocatedToEachComponentOfOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquityOtherComprehensiveIncomeAndAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeRelatedTaxEffectsAllocatedToEachComponentOfOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#DisclosureEquityOtherComprehensiveIncomeAndAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeRelatedTaxEffectsAllocatedToEachComponentOfOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossParenthetical" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquityOtherComprehensiveIncomeAndAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeRelatedTaxEffectsAllocatedToEachComponentOfOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossParenthetical"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#DisclosureEquityOtherComprehensiveIncomeAndAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAdditionalInformation" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquityOtherComprehensiveIncomeAndAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAdditionalInformation"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#DisclosureEquityOtherComprehensiveIncomeAndAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeRollforwardOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncome" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquityOtherComprehensiveIncomeAndAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeRollforwardOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncome"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#DisclosureEquityOtherComprehensiveIncomeAndAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeRollforwardOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeParenthetical" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquityOtherComprehensiveIncomeAndAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeRollforwardOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeParenthetical"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#DisclosureEquityOtherComprehensiveIncomeAndAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAmountRecognizedBeforeIncomeTaxAssociatedWithDefinedBenefitPlansInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIn_Xa" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquityOtherComprehensiveIncomeAndAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAmountRecognizedBeforeIncomeTaxAssociatedWithDefinedBenefitPlansInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIn_Xa"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#DisclosureConstructionServicesRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestAdditionalInformation" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureConstructionServicesRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestAdditionalInformation"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#DisclosureConstructionServicesRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestSummaryOfRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureConstructionServicesRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestSummaryOfRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#DisclosureReorganizationImpactsDiscontinuedOperationsSolelyRelatedToSouthwestGasCorporationSummaryOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesWithinAmountsReportedAsDiscontinuedOperationsConstructi_Xc" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureReorganizationImpactsDiscontinuedOperationsSolelyRelatedToSouthwestGasCorporationSummaryOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesWithinAmountsReportedAsDiscontinuedOperationsConstructi_Xc"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#DisclosureReorganizationImpactsDiscontinuedOperationsSolelyRelatedToSouthwestGasCorporationComponentsOfDiscontinuedOperationsConstructionServicesNonOwnerEquityAmountInCondense_Xb" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureReorganizationImpactsDiscontinuedOperationsSolelyRelatedToSouthwestGasCorporationComponentsOfDiscontinuedOperationsConstructionServicesNonOwnerEquityAmountInCondense_Xb"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#DisclosureReorganizationImpactsDiscontinuedOperationsSolelyRelatedToSouthwestGasCorporationSummaryOfIncomeStatementComponentsOfDiscontinuedOperationsConstructionServicesInCond_Xd" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureReorganizationImpactsDiscontinuedOperationsSolelyRelatedToSouthwestGasCorporationSummaryOfIncomeStatementComponentsOfDiscontinuedOperationsConstructionServicesInCond_Xd"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsOrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsOrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsOrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlockPolicies" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsOrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlockPolicies"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsOrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlockTables" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsOrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlockTables"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsNetPeriodicBenefitCostDisclosureTextBlock" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsNetPeriodicBenefitCostDisclosureTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsNetPeriodicBenefitCostDisclosureTextBlockTables" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsNetPeriodicBenefitCostDisclosureTextBlockTables"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsSegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsSegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsSegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlockTables" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsSegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlockTables"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsDerivativesAndFairValueTextBlock" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsDerivativesAndFairValueTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsDerivativesAndFairValueTextBlockTables" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsDerivativesAndFairValueTextBlockTables"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsCommonStockDisclosureTextBlock" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsCommonStockDisclosureTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsLongTermDebtTextBlock" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsLongTermDebtTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsLongTermDebtTextBlockTables" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsLongTermDebtTextBlockTables"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsShortTermDebtTextBlock" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsShortTermDebtTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsStockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsStockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsStockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlockTables" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsStockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlockTables"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsMinorityInterestDisclosureTextBlock" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsMinorityInterestDisclosureTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsMinorityInterestDisclosureTextBlockTables" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsMinorityInterestDisclosureTextBlockTables"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsRestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsRestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsRestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesDisclosureTextBlockTables" roleURI="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsRestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesDisclosureTextBlockTables"/>
  <arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all"/>
  <arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default"/>
  <arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain"/>
  <arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member"/>
  <arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension"/>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DocumentandEntityInformation">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfFinancialPositionClassified">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccrualForTaxesOtherThanIncomeTaxesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccrualForTaxesOtherThanIncomeTaxesCurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_AccruedUtilityRevenue" xlink:label="swx_AccruedUtilityRevenue"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="us-gaap_Assets"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentOtherThanNoncurrentInvestmentsAndPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentOtherThanNoncurrentInvestmentsAndPropertyPlantAndEquipment"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquity"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquityAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquityAbstract"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockValue"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerDepositsCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_CustomerDepositsCurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCreditsAndOtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredCreditsAndOtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredGasCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredGasCost"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredGasPurchasesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredGasPurchasesCurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndUnamortizedInvestmentTaxCredits" xlink:label="swx_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndUnamortizedInvestmentTaxCredits"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetNoncurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationConstructionServicesAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationConstructionServicesAssetsNoncurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationConstructionServicesLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationConstructionServicesLiabilitiesNoncurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationConstructionServicesNonOwnerEquityNoncurrent" xlink:label="swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationConstructionServicesNonOwnerEquityNoncurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_Goodwill"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_IncomeTaxesPayableNet" xlink:label="swx_IncomeTaxesPayableNet"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinorityInterest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesNoncurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherPropertyAndInvestments" xlink:label="swx_OtherPropertyAndInvestments"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAccumulatedDepreciation" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAccumulatedDepreciation"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAmountOfAcquisitionAdjustments1" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAmountOfAcquisitionAdjustments1"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentConstructionWorkInProgress" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentConstructionWorkInProgress"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentPlantInService" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentPlantInService"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember" xlink:label="swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract" order="1.4800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="swx_OtherPropertyAndInvestments" order="1.4900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" order="1.5000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract" order="1.5100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_Assets" order="1.5200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="swx_AccruedUtilityRevenue" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredGasCost" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_Goodwill" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetNoncurrent" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" order="1.1000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationConstructionServicesAssetsNoncurrent" order="1.1100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentOtherThanNoncurrentInvestmentsAndPropertyPlantAndEquipment" order="1.1200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockValue" order="1.2900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock" order="1.3000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" order="1.3100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" order="1.3200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" order="1.3300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinorityInterest" order="1.3400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquityAbstract" xlink:to="swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationConstructionServicesNonOwnerEquityNoncurrent" order="1.3500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" order="1.3600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount" order="1.3700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" order="1.3800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquity" order="1.3900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember" order="1.4000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CapitalizationLongtermDebtAndEquityAbstract" order="1.5300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" order="1.5400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" order="1.5500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" order="1.