<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?>
<!-- DFIN ActiveDisclosure(SM) XBRL Linkbase Document - http://www.dfinsolutions.com/ -->
<!-- Creation Date      : 2021-04-29T01:58:12.5564377+00:00 -->
<!-- Version            : 5.0.1.615 -->
<!-- Package ID         : b7ab6395b85f4069be08ec1cb7763ecd -->
<!-- Copyright (c) 2021 Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc. All Rights Reserved. -->
<link:linkbase xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd">
  <link:arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" />
  <link:arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" />
  <link:arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" />
  <link:arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" />
  <link:arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" />
  <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#TemplateLink" roleURI="http://www.amarincorp.com/20210331/role/TemplateLink" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amarincorp.com/20210331/taxonomy/role/DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#Role_DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.amarincorp.com/20210331/taxonomy/role/DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_SecurityExchangeName" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_SecurityExchangeName" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_Security12bTitle" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_Security12bTitle" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentTransitionReport" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_DocumentTransitionReport" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_LocalPhoneNumber" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_LocalPhoneNumber" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_CityAreaCode" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_CityAreaCode" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressCountry" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressCountry" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressAddressLine3" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressAddressLine3" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressAddressLine2" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressAddressLine2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFileNumber" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityFileNumber" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityShellCompany" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityShellCompany" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntitySmallBusiness" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntitySmallBusiness" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityFilerCategory" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityRegistrantName" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_TradingSymbol" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_TradingSymbol" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_AmendmentFlag" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2020/dei-2020-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentType" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_DocumentType" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_OrdinarySharesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_OrdinarySharesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_AmericanDepositaryShareMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_AmericanDepositaryShareMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_DocumentAndEntityInformationTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_DocumentAndEntityInformationTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_DocumentAndEntityInformationLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_DocumentAndEntityInformationLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="amrn_DocumentAndEntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_DocumentAndEntityInformationTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="amrn_DocumentAndEntityInformationTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="amrn_AmericanDepositaryShareMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="amrn_OrdinarySharesMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_DocumentAndEntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentType" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_DocumentAndEntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_AmendmentFlag" order="10200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_DocumentAndEntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" order="10260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_DocumentAndEntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" order="10320.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_DocumentAndEntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" order="10380.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_DocumentAndEntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_TradingSymbol" order="10440.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_DocumentAndEntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityRegistrantName" order="10500.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_DocumentAndEntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" order="10560.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_DocumentAndEntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" order="10620.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_DocumentAndEntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityFilerCategory" order="10680.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_DocumentAndEntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" order="10740.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_DocumentAndEntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntitySmallBusiness" order="10800.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_DocumentAndEntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" order="10860.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_DocumentAndEntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent" order="10920.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_DocumentAndEntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityShellCompany" order="10980.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_DocumentAndEntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityFileNumber" order="11040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_DocumentAndEntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" order="11100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_DocumentAndEntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1" order="11160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_DocumentAndEntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityAddressAddressLine2" order="11220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_DocumentAndEntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityAddressAddressLine3" order="11280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_DocumentAndEntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown" order="11340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_DocumentAndEntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode" order="11400.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_DocumentAndEntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityAddressCountry" order="11460.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_DocumentAndEntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_CityAreaCode" order="11520.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_DocumentAndEntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_LocalPhoneNumber" order="11580.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_DocumentAndEntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport" order="11640.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_DocumentAndEntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentTransitionReport" order="11700.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_DocumentAndEntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_Security12bTitle" order="11760.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_DocumentAndEntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_SecurityExchangeName" order="11820.