5600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" order="1.1300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings" order="1.1400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" order="1.1500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CustomerDepositsCurrent" order="1.1600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="swx_IncomeTaxesPayableNet" order="1.1700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccrualForTaxesOtherThanIncomeTaxesCurrent" order="1.1800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent" order="1.1900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredGasPurchasesCurrent" order="1.2000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DueToAffiliateCurrent" order="1.2100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent" order="1.2200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" order="1.2300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="swx_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndUnamortizedInvestmentTaxCredits" order="1.4100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesNoncurrent" order="1.4200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredCreditsAndOtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" order="1.4300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationConstructionServicesLiabilitiesNoncurrent" order="1.4400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" order="1.4500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentPlantInService" order="1.2400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAccumulatedDepreciation" order="1.2500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAmountOfAcquisitionAdjustments1" order="1.2600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentConstructionWorkInProgress" order="1.2700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" order="1.2800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" order="1.4600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" order="1.4700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfFinancialPositionClassifiedParenthetical">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfIncomeAlternative">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConstructionAndDevelopmentCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConstructionAndDevelopmentCosts"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConstructionRevenue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConstructionRevenue"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation" xlink:label="us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToReportingEntity" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToReportingEntity"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpense"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProfitLoss"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperatingRevenue" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperatingRevenue"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatedOperatingRevenueGas" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatedOperatingRevenueGas"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember" xlink:label="swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxesExcludingIncomeAndExciseTaxes" xlink:label="us-gaap_TaxesExcludingIncomeAndExciseTaxes"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseGasAndPetroleumPurchased" xlink:label="us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseGasAndPetroleumPurchased"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseMaintenanceAndOperations" xlink:label="us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseMaintenanceAndOperations"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseGasAndPetroleumPurchased" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseMaintenanceAndOperations" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_TaxesExcludingIncomeAndExciseTaxes" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConstructionAndDevelopmentCosts" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember" order="1.1300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestExpense" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RegulatedOperatingRevenueGas" order="1.1000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConstructionRevenue" order="1.1100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RegulatedAndUnregulatedOperatingRevenue" order="1.1200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" order="1.1400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" order="1.1600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" order="1.1700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" order="1.1800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" order="1.1900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" order="1.2000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProfitLoss" order="1.2100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" order="1.2200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" order="1.2300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax" order="1.2400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation" order="1.2500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax" order="1.2600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" order="1.2700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToReportingEntity" order="1.2800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" order="1.2900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" order="1.3000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" order="1.3100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" order="1.3200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" order="1.3300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" order="1.3400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfPartnersCapital">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_ComprehensiveIncomeFromDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="swx_ComprehensiveIncomeFromDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToReportingEntity" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToReportingEntity"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansRegulatoryAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansRegulatoryAdjustmentNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentFromDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentFromDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax" xlink:label="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProfitLoss"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember" xlink:label="swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditNetOfTax" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossNetOfTax" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:to="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansRegulatoryAdjustmentNetOfTax" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax" order="1.1000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax" order="1.1100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax" order="1.1200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" order="1.1300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProfitLoss" order="1.1400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" order="1.1500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" order="1.1600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToReportingEntity" order="1.1700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" order="1.1800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentFromDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" order="1.1900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="swx_ComprehensiveIncomeFromDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" order="1.2000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" order="1.2100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax" order="1.2200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" order="1.2300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfCashFlowsIndirect">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesDiscontinuedOperations" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesDiscontinuedOperations"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesDiscontinuedOperations" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesDiscontinuedOperations"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesDiscontinuedOperations" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesDiscontinuedOperations"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalentsContinuingOperations" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalentsContinuingOperations"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalentsDiscontinuedOperations" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalentsDiscontinuedOperations"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedTaxesPayable" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedTaxesPayable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAllowanceForEquityFundsUsedDuringConstruction" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAllowanceForEquityFundsUsedDuringConstruction"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInCustomerAdvances" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInCustomerAdvances"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredGasCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredGasCost"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherCurrentAssetsAndLiabilitiesNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherCurrentAssetsAndLiabilitiesNet"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInUnbilledReceivables" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInUnbilledReceivables"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestPaidNet"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInDiscontinuedOperations" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInDiscontinuedOperations"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsMinorityInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsMinorityInterest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionsFromParent" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionsFromParent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromDividendsReceived" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromDividendsReceived"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_ProceedsFromMiscellaneousInvestingActivities" xlink:label="swx_ProceedsFromMiscellaneousInvestingActivities"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfLinesOfCreditAndCommercialPaper" xlink:label="swx_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfLinesOfCreditAndCommercialPaper"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebt"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProfitLoss"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember" xlink:label="swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_SupplementalCashFlowInformationContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="swx_SupplementalCashFlowInformationContinuingOperationsAbstract"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember" order="1.3900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInUnbilledReceivables" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredGasCost" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedTaxesPayable" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherCurrentAssetsAndLiabilitiesNet" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" order="1.2600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromContributionsFromParent" order="1.2700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock" order="1.2800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsMinorityInterest" order="1.2900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" order="1.3000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" order="1.3100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="swx_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfLinesOfCreditAndCommercialPaper" order="1.3200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebt" order="1.3300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" order="1.3400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest" order="1.3500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" order="1.3600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities" order="1.3700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations" order="1.3800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" order="1.2000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired" order="1.2100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInCustomerAdvances" order="1.2200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="swx_ProceedsFromMiscellaneousInvestingActivities" order="1.2300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromDividendsReceived" order="1.2400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations" order="1.2500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProfitLoss" order="1.1000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax" order="1.1100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" order="1.1200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" order="1.1300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment" order="1.1400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" order="1.1500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAllowanceForEquityFundsUsedDuringConstruction" order="1.1600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets" order="1.1700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities" order="1.1800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations" order="1.1900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" order="1.4000