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_DocumentAndEntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" order="11880.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_DocumentAndEntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber" order="11940.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amarincorp.com/20210331/taxonomy/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#Role_StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.amarincorp.com/20210331/taxonomy/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNonoperatingNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNonoperatingNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GrossProfit" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_GrossProfit" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_LicensingAndRoyaltyMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_LicensingAndRoyaltyMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProductMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_2" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProductMember" order="10200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="amrn_LicensingAndRoyaltyMember" order="10220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_GrossProfit" order="10410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" order="10450.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" order="10530.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense" order="10570.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" order="10610.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" order="10650.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNonoperatingNet" order="10690.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" order="10730.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" order="10770.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" order="10810.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" order="10850.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract" order="10890.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" order="10970.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" order="11010.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" order="11050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" order="11130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" order="11170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amarincorp.com/20210331/taxonomy/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementOfChangesInStockholdersEquity" xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#Role_StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementOfChangesInStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.amarincorp.com/20210331/taxonomy/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementOfChangesInStockholdersEquity">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesOutstanding" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharesOutstanding" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" order="10460.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharesOutstanding" order="10480.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" order="10660.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" order="10680.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures" order="10860.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeitures" order="10880.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" order="11060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" order="11260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amarincorp.com/20210331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#Role_DisclosureSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.amarincorp.com/20210331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdateExtensibleList" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdateExtensibleList" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleAccountingStandardsUpdateImmaterialEffect" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleAccountingStandardsUpdateImmaterialEffect" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleAccountingStandardsUpdateAdoptionDate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleAccountingStandardsUpdateAdoptionDate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleAccountingStandardsUpdateAdopted" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleAccountingStandardsUpdateAdopted" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedGainLossPositionFairValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedGainLossPositionFairValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_NumberOfCustomers" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_NumberOfCustomers" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OpenTaxYear" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OpenTaxYear" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_AccountsReceivableCreditPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_AccountsReceivableCreditPeriod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_LongTermInvestmentsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_LongTermInvestmentsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_MoneyMarketInstrumentsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_MoneyMarketInstrumentsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_CustomerCMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_CustomerCMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_CustomerBMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_CustomerBMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_CustomerAMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_CustomerAMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MajorCustomersAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewJerseyDivisionOfTaxationMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NewJerseyDivisionOfTaxationMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalRevenueServiceIRSMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InternalRevenueServiceIRSMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LatestTaxYearMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LatestTaxYearMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarliestTaxYearMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarliestTaxYearMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxPeriodDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TaxPeriodDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxPeriodDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TaxPeriodDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxPeriodAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TaxPeriodAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="amrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="amrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_TaxPeriodAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_TaxPeriodAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TaxPeriodDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_TaxPeriodAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TaxPeriodDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TaxPeriodDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarliestTaxYearMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TaxPeriodDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_LatestTaxYearMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="amrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameAxis" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameDomain_2" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameDomain" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_InternalRevenueServiceIRSMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_NewJerseyDivisionOfTaxationMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="amrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="srt_MajorCustomersAxis" order="10220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:to="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_2" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:to="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:to="amrn_CustomerAMember" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:to="amrn_CustomerBMember" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:to="amrn_CustomerCMember" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="amrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" order="10380.