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" order="1.4100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" order="1.4200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesDiscontinuedOperations" order="1.4300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalentsContinuingOperations" order="1.4400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesDiscontinuedOperations" order="1.4500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesDiscontinuedOperations" order="1.4600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalentsDiscontinuedOperations" order="1.4700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease" order="1.4800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInDiscontinuedOperations" order="1.4900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInContinuingOperations" order="1.5000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" order="1.5100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="swx_SupplementalCashFlowInformationContinuingOperationsAbstract" order="1.5300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" order="1.5400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" order="1.5500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet" order="1.5600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationAdditionalInformation">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201609Member" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201609Member"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_CenturiConstructionGroupMember" xlink:label="swx_CenturiConstructionGroupMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsPayableCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_DividendsPayableCurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_GasPipeInventoryAndOperatingSuppliesMember" xlink:label="swx_GasPipeInventoryAndOperatingSuppliesMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_GasPlantMember" xlink:label="swx_GasPlantMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedTaxesPayable" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedTaxesPayable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentAxis" xlink:label="invest_InvestmentAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentDomain" xlink:label="invest_InvestmentDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_LinklineAndWsNichollsMember" xlink:label="swx_LinklineAndWsNichollsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaterialsSuppliesAndOther" xlink:label="us-gaap_MaterialsSuppliesAndOther"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_NonServiceCapitalizedCosts" xlink:label="swx_NonServiceCapitalizedCosts"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_NonServiceCosts" xlink:label="swx_NonServiceCosts"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_PreviousOwnersMember" xlink:label="swx_PreviousOwnersMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryTypeDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryTypeDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsCurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:label="swx_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:label="swx_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember" xlink:label="swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeCumulativePercentageOwnershipAfterAllTransactions" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeCumulativePercentageOwnershipAfterAllTransactions"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransferToInvestments" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransferToInvestments"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_2"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsMember" order="1.1500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember" order="1.2200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:to="swx_GasPlantMember" order="1.2400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="swx_CenturiConstructionGroupMember" order="1.1300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="swx_CenturiConstructionGroupMember" order="1.1200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="swx_PreviousOwnersMember" order="1.2100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember" order="1.2300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" order="1.1800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="invest_InvestmentAxis" xlink:to="invest_InvestmentDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="invest_InvestmentDomain" xlink:to="swx_LinklineAndWsNichollsMember" order="1.1400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryTypeDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryTypeDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryTypeDomain" xlink:to="swx_GasPipeInventoryAndOperatingSuppliesMember" order="1.1600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember" order="1.1700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioPreviouslyReportedMember" order="1.2000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="swx_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="swx_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="swx_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeCumulativePercentageOwnershipAfterAllTransactions" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="swx_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="swx_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_MaterialsSuppliesAndOther" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="swx_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsCurrent" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="swx_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DividendsPayableCurrent" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="swx_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="swx_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_TransferToInvestments" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="swx_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedTaxesPayable" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="swx_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="swx_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="swx_NonServiceCapitalizedCosts" order="1.1000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="swx_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="swx_NonServiceCosts" order="1.1100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="swx_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="swx_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="2.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="swx_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryAxis" order="3.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="swx_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="invest_InvestmentAxis" order="4.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="swx_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" order="5.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="swx_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" order="6.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="swx_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" order="7.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="swx_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" order="8.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="swx_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" order="9.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201609Member" order="1.1900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationScheduleOfGoodwill">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_ConstructionServicesMember" xlink:label="swx_ConstructionServicesMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_Goodwill"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLoss"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_NaturalGasOperationsMember" xlink:label="swx_NaturalGasOperationsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Goodwill" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_GoodwillForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLoss" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="swx_NaturalGasOperationsMember" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="swx_ConstructionServicesMember" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationAccountsReceivableForServices">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_CenturiConstructionGroupMember" xlink:label="swx_CenturiConstructionGroupMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueFromRelatedPartiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_DueFromRelatedPartiesCurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="swx_CenturiConstructionGroupMember" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DueFromRelatedPartiesCurrent" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationScheduleOfOtherPropertyAndInvestments">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashSurrenderValueOfLifeInsurance" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashSurrenderValueOfLifeInsurance"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_CenturiConstructionGroupMember" xlink:label="swx_CenturiConstructionGroupMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentLineItems" xlink:label="invest_InvestmentLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentTable" xlink:label="invest_InvestmentTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherPropertyAndInvestments" xlink:label="swx_OtherPropertyAndInvestments"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherNet"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_PropertyPlantEquipmentAndIntangibleAssetsGross" xlink:label="swx_PropertyPlantEquipmentAndIntangibleAssetsGross"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="swx_CenturiConstructionGroupMember" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="invest_InvestmentLineItems" xlink:to="invest_InvestmentTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="invest_InvestmentLineItems" xlink:to="swx_PropertyPlantEquipmentAndIntangibleAssetsGross" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="invest_InvestmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="invest_InvestmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashSurrenderValueOfLifeInsurance" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="invest_InvestmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherNet" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="invest_InvestmentLineItems" xlink:to="swx_OtherPropertyAndInvestments" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="invest_InvestmentTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNatureOfOperationsAndBasisOfPresentationOtherIncomeDeductions">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_CenturiConstructionGroupMember" xlink:label="swx_CenturiConstructionGroupMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_CorporateAndAdministrativeIncomeExpense" xlink:label="swx_CorporateAndAdministrativeIncomeExpense"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossRealized" xlink:label="us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossRealized"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeOther" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestIncomeOther"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LifeInsuranceCorporateOrBankOwnedChangeInValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_LifeInsuranceCorporateOrBankOwnedChangeInValue"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_MiscellaneousIncomeExpense" xlink:label="swx_MiscellaneousIncomeExpense"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedCostOfEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedCostOfEquity"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember" xlink:label="swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" order="1.1000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="swx_CenturiConstructionGroupMember" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LifeInsuranceCorporateOrBankOwnedChangeInValue" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="swx_CorporateAndAdministrativeIncomeExpense" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestIncomeOther" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedCostOfEquity" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossRealized" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="swx_MiscellaneousIncomeExpense" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureComponentsOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostScheduleOfNetPeriodicBenefitCosts">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSegmentInformationAdditionalInformation">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments" xlink:label="us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember" xlink:label="swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSegmentInformationScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformation">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_ConstructionServicesMember" xlink:label="swx_ConstructionServicesMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_NaturalGasOperationsMember" xlink:label="swx_NaturalGasOperationsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherMemberMember" xlink:label="swx_OtherMemberMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="us-gaap_Revenues"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" order="2.