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_2" order="10390.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" order="10410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember" order="10430.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableMember" order="10470.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="amrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" order="10560.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_2" order="10570.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" order="10590.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember" order="10610.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="amrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" order="10740.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_2" order="10750.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" order="10770.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="amrn_MoneyMarketInstrumentsMember" order="10790.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="amrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" order="10800.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_2" order="10810.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" order="10830.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember" order="10850.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:to="amrn_LongTermInvestmentsMember" order="10870.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_AccountsReceivableCreditPeriod" order="10900.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OpenTaxYear" order="10950.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" order="11100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_NumberOfCustomers" order="11340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm" order="11410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedGainLossPositionFairValue" order="11550.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" order="11620.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleAccountingStandardsUpdateAdopted" order="11670.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleAccountingStandardsUpdateAdoptionDate" order="11690.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleAccountingStandardsUpdateImmaterialEffect" order="11710.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdateExtensibleList" order="11730.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amarincorp.com/20210331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSignificantAccountingPoliciesSummaryOfImpactOfAccountsReceivableReservesOnGrossTradeAccountsReceivableBalancesDetail" xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#Role_DisclosureSignificantAccountingPoliciesSummaryOfImpactOfAccountsReceivableReservesOnGrossTradeAccountsReceivableBalancesDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.amarincorp.com/20210331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSignificantAccountingPoliciesSummaryOfImpactOfAccountsReceivableReservesOnGrossTradeAccountsReceivableBalancesDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableGrossCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableGrossCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_AllowanceForEstimatedChargebacksMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_AllowanceForEstimatedChargebacksMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForCreditLossMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllowanceForCreditLossMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_2" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllowanceForCreditLossMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain" xlink:to="amrn_AllowanceForEstimatedChargebacksMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain" xlink:to="amrn_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableGrossCurrent" order="10200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance" order="10240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" order="10360.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amarincorp.com/20210331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSignificantAccountingPoliciesAntiDilutiveSecuritiesNotIncludedInComputationOfNetLossPerShareDetail" xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#Role_DisclosureSignificantAccountingPoliciesAntiDilutiveSecuritiesNotIncludedInComputationOfNetLossPerShareDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.amarincorp.com/20210331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSignificantAccountingPoliciesAntiDilutiveSecuritiesNotIncludedInComputationOfNetLossPerShareDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_2" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" order="10200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amarincorp.com/20210331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSignificantAccountingPoliciesEstimatedFairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilityDetail" xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#Role_DisclosureSignificantAccountingPoliciesEstimatedFairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilityDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.amarincorp.com/20210331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSignificantAccountingPoliciesEstimatedFairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilityDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CertificatesOfDepositMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CertificatesOfDepositMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_RepoSecuritiesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_RepoSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_AgencySecurityMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_AgencySecurityMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" order="10200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_2" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="amrn_AgencySecurityMember" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="amrn_RepoSecuritiesMember" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CertificatesOfDepositMember" order="10390.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember" order="10410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract" order="10820.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" order="10980.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amarincorp.com/20210331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIntangibleAssetAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#Role_DisclosureIntangibleAssetAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.amarincorp.com/20210331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIntangibleAssetAdditionalInformationDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIntangibleAssetsCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIntangibleAssetsCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_MilestonePaymentReceiveds" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_MilestonePaymentReceiveds" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsRemainingAmortizationExtendedPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsRemainingAmortizationExtendedPeriod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsRemainingAmortizationPeriod1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsRemainingAmortizationPeriod1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_FoodAndDrugAdministrationMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_FoodAndDrugAdministrationMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain" xlink:to="amrn_FoodAndDrugAdministrationMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsRemainingAmortizationPeriod1" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsRemainingAmortizationExtendedPeriod" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_MilestonePaymentReceiveds" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIntangibleAssetsCurrent" order="10200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amarincorp.com/20210331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#Role_DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.amarincorp.com/20210331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DirectOperatingCommunicationsCosts" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DirectOperatingCommunicationsCosts" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_AccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_AccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilitiesCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RoyaltyGuaranteesCommitmentsAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RoyaltyGuaranteesCommitmentsAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PurchaseObligation" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PurchaseObligation" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_PotentialMarketingApprovalTwoMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_PotentialMarketingApprovalTwoMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_PotentialMarketingApprovalOneMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_PotentialMarketingApprovalOneMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_MarketingApprovalInEuropeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_MarketingApprovalInEuropeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_BusinessDevelopmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_BusinessDevelopmentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_BusinessDevelopmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_BusinessDevelopmentDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_BusinessDevelopmentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_BusinessDevelopmentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_FurtherIndicationForAMROneZeroOneMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_FurtherIndicationForAMROneZeroOneMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="amrn_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="amrn_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTable" xlink:to="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="amrn_FurtherIndicationForAMROneZeroOneMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="amrn_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTable" xlink:to="amrn_BusinessDevelopmentsAxis" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="amrn_BusinessDevelopmentsAxis" xlink:to="amrn_BusinessDevelopmentDomain_2" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="amrn_BusinessDevelopmentsAxis" xlink:to="amrn_BusinessDevelopmentDomain" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_BusinessDevelopmentDomain" xlink:to="amrn_MarketingApprovalInEuropeMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_BusinessDevelopmentDomain" xlink:to="amrn_PotentialMarketingApprovalOneMember" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_BusinessDevelopmentDomain" xlink:to="amrn_PotentialMarketingApprovalTwoMember" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PurchaseObligation" order="10300.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RoyaltyGuaranteesCommitmentsAmount" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_AccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilitiesCurrent" order="10390.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DirectOperatingCommunicationsCosts" order="10540.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amarincorp.com/20210331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquityPreferredStockAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#Role_DisclosureEquityPreferredStockAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.amarincorp.com/20210331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquityPreferredStockAdditionalInformationDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_PreferredStockEquivalentOrdinarySharesUponFutureConversionOutstanding" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_PreferredStockEquivalentOrdinarySharesUponFutureConversionOutstanding" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfConvertibleSecurities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfConvertibleSecurities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_EquityOfferingCosts" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_EquityOfferingCosts" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_ConversionPricePerShare" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_ConversionPricePerShare" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockConversionBasis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockConversionBasis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_OrdinarySharesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_OrdinarySharesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_OrdinarySharesBasisMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_OrdinarySharesBasisMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_PreferredSharesBasisMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_PreferredSharesBasisMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_AmericanDepositaryShareMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_AmericanDepositaryShareMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_StockholdersEquityNoteTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_StockholdersEquityNoteTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="amrn_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_StockholdersEquityNoteTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="amrn_StockholdersEquityNoteTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="amrn_AmericanDepositaryShareMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="amrn_PreferredSharesBasisMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="amrn_OrdinarySharesBasisMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="amrn_StockholdersEquityNoteTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="amrn_OrdinarySharesMember" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" order="10320.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockConversionBasis" order="10400.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" order="10480.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_ConversionPricePerShare" order="10560.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" order="10720.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_EquityOfferingCosts" order="10800.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" order="10880.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfConvertibleSecurities" order="10960.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_PreferredStockEquivalentOrdinarySharesUponFutureConversionOutstanding" order="11040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amarincorp.com/20210331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquityIncentiveEquityAwardsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#Role_DisclosureEquityIncentiveEquityAwardsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.amarincorp.com/20210331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEquityIncentiveEquityAwardsAdditionalInformationDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardCliffVestingPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardCliffVestingPeriod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_PercentageOfOutstandingCommonSharesAndPreferredSharesOnFullyDilutedBasis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_PercentageOfOutstandingCommonSharesAndPreferredSharesOnFullyDilutedBasis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsOutstandingNumber" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsOutstandingNumber" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_StockIncentivePlanTwentyElevenMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_StockIncentivePlanTwentyElevenMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_StockIncentivePlanTwentyTwentyMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_StockIncentivePlanTwentyTwentyMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_EmployeesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_EmployeesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_PerformanceBasedRestrictedStockUnitsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_PerformanceBasedRestrictedStockUnitsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_StockholdersEquityNoteTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_StockholdersEquityNoteTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="amrn_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_StockholdersEquityNoteTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="amrn_StockholdersEquityNoteTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="amrn_PerformanceBasedRestrictedStockUnitsMember" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="amrn_StockholdersEquityNoteTable" xlink:to="srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" order="10420.