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="swx_NaturalGasOperationsMember" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="swx_ConstructionServicesMember" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="swx_OtherMemberMember" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Revenues" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativesAndFairValueMeasurementsAdditionalInformation">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011/stpr-2011-01-31.xsd#stpr_AZ" xlink:label="stpr_AZ"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011/stpr-2011-01-31.xsd#stpr_CA" xlink:label="stpr_CA"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassificationFromAccumulatedOCIToIncomeEstimateOfTimeToTransfer1" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassificationFromAccumulatedOCIToIncomeEstimateOfTimeToTransfer1"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeMaturityDates" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeMaturityDates"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_MaximumMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinimumMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_NaturalGasPortfoliosPercentageRateRangeMaximum" xlink:label="swx_NaturalGasPortfoliosPercentageRateRangeMaximum"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RangeAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RangeMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RangeMember_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:to="swx_NaturalGasPortfoliosPercentageRateRangeMaximum" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeMaturityDates" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassificationFromAccumulatedOCIToIncomeEstimateOfTimeToTransfer1" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RangeAxis" order="2.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis" order="3.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RangeMember" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RangeMember_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinimumMember" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_MaximumMember" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="stpr_AZ" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="stpr_CA" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativesAndFairValueMeasurementsNotionalAmountsUnderSwapsContracts">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativesAndFairValueMeasurementsAmountOfGainOrLossesRecognizedInIncomeOnDerivatives">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_NetCostOfGasSoldMember" xlink:label="swx_NetCostOfGasSoldMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_RegulatoryDeferralAccountingTreatmentMember" xlink:label="swx_RegulatoryDeferralAccountingTreatmentMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis" order="2.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" order="3.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_HedgingRelationshipDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="swx_NetCostOfGasSoldMember" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain" xlink:to="swx_RegulatoryDeferralAccountingTreatmentMember" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativesAndFairValueMeasurementsFairValuesOfSwapsInConsolidatedBalanceSheets">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DeferredChargesAndOtherAssetsMember" xlink:label="swx_DeferredChargesAndOtherAssetsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAssetAtFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAssetAtFairValue"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsLiabilityAtFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsLiabilityAtFairValue"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherDeferredCreditsMember" xlink:label="swx_OtherDeferredCreditsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAtFairValueNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAtFairValueNet"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SwapMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SwapMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:to="swx_DeferredChargesAndOtherAssetsMember" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsMember" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:to="swx_OtherDeferredCreditsMember" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SwapMember" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAssetAtFairValue" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsLiabilityAtFairValue" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAtFairValueNet" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" order="2.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativesAndFairValueMeasurementsPaidToAndReceivedFromCounterpartiesForSettlementsOfMaturedSwaps">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativesAndFairValueMeasurementsRegulatoryAssetsLiabilitiesOffsettingDerivativesAtFairValueInCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DeferredChargesAndOtherAssetsMember" xlink:label="swx_DeferredChargesAndOtherAssetsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DerivativeFairValueOfRegulatoryAssetsLiabilitiesOffsetAmount" xlink:label="swx_DerivativeFairValueOfRegulatoryAssetsLiabilitiesOffsetAmount"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherDeferredCreditsMember" xlink:label="swx_OtherDeferredCreditsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SwapMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SwapMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:to="swx_OtherDeferredCreditsMember" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsMember" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:to="swx_DeferredChargesAndOtherAssetsMember" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SwapMember" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:to="swx_DerivativeFairValueOfRegulatoryAssetsLiabilitiesOffsetAmount" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" order="2.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativesAndFairValueMeasurementsSummaryOfFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesAtFairValue">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DeferredChargesAndOtherAssetsMember" xlink:label="swx_DeferredChargesAndOtherAssetsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeAssets"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNet"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherDeferredCreditsMember" xlink:label="swx_OtherDeferredCreditsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SwapMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SwapMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsMember" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:to="swx_DeferredChargesAndOtherAssetsMember" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:to="swx_OtherDeferredCreditsMember" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SwapMember" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNet" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" order="2.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" order="3.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCommonStockAdditionalInformation">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_BankOfNewYorkMellonCapitalMarketsLlcMember" xlink:label="swx_BankOfNewYorkMellonCapitalMarketsLlcMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_CommonStockWeightedAverageIssuePricePerShare" xlink:label="swx_CommonStockWeightedAverageIssuePricePerShare"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_ConversionOfStockConversionRatio" xlink:label="swx_ConversionOfStockConversionRatio"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_MaximumAggregateMarketValueOfPotentialStockIssuance" xlink:label="swx_MaximumAggregateMarketValueOfPotentialStockIssuance"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_MaximumAmountOfCommonStockAvailableForSale" xlink:label="swx_MaximumAmountOfCommonStockAvailableForSale"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="swx_BankOfNewYorkMellonCapitalMarketsLlcMember" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="swx_ConversionOfStockConversionRatio" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="swx_MaximumAggregateMarketValueOfPotentialStockIssuance" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="swx_CommonStockWeightedAverageIssuePricePerShare" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="swx_MaximumAmountOfCommonStockAvailableForSale" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtScheduleOfCarryingAmountsAndEstimatedFairValuesOfLongTermDebt">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_CenturiConstructionGroupMember" xlink:label="swx_CenturiConstructionGroupMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_CenturiOtherDebtObligationsMember" xlink:label="swx_CenturiOtherDebtObligationsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_CenturiSecuredRevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="swx_CenturiSecuredRevolvingCreditFacilityMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_CenturiTermLoanFacilityMember" xlink:label="swx_CenturiTermLoanFacilityMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DebenturesEightPercentageSeriesDueTwoThousandAndTwentySixMember" xlink:label="swx_DebenturesEightPercentageSeriesDueTwoThousandAndTwentySixMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DebenturesMediumTermNotesSevenPointFiveNinePercentageSeriesDueTwoThousandAndSeventeenMember" xlink:label="swx_DebenturesMediumTermNotesSevenPointFiveNinePercentageSeriesDueTwoThousandAndSeventeenMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DebenturesMediumTermNotesSevenPointNineTwoPercentageSeriesDueTwoThousandAndTwentySevenMember" xlink:label="swx_DebenturesMediumTermNotesSevenPointNineTwoPercentageSeriesDueTwoThousandAndTwentySevenMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DebenturesMediumTermNotesSevenPointSevenEightPercentageSeriesDueTwoThousandAndTwentyTwoMember" xlink:label="swx_DebenturesMediumTermNotesSevenPointSevenEightPercentageSeriesDueTwoThousandAndTwentyTwoMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DebenturesMediumTermNotesSixPointSevenSixPercentageSeriesDueTwoThousandAndTwentySevenMember" xlink:label="swx_DebenturesMediumTermNotesSixPointSevenSixPercentageSeriesDueTwoThousandAndTwentySevenMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DebenturesMember" xlink:label="swx_DebenturesMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DebenturesNotesFourPointEightSevenFivePercentageDueTwoThousandAndFortyThreeMember" xlink:label="swx_DebenturesNotesFourPointEightSevenFivePercentageDueTwoThousandAndFortyThreeMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DebenturesNotesFourPointFourFivePercentageDueTwoThousandAndTwentyMember" xlink:label="swx_DebenturesNotesFourPointFourFivePercentageDueTwoThousandAndTwentyMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DebenturesNotesSixPointOnePercentageDueTwoThousandAndFortyOneMember" xlink:label="swx_DebenturesNotesSixPointOnePercentageDueTwoThousandAndFortyOneMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DebenturesNotesThreePointEightPercentageDueTwoThousandAndFortySixMember" xlink:label="swx_DebenturesNotesThreePointEightPercentageDueTwoThousandAndFortySixMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DebenturesNotesThreePointEightSevenFivePercentageDueTwoThousandAndTwentyTwoMember" xlink:label="swx_DebenturesNotesThreePointEightSevenFivePercentageDueTwoThousandAndTwentyTwoMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountAndDebtIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="swx_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountAndDebtIssuanceCosts"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_IndustrialDevelopmentRevenueBondsMember" xlink:label="swx_IndustrialDevelopmentRevenueBondsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCredit"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LinesOfCreditFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="us-gaap_LinesOfCreditFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebt"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayable" xlink:label="us-gaap_NotesPayable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLongTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLongTermDebt"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_RevolvingCreditFacilityAndCommercialPaperMember" xlink:label="swx_RevolvingCreditFacilityAndCommercialPaperMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_SecuredDebt"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember" xlink:label="swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnsecuredDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnsecuredDebt"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_VariableRateBondsMember" xlink:label="swx_VariableRateBondsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_VariableRateBondsTaxExemptSeriesADueTwoThousandAndTwentyEightMember" xlink:label="swx_VariableRateBondsTaxExemptSeriesADueTwoThousandAndTwentyEightMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_VariableRateBondsTwoThousandAndEightSeriesADueTwoThousandAndThirtyEightMember" xlink:label="swx_VariableRateBondsTwoThousandAndEightSeriesADueTwoThousandAndThirtyEightMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_VariableRateBondsTwoThousandAndNineSeriesADueTwoThousandAndThirtyNineMember" xlink:label="swx_VariableRateBondsTwoThousandAndNineSeriesADueTwoThousandAndThirtyNineMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_VariableRateBondsTwoThousandAndThreeSeriesADueTwoThousandAndThirtyEightMember" xlink:label="swx_VariableRateBondsTwoThousandAndThreeSeriesADueTwoThousandAndThirtyEightMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="swx_CenturiSecuredRevolvingCreditFacilityMember" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure" order="1.3000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LinesOfCreditFairValueDisclosure" order="1.3100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue" order="1.3200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="swx_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountAndDebtIssuanceCosts" order="1.3300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NotesPayable" order="1.3400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCredit" order="1.3500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnsecuredDebt" order="1.3600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense" order="1.3900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract" order="1.4000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SecuredDebt" order="1.4100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherLongTermDebt" order="1.4200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="swx_DebenturesMember" order="1.1000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="swx_VariableRateBondsMember" order="1.1100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" order="2.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" order="3.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" order="4.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="5.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="swx_CenturiConstructionGroupMember" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebt" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="swx_DebenturesNotesFourPointFourFivePercentageDueTwoThousandAndTwentyMember" order="1.1200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="swx_DebenturesNotesSixPointOnePercentageDueTwoThousandAndFortyOneMember" order="1.1300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="swx_DebenturesNotesThreePointEightSevenFivePercentageDueTwoThousandAndTwentyTwoMember" order="1.1400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="swx_DebenturesNotesFourPointEightSevenFivePercentageDueTwoThousandAndFortyThreeMember" order="1.1500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="swx_DebenturesNotesThreePointEightPercentageDueTwoThousandAndFortySixMember" order="1.1600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="swx_DebenturesEightPercentageSeriesDueTwoThousandAndTwentySixMember" order="1.1700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="swx_DebenturesMediumTermNotesSevenPointFiveNinePercentageSeriesDueTwoThousandAndSeventeenMember" order="1.1800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="swx_DebenturesMediumTermNotesSevenPointSevenEightPercentageSeriesDueTwoThousandAndTwentyTwoMember" order="1.1900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="swx_DebenturesMediumTermNotesSevenPointNineTwoPercentageSeriesDueTwoThousandAndTwentySevenMember" order="1.2000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="swx_DebenturesMediumTermNotesSixPointSevenSixPercentageSeriesDueTwoThousandAndTwentySevenMember" order="1.2100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="swx_RevolvingCreditFacilityAndCommercialPaperMember" order="1.2200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="swx_VariableRateBondsTaxExemptSeriesADueTwoThousandAndTwentyEightMember" order="1.2300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="swx_VariableRateBondsTwoThousandAndThreeSeriesADueTwoThousandAndThirtyEightMember" order="1.2400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="swx_VariableRateBondsTwoThousandAndEightSeriesADueTwoThousandAndThirtyEightMember" order="1.2500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="swx_VariableRateBondsTwoThousandAndNineSeriesADueTwoThousandAndThirtyNineMember" order="1.2600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="swx_IndustrialDevelopmentRevenueBondsMember" order="1.2700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="swx_CenturiTermLoanFacilityMember" order="1.2800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="swx_CenturiOtherDebtObligationsMember" order="1.2900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtScheduleOfCarryingAmountsAndEstimatedFairValuesOfLongTermDebtParenthetical">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DebenturesEightPercentageSeriesDueTwoThousandAndTwentySixMember" xlink:label="swx_DebenturesEightPercentageSeriesDueTwoThousandAndTwentySixMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DebenturesMediumTermNotesSevenPointFiveNinePercentageSeriesDueTwoThousandAndSeventeenMember" xlink:label="swx_DebenturesMediumTermNotesSevenPointFiveNinePercentageSeriesDueTwoThousandAndSeventeenMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DebenturesMediumTermNotesSevenPointNineTwoPercentageSeriesDueTwoThousandAndTwentySevenMember" xlink:label="swx_DebenturesMediumTermNotesSevenPointNineTwoPercentageSeriesDueTwoThousandAndTwentySevenMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DebenturesMediumTermNotesSevenPointSevenEightPercentageSeriesDueTwoThousandAndTwentyTwoMember" xlink:label="swx_DebenturesMediumTermNotesSevenPointSevenEightPercentageSeriesDueTwoThousandAndTwentyTwoMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DebenturesMediumTermNotesSixPointSevenSixPercentageSeriesDueTwoThousandAndTwentySevenMember" xlink:label="swx_DebenturesMediumTermNotesSixPointSevenSixPercentageSeriesDueTwoThousandAndTwentySevenMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DebenturesMember" xlink:label="swx_DebenturesMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DebenturesNotesFourPointEightSevenFivePercentageDueTwoThousandAndFortyThreeMember" xlink:label="swx_DebenturesNotesFourPointEightSevenFivePercentageDueTwoThousandAndFortyThreeMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DebenturesNotesFourPointFourFivePercentageDueTwoThousandAndTwentyMember" xlink:label="swx_DebenturesNotesFourPointFourFivePercentageDueTwoThousandAndTwentyMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DebenturesNotesSixPointOnePercentageDueTwoThousandAndFortyOneMember" xlink:label="swx_DebenturesNotesSixPointOnePercentageDueTwoThousandAndFortyOneMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DebenturesNotesThreePointEightPercentageDueTwoThousandAndFortySixMember" xlink:label="swx_DebenturesNotesThreePointEightPercentageDueTwoThousandAndFortySixMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DebenturesNotesThreePointEightSevenFivePercentageDueTwoThousandAndTwentyTwoMember" xlink:label="swx_DebenturesNotesThreePointEightSevenFivePercentageDueTwoThousandAndTwentyTwoMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember" xlink:label="swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_VariableRateBondsMember" xlink:label="swx_VariableRateBondsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_VariableRateBondsTaxExemptSeriesADueTwoThousandAndTwentyEightMember" xlink:label="swx_VariableRateBondsTaxExemptSeriesADueTwoThousandAndTwentyEightMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_VariableRateBondsTwoThousandAndEightSeriesADueTwoThousandAndThirtyEightMember" xlink:label="swx_VariableRateBondsTwoThousandAndEightSeriesADueTwoThousandAndThirtyEightMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_VariableRateBondsTwoThousandAndNineSeriesADueTwoThousandAndThirtyNineMember" xlink:label="swx_VariableRateBondsTwoThousandAndNineSeriesADueTwoThousandAndThirtyNineMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_VariableRateBondsTwoThousandAndThreeSeriesADueTwoThousandAndThirtyEightMember" xlink:label="swx_VariableRateBondsTwoThousandAndThreeSeriesADueTwoThousandAndThirtyEightMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" order="1.2000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" order="1.2100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="swx_DebenturesMember" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="swx_VariableRateBondsMember" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" order="2.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="3.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" order="4.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis" order="5.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="swx_DebenturesNotesFourPointFourFivePercentageDueTwoThousandAndTwentyMember" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="swx_DebenturesNotesSixPointOnePercentageDueTwoThousandAndFortyOneMember" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="swx_DebenturesNotesThreePointEightSevenFivePercentageDueTwoThousandAndTwentyTwoMember" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="swx_DebenturesNotesFourPointEightSevenFivePercentageDueTwoThousandAndFortyThreeMember" order="1.1000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="swx_DebenturesNotesThreePointEightPercentageDueTwoThousandAndFortySixMember" order="1.1100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="swx_DebenturesEightPercentageSeriesDueTwoThousandAndTwentySixMember" order="1.1200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="swx_DebenturesMediumTermNotesSevenPointSevenEightPercentageSeriesDueTwoThousandAndTwentyTwoMember" order="1.1300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="swx_DebenturesMediumTermNotesSevenPointNineTwoPercentageSeriesDueTwoThousandAndTwentySevenMember" order="1.1400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="swx_DebenturesMediumTermNotesSixPointSevenSixPercentageSeriesDueTwoThousandAndTwentySevenMember" order="1.1500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="swx_VariableRateBondsTaxExemptSeriesADueTwoThousandAndTwentyEightMember" order="1.1600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="swx_VariableRateBondsTwoThousandAndThreeSeriesADueTwoThousandAndThirtyEightMember" order="1.1700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="swx_VariableRateBondsTwoThousandAndEightSeriesADueTwoThousandAndThirtyEightMember" order="1.1800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="swx_VariableRateBondsTwoThousandAndNineSeriesADueTwoThousandAndThirtyNineMember" order="1.1900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="swx_DebenturesMediumTermNotesSevenPointFiveNinePercentageSeriesDueTwoThousandAndSeventeenMember" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtAdditionalInformation">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_AlternativeBaseRateMember" xlink:label="swx_AlternativeBaseRateMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_BeforeAmendmentMember" xlink:label="swx_BeforeAmendmentMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_CenturiConstructionGroupMember" xlink:label="swx_CenturiConstructionGroupMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCollateralAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCollateralAmount"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtTypeDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCredit"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_LineOfCreditFacilityAmountClassifiedAsLongTermDebt" xlink:label="swx_LineOfCreditFacilityAmountClassifiedAsLongTermDebt"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_LineOfCreditFacilityWorkingCapitalPurposes" xlink:label="swx_LineOfCreditFacilityWorkingCapitalPurposes"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_PreviousCreditFacilityExpirationDate" xlink:label="swx_PreviousCreditFacilityExpirationDate"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_SecuredRevolvingCreditFacilityTermLoanMember" xlink:label="swx_SecuredRevolvingCreditFacilityTermLoanMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_SouthwestGasCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="swx_SouthwestGasCreditFacilityMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_TermLoanFacilityInitialBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="swx_TermLoanFacilityInitialBorrowingCapacity"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_TermLoanFacilityOutstandingAmount" xlink:label="swx_TermLoanFacilityOutstandingAmount"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_2"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="swx_BeforeAmendmentMember" order="1.1200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="swx_SecuredRevolvingCreditFacilityTermLoanMember" order="1.1800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="swx_LineOfCreditFacilityAmountClassifiedAsLongTermDebt" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="swx_LineOfCreditFacilityWorkingCapitalPurposes" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="swx_PreviousCreditFacilityExpirationDate" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCredit" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="swx_TermLoanFacilityInitialBorrowingCapacity" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="swx_TermLoanFacilityOutstandingAmount" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCollateralAmount" order="1.1000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" order="2.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="3.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" order="4.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAxis" order="5.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="swx_CenturiConstructionGroupMember" order="1.1500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtTypeDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtTypeDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtMember" order="1.1300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtMember" order="1.1600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="swx_SouthwestGasCreditFacilityMember" order="1.1100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" order="1.1400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:to="swx_AlternativeBaseRateMember" order="1.1700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureShortTermDebtAdditionalInformation">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_AlternativeBaseRateMember" xlink:label="swx_AlternativeBaseRateMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_CreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="swx_CreditFacilityMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCredit"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_LineOfCreditFacilityWorkingCapitalPurposes" xlink:label="swx_LineOfCreditFacilityWorkingCapitalPurposes"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_MaximumMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinimumMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RangeAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RangeMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_SouthwestGasCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="swx_SouthwestGasCreditFacilityMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="swx_CreditFacilityMember" order="1.1200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtTypeDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtMember" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="swx_SouthwestGasCreditFacilityMember" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RangeMember" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinimumMember" order="1.1000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_MaximumMember" order="1.1300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RangeAxis" order="2.