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:to="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_2" order="10430.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:to="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" order="10450.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:to="amrn_EmployeesMember" order="10470.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="amrn_StockholdersEquityNoteTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" order="10480.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_2" order="10490.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" order="10510.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="amrn_StockIncentivePlanTwentyTwentyMember" order="10530.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="amrn_StockIncentivePlanTwentyElevenMember" order="10930.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" order="11040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsOutstandingNumber" order="11060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_PercentageOfOutstandingCommonSharesAndPreferredSharesOnFullyDilutedBasis" order="11080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" order="11150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised" order="11190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation" order="11230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" order="11270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" order="11420.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod" order="11460.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" order="11500.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_StockholdersEquityNoteLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardCliffVestingPeriod" order="11580.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amarincorp.com/20210331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCoPromotionAgreementAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#Role_DisclosureCoPromotionAgreementAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.amarincorp.com/20210331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCoPromotionAgreementAdditionalInformationDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_AccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_AccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilitiesCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_AccruedCoPromotionTailPayments" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_AccruedCoPromotionTailPayments" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_CoPromotionTailPaymentsReceivable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_CoPromotionTailPaymentsReceivable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_MaximumCoPromotionTailPaymentsReceivePeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_MaximumCoPromotionTailPaymentsReceivePeriod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_PercentageOfGrossMarginPayableForPromotionAgreement" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_PercentageOfGrossMarginPayableForPromotionAgreement" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_KowaPharmaceuticalsAmericaIncorporationMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_KowaPharmaceuticalsAmericaIncorporationMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_CoPromotionAgreementMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_CoPromotionAgreementMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_CoPromotionAgreementTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_CoPromotionAgreementTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_CoPromotionAgreementLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_CoPromotionAgreementLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="amrn_CoPromotionAgreementLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_CoPromotionAgreementTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="amrn_CoPromotionAgreementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="amrn_CoPromotionAgreementMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="amrn_CoPromotionAgreementTable" xlink:to="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:to="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_2" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:to="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="amrn_KowaPharmaceuticalsAmericaIncorporationMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_CoPromotionAgreementLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_PercentageOfGrossMarginPayableForPromotionAgreement" order="10460.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_CoPromotionAgreementLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_MaximumCoPromotionTailPaymentsReceivePeriod" order="10480.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_CoPromotionAgreementLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_CoPromotionTailPaymentsReceivable" order="10500.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_CoPromotionAgreementLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_AccruedCoPromotionTailPayments" order="10520.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_CoPromotionAgreementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilities" order="10570.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_CoPromotionAgreementLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_AccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilitiesCurrent" order="10610.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amarincorp.com/20210331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRevenueRecognitionAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#Role_DisclosureRevenueRecognitionAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.amarincorp.com/20210331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRevenueRecognitionAdditionalInformationDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuePracticalExpedientFinancingComponent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenuePracticalExpedientFinancingComponent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_ProductExpirationPeriodUponConversionIntoCapsuleForm" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_ProductExpirationPeriodUponConversionIntoCapsuleForm" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_CashDiscountPercent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_CashDiscountPercent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_AccountsReceivableCreditPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_AccountsReceivableCreditPeriod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_VASCEPAHalfGramMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_VASCEPAHalfGramMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_VASCEPAOneGramMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_VASCEPAOneGramMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:to="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="amrn_VASCEPAOneGramMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="amrn_VASCEPAHalfGramMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_AccountsReceivableCreditPeriod" order="10220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_CashDiscountPercent" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_ProductExpirationPeriodUponConversionIntoCapsuleForm" order="10360.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenuePracticalExpedientFinancingComponent" order="10430.