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" order="3.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAxis" order="4.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" order="5.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShortTermDebtTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="swx_LineOfCreditFacilityWorkingCapitalPurposes" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCredit" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:to="swx_AlternativeBaseRateMember" order="1.1100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" order="1.1400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquityOtherComprehensiveIncomeAndAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDetailedActivitiesOfEquityAndRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalContributionsFromParent" xlink:label="swx_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalContributionsFromParent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_ConsolidationLessThanWhollyOwnedSubsidiaryParentOwnershipInterestChangesIssuanceOfEquityBySubsidiaryToNoncontrollingInterestAndTemporaryEquityRedemptionValueAdjustment" xlink:label="swx_ConsolidationLessThanWhollyOwnedSubsidiaryParentOwnershipInterestChangesIssuanceOfEquityBySubsidiaryToNoncontrollingInterestAndTemporaryEquityRedemptionValueAdjustment"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DistributionToParentDiscontinuedOperation" xlink:label="swx_DistributionToParentDiscontinuedOperation"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock" xlink:label="us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestChangeInRedemptionValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinorityInterestChangeInRedemptionValue"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossIncludingPortionAttributableToNonredeemableNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossIncludingPortionAttributableToNonredeemableNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTaxAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTaxAbstract"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProfitLoss"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:label="swx_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_ScheduleOfStockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:label="swx_ScheduleOfStockholdersEquityLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_ScheduleOfStockholdersEquityTable" xlink:label="swx_ScheduleOfStockholdersEquityTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember" xlink:label="swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustments" xlink:label="us-gaap_TemporaryEquityForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustments"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="swx_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestMember" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTaxAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTaxAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTaxAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders" order="1.1000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="swx_ScheduleOfStockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="swx_ScheduleOfStockholdersEquityTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="swx_ScheduleOfStockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" order="1.1100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="swx_ScheduleOfStockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount" order="1.1200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="swx_ScheduleOfStockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" order="1.1300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="swx_ScheduleOfStockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest" order="1.1400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="swx_ScheduleOfStockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" order="1.1500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="swx_ScheduleOfStockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" order="1.1600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="swx_ScheduleOfStockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossIncludingPortionAttributableToNonredeemableNoncontrollingInterest" order="1.1700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="swx_ScheduleOfStockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProfitLoss" order="1.1800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="swx_ScheduleOfStockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinorityInterestChangeInRedemptionValue" order="1.1900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="swx_ScheduleOfStockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="swx_ConsolidationLessThanWhollyOwnedSubsidiaryParentOwnershipInterestChangesIssuanceOfEquityBySubsidiaryToNoncontrollingInterestAndTemporaryEquityRedemptionValueAdjustment" order="1.2000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="swx_ScheduleOfStockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_TemporaryEquityForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustments" order="1.2100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="swx_ScheduleOfStockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParent" order="1.2200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="swx_ScheduleOfStockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions" order="1.2300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="swx_ScheduleOfStockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTaxAbstract" order="1.2400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="swx_ScheduleOfStockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="swx_DistributionToParentDiscontinuedOperation" order="1.2600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="swx_ScheduleOfStockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation" order="1.2700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="swx_ScheduleOfStockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock" order="1.2800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="swx_ScheduleOfStockholdersEquityLineItems" xlink:to="swx_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalContributionsFromParent" order="1.2900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="swx_ScheduleOfStockholdersEquityTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="swx_ScheduleOfStockholdersEquityTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="2.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquityOtherComprehensiveIncomeAndAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDetailedActivitiesOfEquityAndRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestParenthetical">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquityOtherComprehensiveIncomeAndAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeRelatedTaxEffectsAllocatedToEachComponentOfOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DefinedBenefitPlanRegulatoryAdjustmentBeforeTax" xlink:label="swx_DefinedBenefitPlanRegulatoryAdjustmentBeforeTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DefinedBenefitPlanRegulatoryAdjustmentTaxExpenseOrBenefit" xlink:label="swx_DefinedBenefitPlanRegulatoryAdjustmentTaxExpenseOrBenefit"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansRegulatoryAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansRegulatoryAdjustmentNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossBeforeReclassificationAndTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossBeforeReclassificationAndTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTaxPortionAttributableToParent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesBeforeTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesBeforeTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossBeforeTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember" xlink:label="swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossBeforeReclassificationAndTax" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTax" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossBeforeTax" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTax" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTaxPortionAttributableToParent" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTax" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTax" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_DefinedBenefitPlanRegulatoryAdjustmentBeforeTax" order="1.1000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTax" order="1.1100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesBeforeTax" order="1.1200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesBeforeTax" order="1.1300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodTax" order="1.1400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditTax" order="1.1500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossTax" order="1.1600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_DefinedBenefitPlanRegulatoryAdjustmentTaxExpenseOrBenefit" order="1.1700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTax" order="1.1800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesTax" order="1.1900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesTax" order="1.2000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" order="1.2100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditNetOfTax" order="1.2200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossNetOfTax" order="1.2300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansRegulatoryAdjustmentNetOfTax" order="1.2400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax" order="1.2500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax" order="1.2600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax" order="1.2700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" order="1.2800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" order="1.2900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" order="1.3000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember" order="1.3100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquityOtherComprehensiveIncomeAndAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeRelatedTaxEffectsAllocatedToEachComponentOfOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossParenthetical">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquityOtherComprehensiveIncomeAndAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAdditionalInformation">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquityOtherComprehensiveIncomeAndAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeRollforwardOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncome">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesTaxEffect" xlink:label="swx_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesTaxEffect"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDefinedBenefitPensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDefinedBenefitPensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDefinedBenefitPensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansTaxEffect" xlink:label="swx_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDefinedBenefitPensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansTaxEffect"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="swx_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxAttributableToParent" xlink:label="swx_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxAttributableToParent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentsBeforeTax" xlink:label="swx_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentsBeforeTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTax" xlink:label="swx_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForwardStartingInterestRateSwapBeforeTax" xlink:label="swx_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForwardStartingInterestRateSwapBeforeTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAttributableToParent" xlink:label="swx_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAttributableToParent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DefinedBenefitPlanRegulatoryAdjustmentBeforeTax" xlink:label="swx_DefinedBenefitPlanRegulatoryAdjustmentBeforeTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DefinedBenefitPlanRegulatoryAdjustmentNetOfTaxAmount" xlink:label="swx_DefinedBenefitPlanRegulatoryAdjustmentNetOfTaxAmount"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DefinedBenefitPlanRegulatoryAdjustmentTaxExpenseOrBenefit" xlink:label="swx_DefinedBenefitPlanRegulatoryAdjustmentTaxExpenseOrBenefit"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansTaxPortionAttributableToParent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesTaxPortionAttributableToParent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossBeforeReclassificationAndTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossBeforeReclassificationAndTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTaxPortionAttributableToParent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationOfNetActuarialLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTax" xlink:label="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationOfNetActuarialLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationOfNetActuarialLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationOfNetActuarialLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationOfNetActuarialLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTax" xlink:label="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationOfNetActuarialLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTax" xlink:label="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTax" xlink:label="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesAdjustmentBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsNetOfTax" xlink:label="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesAdjustmentBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesAdjustmentBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsTax" xlink:label="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesAdjustmentBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesBeforeTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAdjustmentBeforeTax" xlink:label="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAdjustmentBeforeTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIAfterTax" xlink:label="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIAfterTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIRealizedUponSaleOrLiquidationBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIRealizedUponSaleOrLiquidationBeforeTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCITax" xlink:label="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCITax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForwardStartingInterestRateSwapForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTax" xlink:label="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForwardStartingInterestRateSwapForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForwardStartingInterestRateSwapForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForwardStartingInterestRateSwapForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForwardStartingInterestRateSwapForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForwardStartingInterestRateSwapForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForwardStartingInterestRateSwapForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForwardStartingInterestRateSwapForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForwardStartingInterestRateSwapForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForwardStartingInterestRateSwapForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForwardStartingInterestRateSwapsBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsAndTax" xlink:label="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForwardStartingInterestRateSwapsBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsAndTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsAndTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsAndTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTax" xlink:label="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTax" xlink:label="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesBeforeTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossBeforeTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossRegulatoryAdjustmentForeignCurrencyTranslationBeforeTax" xlink:label="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossRegulatoryAdjustmentForeignCurrencyTranslationBeforeTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossRegulatoryAdjustmentForeignCurrencyTranslationNetOfTax" xlink:label="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossRegulatoryAdjustmentForeignCurrencyTranslationNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossRegulatoryAdjustmentForeignCurrencyTranslationTax" xlink:label="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossRegulatoryAdjustmentForeignCurrencyTranslationTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember" xlink:label="swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTax" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsAndTax" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossBeforeTax" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_DefinedBenefitPlanRegulatoryAdjustmentBeforeTax" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTax" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParent" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDefinedBenefitPensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansTaxEffect" order="1.1100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTax" order="1.1200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsTax" order="1.1300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditTax" order="1.1400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossTax" order="1.1500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_DefinedBenefitPlanRegulatoryAdjustmentTaxExpenseOrBenefit" order="1.1600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTax" order="1.1700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" order="1.1800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansTaxPortionAttributableToParent" order="1.1900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDefinedBenefitPensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansNetOfTax" order="1.2100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" order="1.2200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsNetOfTax" order="1.2300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditNetOfTax" order="1.2400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossNetOfTax" order="1.2500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_DefinedBenefitPlanRegulatoryAdjustmentNetOfTaxAmount" order="1.2600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax" order="1.2700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" order="1.2800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" order="1.2900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForwardStartingInterestRateSwapBeforeTax" order="1.3100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForwardStartingInterestRateSwapForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTax" order="1.3200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForwardStartingInterestRateSwapsBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsAndTax" order="1.3300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesBeforeTax" order="1.3400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesBeforeTax" order="1.3500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForwardStartingInterestRateSwapForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" order="1.3600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParent" order="1.3700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesTaxEffect" order="1.3900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesAdjustmentBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsTax" order="1.4100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesTax" order="1.4200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesTax" order="1.4300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForwardStartingInterestRateSwapForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" order="1.4400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesTaxPortionAttributableToParent" order="1.4500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectNetOfTax" order="1.4700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForwardStartingInterestRateSwapForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" order="1.4800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesAdjustmentBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsNetOfTax" order="1.4900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax" order="1.5000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTax" order="1.5100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForwardStartingInterestRateSwapForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" order="1.5200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" order="1.5300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentsBeforeTax" order="1.5500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTax" order="1.5600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossBeforeReclassificationAndTax" order="1.5700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIRealizedUponSaleOrLiquidationBeforeTax" order="1.5800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTax" order="1.5900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationOfNetActuarialLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTax" order="1.6000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossRegulatoryAdjustmentForeignCurrencyTranslationBeforeTax" order="1.6100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAdjustmentBeforeTax" order="1.6200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" order="1.6300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParent" order="1.6400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTax" order="1.6600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTax" order="1.6700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodTax" order="1.6800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCITax" order="1.6900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTax" order="1.7000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationOfNetActuarialLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTax" order="1.7100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossRegulatoryAdjustmentForeignCurrencyTranslationTax" order="1.7200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" order="1.7400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentTaxPortionAttributableToParent" order="1.7500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" order="1.7700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" order="1.7800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" order="1.7900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIAfterTax" order="1.8000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" order="1.8100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationOfNetActuarialLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" order="1.8200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossRegulatoryAdjustmentForeignCurrencyTranslationNetOfTax" order="1.8300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" order="1.8400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" order="1.8500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" order="1.8600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" order="1.8800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxAttributableToParent" order="1.8900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax" order="1.9000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" order="1.9500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" order="1.9600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAttributableToParent" order="1.9700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember" order="1.9900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquityOtherComprehensiveIncomeAndAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeRollforwardOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeParenthetical">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossEffectiveIncomeTaxRate" xlink:label="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossEffectiveIncomeTaxRate"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember" xlink:label="swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="swx_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossEffectiveIncomeTaxRate" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquityOtherComprehensiveIncomeAndAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAmountRecognizedBeforeIncomeTaxAssociatedWithDefinedBenefitPlansInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIn_Xa">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DefinedBenefitPlansMember" xlink:label="swx_DefinedBenefitPlansMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssets"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RegulatoryAssets" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" xlink:to="swx_DefinedBenefitPlansMember" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureConstructionServicesRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestAdditionalInformation">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_ConstructionServicesMember" xlink:label="swx_ConstructionServicesMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentAxis" xlink:label="invest_InvestmentAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentDomain" xlink:label="invest_InvestmentDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentDomain" xlink:label="invest_InvestmentDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_LinklineAndWsNichollsMember" xlink:label="swx_LinklineAndWsNichollsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestDescription" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinorityInterestDescription"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinorityInterestLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinorityInterestTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_PercentageOfEquityOwnershipHeldByPreviousOwners" xlink:label="swx_PercentageOfEquityOwnershipHeldByPreviousOwners"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_PreviousOwnersMember" xlink:label="swx_PreviousOwnersMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_PurchasePriceOfPreviousOwnersEquityInterest" xlink:label="swx_PurchasePriceOfPreviousOwnersEquityInterest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="swx_PreviousOwnersMember" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="invest_InvestmentAxis" xlink:to="invest_InvestmentDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="invest_InvestmentAxis" xlink:to="invest_InvestmentDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="invest_InvestmentDomain" xlink:to="swx_LinklineAndWsNichollsMember" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_MinorityInterestLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinorityInterestTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MinorityInterestLineItems" xlink:to="swx_PercentageOfEquityOwnershipHeldByPreviousOwners" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MinorityInterestLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinorityInterestDescription" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MinorityInterestLineItems" xlink:to="swx_PurchasePriceOfPreviousOwnersEquityInterest" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_MinorityInterestTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_MinorityInterestTable" xlink:to="invest_InvestmentAxis" order="2.