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amarincorp.com/20210331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRevenueRecognitionSummarizeActivityOfNetProductRevenueAllowanceAndReserveCategoriesDetail" xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#Role_DisclosureRevenueRecognitionSummarizeActivityOfNetProductRevenueAllowanceAndReserveCategoriesDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.amarincorp.com/20210331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRevenueRecognitionSummarizeActivityOfNetProductRevenueAllowanceAndReserveCategoriesDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_CreditsPaymentsMadeForPriorPeriodSales" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_CreditsPaymentsMadeForPriorPeriodSales" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_ProvisionRelatedToPriorPeriodSales" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_ProvisionRelatedToPriorPeriodSales" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_ValuationAllowancesProvisionsAndReservesBalanceNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_ValuationAllowancesProvisionsAndReservesBalanceNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_OtherIncentiveProgramsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_OtherIncentiveProgramsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_ProductReturnsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_ProductReturnsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_RebatesChargebacksAndDiscountsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_RebatesChargebacksAndDiscountsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForCreditLossMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllowanceForCreditLossMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllowanceForCreditLossMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain" xlink:to="amrn_RebatesChargebacksAndDiscountsMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain" xlink:to="amrn_ProductReturnsMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain" xlink:to="amrn_OtherIncentiveProgramsMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_ValuationAllowancesProvisionsAndReservesBalanceNet" order="10300.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense" order="10420.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_ProvisionRelatedToPriorPeriodSales" order="10540.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions" order="10660.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_CreditsPaymentsMadeForPriorPeriodSales" order="10780.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amarincorp.com/20210331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDevelopmentCommercializationAndSupplyAgreementAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#Role_DisclosureDevelopmentCommercializationAndSupplyAgreementAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.amarincorp.com/20210331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDevelopmentCommercializationAndSupplyAgreementAdditionalInformationDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_NonrefundableMilestonePaymentReceiveds" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_NonrefundableMilestonePaymentReceiveds" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_NonRefundableUpfrontPaymentsReceivedPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_NonRefundableUpfrontPaymentsReceivedPeriod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_DeferredRevenueRecognitionPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_DeferredRevenueRecognitionPeriod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiability" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiability" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_EligibleSalesBasedMilestoneEventPayment" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_EligibleSalesBasedMilestoneEventPayment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_EligibleRegulatoryMilestoneEventPayment" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_EligibleRegulatoryMilestoneEventPayment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_NumberOfRegulatoryMilestoneEventsIndications" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_NumberOfRegulatoryMilestoneEventsIndications" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_EligibleMilestonePayment" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_EligibleMilestonePayment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_NonrefundableMilestonePayment" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_NonrefundableMilestonePayment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_NonRefundableUpfrontPaymentsReceived" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_NonRefundableUpfrontPaymentsReceived" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_PaymentOfMilestones" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_PaymentOfMilestones" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_NonRefundableAndNonCreditableUpfrontPayment" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_NonRefundableAndNonCreditableUpfrontPayment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_HealthCanadaMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_HealthCanadaMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_HLSTherapeuticsIncorporationMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_HLSTherapeuticsIncorporationMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProductMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_BiologixMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_BiologixMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LicenseMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LicenseMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_ClinicalTrialApplicationMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_ClinicalTrialApplicationMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_OutLicensesAgreementMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_OutLicensesAgreementMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_EddingMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_EddingMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_InLicensesAgreementMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_InLicensesAgreementMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_MochidaPharmaceuticalCoLtdMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_MochidaPharmaceuticalCoLtdMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_BusinessDevelopmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_BusinessDevelopmentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_BusinessDevelopmentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_BusinessDevelopmentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsTable" xlink:to="amrn_BusinessDevelopmentsAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="amrn_BusinessDevelopmentsAxis" xlink:to="amrn_BusinessDevelopmentDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_BusinessDevelopmentDomain" xlink:to="amrn_MochidaPharmaceuticalCoLtdMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="amrn_InLicensesAgreementMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_2" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_BusinessDevelopmentDomain" xlink:to="amrn_EddingMember" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="amrn_OutLicensesAgreementMember" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeAxis" order="10380.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain_2" order="10390.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain" order="10410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementTypeDomain" xlink:to="amrn_ClinicalTrialApplicationMember" order="10430.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" order="10560.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" order="10590.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" order="10610.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" order="10630.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsTable" xlink:to="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" order="11040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" order="11070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_LicenseMember" order="11090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_BusinessDevelopmentDomain" xlink:to="amrn_BiologixMember" order="11150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProductMember" order="11330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_BusinessDevelopmentDomain" xlink:to="amrn_HLSTherapeuticsIncorporationMember" order="11450.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis" order="11720.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain" order="11750.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RegulatoryAgencyDomain" xlink:to="amrn_HealthCanadaMember" order="11770.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_NonRefundableAndNonCreditableUpfrontPayment" order="12360.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_PaymentOfMilestones" order="12420.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_NonRefundableUpfrontPaymentsReceived" order="12510.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_NonrefundableMilestonePayment" order="12550.