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_MinorityInterestTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" order="3.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="swx_ConstructionServicesMember" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureConstructionServicesRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestSummaryOfRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_ConsolidationLessThanWhollyOwnedSubsidiaryParentOwnershipInterestChangesIssuanceOfEquityBySubsidiaryToNoncontrollingInterestAndTemporaryEquityRedemptionValueAdjustment" xlink:label="swx_ConsolidationLessThanWhollyOwnedSubsidiaryParentOwnershipInterestChangesIssuanceOfEquityBySubsidiaryToNoncontrollingInterestAndTemporaryEquityRedemptionValueAdjustment"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestByLegalEntityTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestByLegalEntityTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:label="swx_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustments" xlink:label="us-gaap_TemporaryEquityForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustments"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="swx_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestMember" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestByLegalEntityTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestByLegalEntityTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_TemporaryEquityForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustments" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestLineItems" xlink:to="swx_ConsolidationLessThanWhollyOwnedSubsidiaryParentOwnershipInterestChangesIssuanceOfEquityBySubsidiaryToNoncontrollingInterestAndTemporaryEquityRedemptionValueAdjustment" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureReorganizationImpactsDiscontinuedOperationsSolelyRelatedToSouthwestGasCorporationSummaryOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesWithinAmountsReportedAsDiscontinuedOperationsConstructi_Xc">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperation" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperation"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAbstract"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_ConstructionServicesMember" xlink:label="swx_ConstructionServicesMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableNet"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAccountsPayableCurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCashAndCashEquivalents"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationGoodwill1" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationGoodwill1"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationLongTermDebtCurrent" xlink:label="swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationLongTermDebtCurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationLongTermDebtNonCurrent" xlink:label="swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationLongTermDebtNonCurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherCurrentLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherCurrentLiabilities"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherNoncurrentAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherNoncurrentAssets"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherNoncurrentLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherNoncurrentLiabilities"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherPropertyAndInvestment" xlink:label="swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherPropertyAndInvestment"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPrepaidAndOtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPrepaidAndOtherAssetsCurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperation" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperation"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAbstract"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember" xlink:label="swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAbstract" xlink:to="swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherPropertyAndInvestment" order="1.1100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCashAndCashEquivalents" order="1.1200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableNet" order="1.1300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPrepaidAndOtherAssetsCurrent" order="1.1400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationGoodwill1" order="1.1500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherNoncurrentAssets" order="1.1600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperation" order="1.1700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAbstract" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAbstract" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="2.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAbstract" xlink:to="swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationLongTermDebtCurrent" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAccountsPayableCurrent" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherCurrentLiabilities" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAbstract" xlink:to="swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationLongTermDebtNonCurrent" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherNoncurrentLiabilities" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperation" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="swx_ConstructionServicesMember" order="1.1000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureReorganizationImpactsDiscontinuedOperationsSolelyRelatedToSouthwestGasCorporationComponentsOfDiscontinuedOperationsConstructionServicesNonOwnerEquityAmountInCondense_Xb">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_ConstructionServicesMember" xlink:label="swx_ConstructionServicesMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationConstructionServicesNonOwnerEquityNoncurrent" xlink:label="swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationConstructionServicesNonOwnerEquityNoncurrent"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationEquity" xlink:label="swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationEquity"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationMinorityInterest" xlink:label="swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationMinorityInterest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember" xlink:label="swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:to="swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationEquity" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:to="swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationMinorityInterest" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:to="swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRedeemableNoncontrollingInterest" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:to="swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationConstructionServicesNonOwnerEquityNoncurrent" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="2.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="swx_ConstructionServicesMember" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureReorganizationImpactsDiscontinuedOperationsSolelyRelatedToSouthwestGasCorporationSummaryOfIncomeStatementComponentsOfDiscontinuedOperationsConstructionServicesInCond_Xd">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_ConstructionServicesMember" xlink:label="swx_ConstructionServicesMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortizationDiscontinuedOperations" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortizationDiscontinuedOperations"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation" xlink:label="us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationConstructionExpenses" xlink:label="swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationConstructionExpenses"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationConstructionRevenues" xlink:label="swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationConstructionRevenues"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationInterestIncomeExpenseNet" xlink:label="swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationInterestIncomeExpenseNet"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingExpenseAbstract" xlink:label="swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingExpenseAbstract"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingIncomeLoss"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherIncomeExpense" xlink:label="swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherIncomeExpense"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToReportingEntity" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToReportingEntity"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember" xlink:label="swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationConstructionExpenses" order="1.1300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortizationDiscontinuedOperations" order="1.1400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember" order="1.1100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:to="swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationConstructionRevenues" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:to="swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingExpenseAbstract" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperatingIncomeLoss" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:to="swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherIncomeExpense" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:to="swx_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationInterestIncomeExpenseNet" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationTaxEffectOfDiscontinuedOperation" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToReportingEntity" order="1.1000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="2.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="swx_ConstructionServicesMember" order="1.1200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsOrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsOrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlockPolicies">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsOrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlockTables">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsNetPeriodicBenefitCostDisclosureTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsNetPeriodicBenefitCostDisclosureTextBlockTables">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsSegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsSegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlockTables">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsDerivativesAndFairValueTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsDerivativesAndFairValueTextBlockTables">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsCommonStockDisclosureTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsLongTermDebtTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsLongTermDebtTextBlockTables">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsShortTermDebtTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsStockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsStockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlockTables">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_ScheduleOfRelatedTaxEffectsAllocatedToComponentsOfOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock" xlink:label="swx_ScheduleOfRelatedTaxEffectsAllocatedToComponentsOfOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockholdersEquityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockholdersEquityTableTextBlock"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="swx-20170930.xsd#swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember" xlink:label="swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2017/elts/us-gaap-2017-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="swx_SouthwestGasCorporationMember" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockholdersEquityTableTextBlock" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="swx_ScheduleOfRelatedTaxEffectsAllocatedToComponentsOfOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsMinorityInterestDisclosureTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsMinorityInterestDisclosureTextBlockTables">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsRestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://imetrix.edgar-online.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsRestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesDisclosureTextBlockTables">
  </definitionLink>
</linkbase>