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_EligibleMilestonePayment" order="12620.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_NumberOfRegulatoryMilestoneEventsIndications" order="12640.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_EligibleRegulatoryMilestoneEventPayment" order="12660.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_EligibleSalesBasedMilestoneEventPayment" order="12720.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized" order="12920.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" order="12980.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiability" order="13040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_DeferredRevenueRecognitionPeriod" order="13130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_NonRefundableUpfrontPaymentsReceivedPeriod" order="13270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_NonrefundableMilestonePaymentReceiveds" order="13460.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amarincorp.com/20210331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDevelopmentCommercializationAndSupplyAgreementAdditionalInformationDetail1" xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#Role_DisclosureDevelopmentCommercializationAndSupplyAgreementAdditionalInformationDetail1" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.amarincorp.com/20210331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDevelopmentCommercializationAndSupplyAgreementAdditionalInformationDetail1">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionStartDateAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionStartDateAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_OutLicensesAgreementMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_OutLicensesAgreementMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_HLSTherapeuticsIncorporationMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_HLSTherapeuticsIncorporationMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_EddingMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_EddingMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_BusinessDevelopmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_BusinessDevelopmentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_BusinessDevelopmentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_BusinessDevelopmentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsTable" xlink:to="amrn_BusinessDevelopmentsAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="amrn_BusinessDevelopmentsAxis" xlink:to="amrn_BusinessDevelopmentDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_BusinessDevelopmentDomain" xlink:to="amrn_EddingMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_BusinessDevelopmentDomain" xlink:to="amrn_HLSTherapeuticsIncorporationMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="amrn_OutLicensesAgreementMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionStartDateAxis" order="10200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amarincorp.com/20210331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDevelopmentCommercializationAndSupplyAgreementAdditionalInformationDetail1Default" xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#Role_DisclosureDevelopmentCommercializationAndSupplyAgreementAdditionalInformationDetail1Default" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.amarincorp.com/20210331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDevelopmentCommercializationAndSupplyAgreementAdditionalInformationDetail1Default">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_OutLicensesAgreementMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_OutLicensesAgreementMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_HLSTherapeuticsIncorporationMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_HLSTherapeuticsIncorporationMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_EddingMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_EddingMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_BusinessDevelopmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_BusinessDevelopmentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_BusinessDevelopmentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_BusinessDevelopmentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsTable" xlink:to="amrn_BusinessDevelopmentsAxis" order="10020.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="amrn_BusinessDevelopmentsAxis" xlink:to="amrn_BusinessDevelopmentDomain" order="10030.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_BusinessDevelopmentDomain" xlink:to="amrn_EddingMember" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_BusinessDevelopmentDomain" xlink:to="amrn_HLSTherapeuticsIncorporationMember" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="amrn_OutLicensesAgreementMember" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_LicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.amarincorp.com/20210331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLeasesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#Role_DisclosureLeasesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.amarincorp.com/20210331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLeasesAdditionalInformationDetail">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseExistenceOfOptionToTerminate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseExistenceOfOptionToTerminate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseOptionToTerminate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseOptionToTerminate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseDescription" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseDescription" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_NumberOfRenewalOptions" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_NumberOfRenewalOptions" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_OperatingLeaseCommencementDate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_OperatingLeaseCommencementDate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_OperatingLeaseChangeInWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_OperatingLeaseChangeInWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_ShortTermLeasePeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_ShortTermLeasePeriod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_BridgewaterMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_BridgewaterMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_LocationsDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_LocationsDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_LocationsDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_LocationsDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="amrn-20210331.xsd#amrn_LocationAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="amrn_LocationAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:to="amrn_LocationAxis" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="amrn_LocationAxis" xlink:to="amrn_LocationsDomain_2" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="amrn_LocationAxis" xlink:to="amrn_LocationsDomain" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="amrn_LocationsDomain" xlink:to="amrn_BridgewaterMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_ShortTermLeasePeriod" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent" order="10390.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_OperatingLeaseChangeInWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent" order="10410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_OperatingLeaseCommencementDate" order="10460.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract" order="10480.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:to="amrn_NumberOfRenewalOptions" order="10500.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm" order="10520.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseDescription" order="10540.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseOptionToTerminate" order="10560.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseExistenceOfOptionToTerminate" order="10580.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" order="10600.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" order="10620.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" order="10660.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense" order="10700.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
</link:linkbase>
